Inventory valuation is one of the most critical aspects of accounting. In 2025, with stricter compliance under Ind AS 2 and IFRS, businesses need accurate valuation methods to ensure correct profit reporting, tax compliance, and investor confidence.
From FIFO and LIFO to Weighted Average, choosing the right method directly impacts EBITDA, cash flows, and taxation. This guide explains the updated rules, valuation methods, and why inventory valuation is more than just an accounting exercise.
Inventory valuation is a crucial aspect of financial accounting that determines the cost of goods in stock. It plays an important role in financial reporting by providing information on the cost of goods sold and gross profit. This article provides an overview of the importance of inventory valuation, the different methods used, the factors affecting it, and the calculation process.
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Why Is Inventory Valuation Important?
Let us look at some of the reasons why inventory valuation is important.
Affects the Cost of Goods Sold
Inventory valuation determines the cost of goods sold, which is a key component of a company’s income statement. Accurate inventory valuation ensures that the cost of goods sold is reported correctly and that the gross profit is accurately calculated.
Needed to Evaluate the Company’s Financial Status
Inventory valuation provides essential information on a company’s financial status and helps to evaluate its profitability. It is used to determine the value of a company’s inventory, which is an important component of its net worth.
Needed in Evaluating the Gross Profit
Accurate inventory valuation is essential in evaluating the gross profit of a company. It provides information on the cost of goods sold, which calculates the gross profit margin and determines the profitability of a company’s products.
When Bringing in Investors
Accurate inventory valuation is important in attracting investors as it provides a true and fair view of a company’s financial position. Investors rely on accurate financial information to make informed investment decisions.
Liquidity Evaluation
Inventory valuation is used in evaluating a company’s liquidity as it provides information on its inventory’s value and ability to pay off short-term debt.
Statutory Compliance
Inventory valuation is critical in ensuring that a company complies with statutory requirements and regulations. Accurate inventory valuation is necessary for tax reporting and meeting legal requirements.
Income Tax Effects
Inventory valuation significantly impacts a company’s tax liability as the value of inventory affects the amount of taxes a company has to pay. Accurate inventory valuation helps ensure that taxes are calculated correctly and that a company complies with tax laws.
What are the Calculation Methods Used?
In accounting, there are three primary methods used to value inventory, each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the method used can impact the financial statements significantly.
First In, First Out (FIFO)
FIFO assumes that the purchased items are sold first and the most recent items are left in inventory. This method helps raise prices as it assumes that the older, cheaper items have been sold, leaving the more expensive items in stock.
Last In, First Out (LIFO)
LIFO assumes that the most recent items purchased are sold first, and the oldest items are left in inventory. This method helps fall prices as it assumes that the older, more expensive items have been sold, leaving the cheaper items in stock.
Weighted Average Cost (WAC)
WAC is a method that calculates the average cost of goods sold based on the cost of all items in inventory, weighted by the number of units of each item. This method is useful when prices are stable and provides a more accurate representation of the cost of goods sold in the financial statements.
Summing Up
Inventory valuation is crucial to a company, as we have discussed above. All the reasons point to how important it is to conduct inventory evaluation regularly as well as by a reputed and reliable firm. RNC Valuation Services can assist you if you need help with inventory valuation. Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with accurate and reliable inventory valuation services while following all accounting standards.
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FAQs:
1. Why is inventory valuation important in accounting?
It ensures accurate profit measurement, tax compliance, and correct financial reporting, giving stakeholders confidence in company results.
2. Which inventory valuation method is best in India?
FIFO is widely used in India as it aligns with Ind AS 2, ensures realistic cost flow, and is accepted by tax authorities.
3. How does inventory valuation affect profit and tax?
An incorrect method can overstate or understate profits, impacting tax liability, EBITDA, and investor perception.
4. What are the common inventory valuation methods in 2025?
FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average, Standard Cost, and Retail Method remain the most used approaches.
About the author:
Sahil Narula
Sahil Narula is the Managing Partner at RNC Valuecon LLP and a Registered Valuer with IBBI. He brings over a decade of experience in Valuation Services, Corporate Finance, and Advisory, having led numerous complex assignments under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016, Mergers & Acquisitions, Insurance, and Financial Reporting.
He is a regular speaker at national forums (ASSOCHAM, CII, ICAI, IBBI, Legal Era) and currently serves as Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Insolvency & Valuations and a member of CII’s Task Force on Insolvency & Bankruptcy.
🤝Connect with Sahil on LinkedIn.