Does merchandise inventory appear on the balance sheet of a service company?

Financial statement reporting of merchandise inventory

Merchandise inventory is reported as a current asset on the balance sheet as follows.
 

Christopher Corporation 
Balance Sheet 
September 30

Assets

Current Assets

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

$10,000

     Accounts Receivable

$55,000

     Less: Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

5,000

50,000

     Merchandise Inventory

270,000

Total Current Assets

$330,000

Property, Plant, and Equipment

     Land

$70,000

     Buildings

220,000

     Machinery and Equipment

340,000

Total Property, Plant, and Equipment

$630,000

Other Assets

10,000

Total Assets

$970,000

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

     Accounts Payable

$135,000

     Income Taxes Payable

25,000

     Wages Payable

10,000

Total Current Liabilities

$170,000

Long-term Liabilities

340,000

Total Liabilities

$510,000

Stockholders' Equity

Common Stock

$350,000

Retained Earnings

110,000

Total Stockholders' Equity

$460,000

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$970,000

The effects of merchandise inventory on the income statement are shown as the cost of goods sold, which is usually the largest expense of merchandising companies.
 

Christopher Corporation 
Income Statement 
For the Month Ended September 30

Sales

$600,000

Cost of Goods Sold

360,000

Gross Profit

$240,000

Operating Expenses

     Supplies Expense

$13,000

     Wages Expense

131,000

     Insurance Expense

15,000

     Rent Expense

24,000

     Uncollectible Accounts Expense

12,000

Total Operating Expenses

$195,000

Operating Income

$45,000

Other Revenues and (Expenses)

1,000

Income Before Taxes

$46,000

Income Taxes Expense

16,000

Net Income

$30,000

Financial Reporting Summary

The following table summarizes the relationships among the major topics examined in this and previous chapters. The numbers in parentheses refer to the chapters in which the topics were discussed.
 

Resources

=

Sources of Resources

Assets

=

Liabilities

+

Stockholders' Equity

Current Assets 
  Cash and cash equivalents (6) 
  Accounts receivable (7) 
  Allowance for uncollectible accounts (7) 
  Merchandise inventory (8)

 Revenues 
  Sales (7) 
  Sales returns and allowances (7) 
Cost of Goods Sold (8)
Operating Expenses 
  Bank service expense (6) 
  Uncollectible accounts expense (7)
Other Revenues & Expenses 
  Interest revenue (6) 
  Interest expense (6)

Is merchandise inventory on the balance sheet?

Merchandise inventory comprises the goods that retailers and resellers have purchased with the intent to sell to customers. Merchandise inventory is categorized as a current asset on the company's balance sheet. For some retailers, it is their biggest asset.

Where does merchandise inventory go on a balance sheet?

Is merchandise inventory an asset or an expense? When merchandise inventory is purchased with the intention to sell, it is always considered a current asset. At the end of accounting period or fiscal year, any leftover inventory that is left unsold is reported as “ending inventory” on your balance sheet.

How is a balance sheet for a merchandising business different from one for a service business?

This difference is found in the asset section. Merchandising companies will have an asset for inventory, whereas service companies do not. This is listed as a current asset. Other differences can include the types of accounts payable a merchandising company has.

What is the difference between a merchandising business and a service business?

Key Takeaways. A merchandising company engages in the purchase and resale of tangible goods. Service companies primarily sell services rather than tangible goods.