Net Realisable Value

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Net Realisable Value


Net Realisable Value

Quick Summary of Net Realisable Value


The proceeds of selling an item, less the costs of selling.




Full Definition of Net Realisable Value


Net realisable value (NRV) is a valuation method used in inventory accounting that takes into account the total amount of money an asset could generate if sold, less a reasonable estimate of the costs, fees, and taxes associated with that sale or disposal.

  • Net realisable value (NRV) is the value of an asset expressed in terms of the amount it would receive if sold minus selling costs.
  • NRV is a conservative method used by accountants to ensure that an asset’s value is not overstated.
  • It is a common method for evaluating accounts receivable and inventory, as well as for cost accounting.

NRV is a common method for determining the value of an asset in inventory accounting. Accounts receivable and inventory are two of the most important assets that a company can have on its balance sheet. Both of these asset types are valued using NRV. The net present value (NRV) is a valuation method that is used in both GAAP and international financial reporting standards (IFRS).

Certified public accountants (CPAs) are required by GAAP to apply the principle of conservatism in their accounting work. When selecting an accounting method for a business transaction, many allow for judgement or discretion. The conservatism principle requires accountants to take a more conservative approach to all transactions. This implies that the accountant should employ an accounting method that generates less profit while not overstating the value of assets.

To calculate NRV, perform the following steps:

  • Determine the expected selling price of an asset. Determine all costs associated with the asset’s eventual sale.
  • Calculate the difference between an asset’s expected selling price and the costs associated with its sale.

The formula for calculating net realisable value (NRV) is as follows:

NRV = Expected selling price minus total manufacturing and selling costs

Uses for Net Realizable Value

Accounts Receivable

When customers pay their outstanding invoices, their accounts receivable balance is converted into cash, but the balance must be adjusted down for clients who do not pay. Accounts receivable NRV is calculated as the total receivable balance less an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is the dollar amount of invoices that the company believes are bad debt.

Inventory

Previously, GAAP rules required accountants to value inventory on the balance sheet using the lower of cost or market (LCM) method. The principle of conservatism required accountants to use the market price to value inventory if the market price fell below the historical cost. The market price was defined as the lower of replacement cost or net present value.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), an independent organisation that develops GAAP standards, updated its code in 2015, changing the inventory accounting requirements for businesses that do not use last-in-first-out (LIFO) or retail methods. Companies are now required to use the lower cost or NRV method, which is more in line with IFRS rules. The term “market” has essentially been replaced with “net realisable value.”

When a business purchases inventory, it may incur additional costs to store or prepare the goods for sale. The carrying cost of inventory refers to the costs associated with storing inventory. Assume a retailer buys large pieces of expensive furniture as inventory and needs to build a display case and hire a contractor to carefully move the furniture to the buyer’s home. The NRV is calculated by subtracting these additional costs from the selling price.

Cost Accounting

Some businesses use cost accounting as a heuristic method to account for costs associated with various business activities.

When two products are produced together in a joint costing system until they reach a split-off point, NRV is used to account for such costs. Following the split-off point, each product is produced separately, and NRV is used to allocate previous joint costs to each of the products. Managers can then calculate the total cost and assign a price to each product individually.


Net Realisable Value FAQ's


How to Calculate Net Realizable Value?

Net realisable value (NRV) is a common method for determining the value of an asset in inventory accounting. It is calculated by first determining the expected selling price of an asset and then subtracting all costs associated with the asset’s eventual sale.

NRV = Expected selling price – Total production and selling costs

What Are Some Examples of NRV Usage?

Accounts receivable NRV is calculated as the total receivable balance less an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is the dollar amount of invoices that the company believes are bad debt. When two products are produced together in a joint costing system until they reach a split-off point, NRV is also used to account for costs. Following the split-off point, each product is produced separately, and NRV is used to allocate previous joint costs to each of the products. Previously, GAAP rules required accountants to value inventory on the balance sheet using the lower of cost or market (LCM) method. This was updated in 2015 so that companies must now use the lower of cost or NRV, which is more in line with IFRS rules. The term “market” has essentially been replaced with “net realisable value.”

What Is Accounting Conservatism?

Accounting conservatism is a principle that requires company accounts to be prepared with caution and great care. Before a company can make a legal claim to any profit, these bookkeeping guidelines must be followed. The general idea is to consider the worst-case scenario for a company’s financial future. Uncertain liabilities must be identified as soon as possible. Revenue, on the other hand, can only be recorded when it is certain that it will be received.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Net Realisable Value are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 26th January, 2022 | 0 Views.