Cost of Goods Sold


Identify the Component

State whether each item is Included or Excluded from COGS

Beginning inventory
Included

Ending inventory
Excluded | It is subtracted in the formula

Freight-in
Included

Sales returns
Excluded | Affects net sales, not COGS

Purchase discounts
Excluded | Reduces purchases before calculating COGS)


Fill in the Blanks

1. COGS represents the cost of goods sold..

2. COGS is reported on the Income Statement.

3. Higher COGS results in lower profit.

4. Freight-in is included in COGS.


COGS Calculation

A business reports

Beginning Inventory
Purchases
Freight-In
Purchase Returns
Ending Inventory

= $10,000
= $40,000
= $2,000
= $3,000
= $9,000

Task
Calculate Cost of Goods Sold.


Step 1

Calculate Net Purchases

Net Purchases = 40,000 + 2,000 − 3,000 = 39,000


Step 2

Apply COGS Formula

COGS = Beginning Inventory + Net Purchases − Ending Inventory
= 10,000 + 39,000 − 9,000 = 40,000 Final Answer


Final Answer

Cost of Goods Sold = $40,00


Error Analysis

Ending inventory was overstated by $4,000.

Questions

Effect on COGS?
Effect on profit?


Error Analysis

Ending inventory was overstated by $4,000.

Effect on COGS
COGS is understated by $4,000

Effect on Profit
Profit is overstated by $4,000

Ending Inventory and COGS move in opposite directions.


Mini Case Study | Model Answers

A retailer notices that profits dropped even though sales increased.

Questions

How could COGS explain this situation?
If COGS increased significantly, it could reduce gross profit even if sales increased.

Name two reasons COGS might increase.
Higher purchase prices
Increased freight costs
Inventory shrinkage
Poor purchasing decisions

How can better inventory control help manage COGS?

Reduce shrinkage
Prevent overstocking
Ensure accurate pricing
Improve purchasing efficiency


Quick Quiz

What is Cost of Goods Sold?
The cost of inventory that has been sold during the period.

Where does COGS appear in the financial statements?
Income Statement.

Name two components of COGS.
Beginning inventory, Purchases, Freight-in, Ending inventory.

How does overstated ending inventory affect COGS?
It understates COGS.

Why is COGS important to management?
It affects profit measurement, pricing decisions, and business performance evaluation

Stock Count & Inventory Controls ➧ Here