Question

Case 9-2 Receivables and inventory turnover Thorby Inc. completed its fiscal year on December 31. The auditor, Kim Holmes, has approached the CFO, Brad Potter, regarding the year-end receivables and inventory levels of Thornby Inc. The following conversation takes place: Kim: We are beginning our audit of Thornby Inc. and have prepared ratio analyses to determine if there have been significant changes in operations or financial position. This helps us guide the audit process. This analysis indicates that the inventory turnover has decreased from 5.1 to 3.8, while the accounts receivable turnover has decreased from 12.5 to 9. I was wondering if you could explain this change in operations Brad: There is little need for concern. The inventory represents computers that we were unable to sell during the holiday buying season. We are confident however, that we will be able to sell these computers as we move into the next fiscal year Kim: What gives you this confidence? Brad: We will increase our advertising and provide some very attractive price concessions to move these machines. We have no choice. Newer technology is already out there, and we have to unload this inventory. Kim: ... and the receivables? Brad: As you may be aware the company is under tremendous pressure to expand sales and profits. As a result, we lowered our credit standards to our commercial customers so that we would be able to sell products to a broader customer base. As a result of this policy change, we have been able to expand sales by 2896 Kim: Your responses have not been reassuring to me. Brad: ma little confused. Assets are good, right? Why don't you look at our current ratio? It has improved, hasn't it? I would think that you would view that very favorably. Why is Kim concerned about the inventory and accounts receivable turnover ratios and Brad's responses to them What action may Kim need to take? How would you respond to Brad's last comment?

Answer 1

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Ansuper. Kim is concerned about the inventory & accounts receivable levels because she must deterrine their value Inventory that cannot be sold (or most be sold at a large discount) or accounts receivable that cannot be collected must be written down to reflect their reduced valse. Lim has conducted the ratio analysis and interviewed Brad to help make this determination The inventory and accounts receivable levels have grown alarmingly. Brad's response to kim is not reassuring. The inventory represents obsolete technology that is left over after the holiday season. The accounts receivable have apparently grown from loosening the credit Standards. kim may need to insist on write - downs of the inventory & a counts receivable balances to reflect their net realizable values. Brad is correct in pointing out that the current ratio has probably improved. Thus, although Brad calls such it the current assets fairly valued under these ratio is probably overstated accounts receivable balonces ther net realizable values. this good idea, it is only in the numerator are circonstances, the current because the Inventory and are inflated relative to