Accounting theory and practice, Volume 2 (of 3) : a textbook for colleges and…

1. For the current assets, the principle of valuation may be stated

as valuation on the basis of cost or market, whichever is the lower. Since speedy realization of the current assets by conversion into cash for its equivalent is the aim and expectation of every business—for on such conversion depends the ability to meet the current liabilities and so have working capital available for another cycle of purchase and sale (another turnover)—it would seem that the realization price as given by the market should govern. In the interest of conservatism and as producing certain other desirable results which will be brought out as each asset is examined in detail, cost price, if lower than market, is deemed the desirable basis for the valuation of this group. By way of explanation, it should be said that working capital as used here is the difference between current assets and current liabilities and so represents the portion free to be put to the further pursuit of business.