Let A equal the reported inventory value if the lower-of-cost-or-market rule is applied to individual items of inventory while B equals the reported inventory value if the lower of cost or market rule is applied to the inventory as a whole. In this situation then .

The correct answer is A will always be equal to or less than B.

Explanation:

In general terms, inventory is valued in terms of cost. But there must be a deviation from the cost basis of the inventory valuation and it must be reduced below cost when the utility of the goods has decreased and its sale product or item value will be less than its cost.

The decrease in the value of inventory below cost can be due to different causes, such as physical deterioration, obsolescence, a drop in the price level, etc. In these situations, the inventory is recorded at its market value. The difference in value (cost-to-market value) is recognized as a loss for the current period. It should be understood that the market value of the inventory must be estimated since the inventory has in fact not been sold. As a general rule, the concept of market value is used in terms of the current replacement cost of inventory, that is, what it will currently cost to purchase or manufacture the item.

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