Answer
The treatments to be accorded net markdowns and markups must be considered in light of their effects on the estimated cost ratio. If both net markups and net markdowns are used in arriving at the cost ratio, ending inventory will be converted to an estimated average cost figure. Excluding net markdowns will result in the inventory being stated at an estimate of the lower of cost or market.
Work Step by Step
The lower cost ratio arrived at by excluding net markdowns permits the pricing of inventory at an amount that reflects its current utility. The assumption is that net markdowns represent a loss of utility that should be recognized in the period of markdown. Ending inventory is therefore valued on the basis of its revenue-producing potential and may be expected to produce a normal gross profit if sold at prevailing retail prices in the next period.
