Question

An inventory loss from market decline of $1,200,000 occurred in May 2015, after its March 31, 2015 quarterly report was issued. None of this loss was recovered by the end of the year. How should this loss be reflected in the company's quarterly income statements(Three Months Ended; 3/31/15; 6/30/15; 9/30/15; 12/31/15)?

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is:

The inventory loss should be recorded entirely in the second quarter that ends in 6/30/2015 since losses have to be recorded as soon as the company recognizes them. The other quarters should not reflect any of the losses associated with this event.

Explanation:

The accrual accounting principle states that accounting transactions have to be recorded in the period when they actually happen. The conservatism principle states that liabilities and losses have to be recorded as soon as they are recognized.