What Is the Lower of Cost or Market (LCM) Method?

The lower of cost or market (LCM) method states that when valuing a company’s inventory, it is recorded on the balance sheet at either the historical cost or the market value. Historical cost refers to the cost at which the inventory was purchased.

The value of a good can shift over time. This holds significance, because if the price at which the inventory can be sold falls below the net realizable value (NRV) of the item, thus triggering a loss for the company, then the lower of cost or market method can be employed to record the loss.

Why Is the Lower of Cost or Market (LCM) Method Used?

The lower of cost or market (LCM) method lets companies record losses by writing down the value of the affected inventory items. This value may be reduced to market value, which is defined as the middle value when comparing the cost to replace the inventory, the difference between the net realizable value and the typical profit on the item, and the net realizable value of the item. The amount by which the inventory item was written down is recorded under cost of goods sold on the balance sheet.

The LCM method is part of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) used in the United States and in international commerce. Almost all assets enter the accounting system with a value equal to acquisition cost. GAAP prescribes many different methods for adjusting asset values in subsequent reporting periods.

In 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an update to its code and standards that affect companies that use the average cost and last in, first out (LIFO) methods of inventory accounting. Companies that use these two methods of inventory accounting must now use the lower of cost or net realizable value method, which is more consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Application of the Lower of Cost or Market (LCM) Rule

The lower of cost or market (LCM) rule traditionally applies to companies with products that become obsolete. The rule also applies to products that lose value due to a dwindled current market price, which is defined as the current cost of replacing outdated inventory, provided that the market price isn’t larger or smaller than the net realizable value, which is essentially the projected selling price minus disposal fees.

Other Factors in Applying the Lower of Cost or Market (LCM) Rule

• Category analysis: Although the lower of cost or market (LCM) rule is typically linked to a single product, it may also relate to a broad swath of related products.
• Hedges: In cases where inventory is hedged by a fair value hedge, the hedge’s effects should be added to the inventory’s cost, which may obliterate the need for LCM adjustments.
• Last in, first out (LIFO) layer recovery: One may sidestep a write-down to the LCM during interim periods when evidence suggests that inventory will be restored by year’s end.
• Raw materials: One shouldn’t write down raw material costs, if the finished products are projected to sell at or above their costs.
• Recovery: A write-down to the LCM may be avoided if ample evidence exists that market prices will climb, prior to the sale of inventory.
• Sales incentives: Potential LCM problems may exist with specific items where yet-to-be expired sales incentives are still in play.

The LCM rule was recently changed, making things easier for businesses that do not use the retail method or the last in, first out (LIFO) method. Under the new guidelines, the measurement can be solely restricted to the lower of cost or net realizable value.

The Bottom Line

The lower of cost or market (LCM) method is a conservative accounting principle used to value a company's inventory. While the LCM method may result in lower profits and lower taxes, it provides a more accurate picture of a company's financial health. Companies should carefully consider the LCM method when valuing their inventory to ensure that their financial statements are transparent and accurate.