In this article, we will explore whether merchandise inventory is a current asset based on its characteristics and several factors. Read on to learn more.
Merchandise inventory is a current asset. It consists of goods and products a company holds for resale to customers and is expected to be sold within a year or the business's operational cycle. Merchandise inventory is listed on the balance sheet under current assets which indicates its role in short-term liquidity.
Example: A retail store has 500 pairs of Nike sneakers, 300 Levi's jeans, and 200 Ralph Lauren shirts in its merchandise inventory and it is expected to be sold within the next three months.
Merchandise inventory is classified as a current asset for a number of reasons, some of these reasons include:
Merchandise inventory is a current asset due to its liquidity. It's expected to convert into cash within a year or an operational cycle. Through regular sales, inventory increases cash or accounts receivable which showcases its liquidity.
Inventory's role in business operations makes it a current asset. It’s essential for meeting customer demand and generating revenue. Inventory turnover rates indicate how quickly inventory is sold and replenished which reflects operational efficiency.
Inventory is a current asset in financial reporting as it offers insights into short-term financial health. It’s listed in order of liquidity on the balance sheet which aids stakeholders in assessing the company’s ability to cover short-term liabilities.
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market value which aligns with conservative accounting principles. As a current asset, it provides a realistic view of the company’s short-term financial position.
Classifying inventory as a current asset aids in its management and control. It emphasizes the need for optimizing inventory levels as it impacts liquidity and working capital which is essential for meeting short-term obligations.
Merchandise inventory is almost always classified as a current asset because it represents items that a business intends to sell within its normal operating cycle. However, there are scenarios where inventory might not be considered entirely as a current asset:
For businesses involved in long-term projects where inventory is held for longer periods (more than a year) before it's used or sold, that specific inventory might be classified as a non-current asset. An example might be specialized inventory for large infrastructure projects.
Some items in the inventory might not be expected to be sold or used up within the standard operating cycle due to obsolescence or changes in market demand. These can be reclassified as non-current if it's believed they won't be converted into cash within the normal operating period.
In accounting, the conservatism principle dictates that potential future losses should be recognized before they become certain, but potential future gains should not be recognized until they are realized. Therefore, if there's a strong belief that certain inventory items won't be sold in the foreseeable future, they might be reclassified.
Certain business models might have inventory with a dual purpose, serving as both a short-term (current) and long-term (non-current) asset. For instance, a winery might hold bottles for aging over multiple years, where part of the stock is a current asset (to be sold soon), and another part is a non-current asset (to be sold several years later).
In typical scenarios, merchandise inventory is a current asset. However, specific business contexts and conditions can lead to exceptions, and in such cases, careful assessment and possibly reclassification might be needed.
Here are examples of merchandise inventory classified as current assets across various industries:
Retail merchandise includes items like apparel in clothing stores and devices in electronics stores which are all intended for direct consumer sale. This showcases the industry’s varied inventory.
Automotive inventory consists of an assortment of vehicles at dealerships and essential spare parts and accessories at auto parts stores that cater to vehicle purchase and maintenance needs.
The sector is stocked with diverse items including a variety of groceries and an assortment of beverages which reflects the comprehensive inventory of supermarkets and similar outlets.
Construction supply stores offer building materials and tools which is essential for builders and contractors representing the industry’s specialized merchandise inventory.
This industry's inventory includes cosmetics and skincare items in beauty stores and a range of medications and supplements in pharmacies that cater to diverse health and beauty needs.
Furniture stores offer items like sofas and beds, while home décor stores provide aesthetic pieces like lamps and curtains that highlight the sector’s diverse inventory.
We hope that you now have a better understanding that merchandise inventory is considered a current asset since it is typically expected to be sold within a short period.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on whether inventory is considered an asset or figure out if inventory is a liability or an asset.
