What is Net Realisable Value (NRV)?
Net Realisable Value is the value of a product after subtracting the expected costs of production, transaction costs and taxes related to the sale of the item.
Net realisable value is usually used in measuring the value of inventory assets following a depreciation in value.
Net Realisable Value (NRV) is a vital accounting concept used to determine the value of inventory. It is a method of inventory valuation that takes into account the anticipated costs of production, transaction costs, and taxes associated with the item’s sale. This concept is essential because it enables businesses to determine the actual value of their inventory and make informed pricing, production, and sales decisions.
How to Calculate Net Realisable Value?
To determine NRV, businesses subtract the anticipated production costs, transaction fees, and taxes from the anticipated selling price of the inventory. This is a more precise representation of the inventory’s value than using the cost of production alone. For instance, if a company produces a product for $10 and anticipates selling it for $20, but incurs $3 in transaction costs and $1 in taxation, the NRV would be $16 ($20 minus $3 minus $1).
NRV is especially useful for businesses with perishable or subject to rapid changes in market value inventory. A company that manufactures fresh food items, for instance, would need to evaluate the NRV of its inventory on a regular basis to ensure that it is not holding onto a stock that has lost value due to deterioration or market changes. In addition, businesses that manufacture products with brief shelf life or that are susceptible to seasonal fluctuations must use NRV to accurately value their inventory.
Importance of NRV for Financial Reporting Purposes
NRV is crucial for financial reporting purposes as well. The Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) stipulate that businesses must report inventory at the lower of its cost or market value. NRV is utilised to ascertain the inventory’s market value. If the NRV of an item is less than its cost of production, the business must adjust the inventory’s value to reflect its reduced market value. This can have an effect on the financial statements of the business, such as the balance sheet and income statement.
