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Sent to General Experts July 31, 2006 5:50 p.m.

Many high-technology companies, like Nortel Networks, Micron Technology and JDS Uniphase, have written down massive amounts of their inventory. For example, Nortel Networks revalued some of its inventory parts at $0, though the inventory initially cost Nortel $650 million.

Companies are required to report whether they write off the cost value (or book value) or their inventory even if they do not dispose of the inventory. Later on, they may sell this inventory but are not required to report the sale for cash of previously "worthless" inventory. The effect may be that in future years, when the inventory is sold, profits are overstated.

Also in the article, JDS Uniphase said it will write off $250 million of its inventory but promised to disclose any future sale. On the other hand, Micron Technology, which wrote down $260 million, won't disclose any future sale. Should the Securities and Exchange Commission do anything? Why?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
August 01, 2006 5:41 a.m. (11 hours and 50 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

Yes, there should be standard accounting practices and disclosure enforced in this arena. Without the relevant information informed decisions on stock value can not be made with any certainty. There are several reasons why the company might do this.

One is to manipulate stock prices, perhaps encouraging equity investment where a prudent investor would not act given more information, the second is to manipulate the income statements either for purposes of taxability, or in order to acquire debt. When accountablility is not enforced, and the information not provided on the resale of previously written off inventory, then the danger of 'insider trading' increases, because the information is only available to a limited audience.

Mary McCartney -- Internet Researcher -- 100% Positive Feedback on 22 General Accepts
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