In this article, we will explore whether inventory should be classified as an asset or liability based on its characteristics and other factors. Read on to learn more.
Inventory is considered an asset as it consists of goods and materials that a business owns for the purpose of resale or repair. However, if not managed effectively, excess inventory can lead to increased costs and potential losses even though it is still classified as an asset on the balance sheet.
Example: An Inventory of 500 smartphones valued at $150,000 is considered an asset because it represents goods owned by the company that can be sold for revenue.
Inventory is generally considered an asset because it represents items that are expected to be sold which generates revenue. Here are some of the conditions when inventory is considered an asset:
When a business purchases or manufactures inventory, it’s immediately considered an asset as it reflects its value and revenue-generating potential.
Example: A tech store buys 200 new Apple iPhones at $500 each which instantly creates a $100,000 asset.
Inventory is counted as an asset after being valued typically at the cost of purchase or production and it remains an asset as long as it holds potential for generating income.
Example: A fashion retailer's 1,000 dresses, valued at $70 each, amount to a $70,000 asset and is ready for sale.
Inventory aligns with future sales expectations that showcase its anticipated conversion into cash and underscoring its role as an asset.
Example: A toy store's stock of 500 limited edition action figures is expected to sell out during the holiday season and is a promising $25,000 asset.
Even in storage, inventory represents a financial investment intended for future sales with costs of storage and maintenance as part of its total value.
Example: A company's stored 300 laptops, valued at $600 each, account for an $180,000 asset including storage costs.
When products are desirable and expected to sell quickly, the inventory’s asset status is highlighted which promises a good return on investment.
Example: A business's 100 designer handbags is in high demand which underscores its $20,000 quick-turnover asset.
Inventory is listed as a current asset on a company’s balance sheet as it reflects its role in contributing to the firm’s overall financial health and liquidity.
Example: A company reports $50,000 worth of electronic gadgets as a current asset which indicates anticipated cash conversion within the year.
Inventory can be considered a liability for a number of scenarios that are related to the cost of holding inventory or when inventory loses value. Below are some of the common situations where inventory can become a liability:
When a business has too much inventory, storage, insurance, and maintenance costs, it can be a financial burden.
Example: A shop’s overstock of 1,000 jackets at $50 each becomes a liability as storage costs rise.
Inventory items that are outdated or no longer in demand can’t be sold at the intended price which leads to financial losses.
Example: A store faces a liability with 500 obsolete smartphones that leads to a $100,000 loss due to markdowns.
Perishable or fragile goods that spoil or get damaged turn into a liability as they lose value and incur disposal or markdown costs.
Example: A supermarket incurs a $5,000 liability from spoiled fruits and vegetables that can't be sold.
Sudden changes in market demand can devalue inventory which makes it a liability if it’s sold at reduced prices or remains unsold.
Example: A jewelry store's $200,000 inventory becomes a liability after a decline in gold prices.
When the costs to store, insure, and manage inventory are high and inventory turnover is low, it can become a financial liability.
Example: A business’s $30,000 inventory of watches becomes a liability as holding costs outpace the items’ value.
Excessive inventory ties up funds that could be used elsewhere. This leads to cash flow constraints and makes the inventory a liability until sold.
Example: A retailer's $75,000 stockpile of winter clothing ties up capital which affects liquidity during the spring season.
In these scenarios, "liability" refers not to its technical accounting definition but its impact on business cash flow and profitability. In accounting, inventory is always an asset.
While there are a number of inventory items that can be considered assets and liabilities, we listed some common examples below.
Here are some examples of inventory considered as assets:
1. Retail Clothing Stock: A boutique’s collection of 500 designer dresses is an asset as it's anticipated to sell quickly due to high consumer demand which generates substantial revenue.
2. Tech Store's Gadget Inventory: A tech store’s 200 latest model smartphones represent an asset as it is expected to convert into cash swiftly given the ongoing tech trend and consumer interest.
3. Auto Dealer’s Car Inventory: A car dealership holds 30 new model SUVs as an asset because they are in demand and expected to sell within the upcoming months.
4. Grocery Store’s Food Stock: A grocery store’s fresh produce inventory is considered an asset due to the constant demand for food items which ensures quick turnover and steady cash flow.
Here are some examples of inventory considered as liabilities:
1. Excessive Book Inventory: A bookstore holding 10,000 unsold books that is initially valued at $100,000, faces a liability as the cost of storage rises and the books’ value depreciates over time due to decreased demand.
2. Outdated Electronics: An electronics retailer with $200,000 worth of outdated laptops struggles to sell them at a profit which turns the inventory into a liability due to obsolescence and the advent of newer models.
3. Spoiled Food Products: A restaurant faces a $15,000 liability from an excess of perishable ingredients that spoiled before use. This results in a loss of inventory value and disposal costs.
4. Unfashionable Clothing Items: A fashion retailer’s outdated seasonal clothing which is originally worth $50,000 becomes a liability as changing trends lead to markdowns or unsold stock. This ties up capital and incurs additional holding costs.
We hope that you now have a better understanding that while inventory is always classified as an asset on the balance sheet, it can be a liability to your business if it loses value or incurs high holding costs.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on whether merchandise inventory is a current asset or our article on opening inventory.
