Which of the following is a generally accepted accounting principle that illustrates the practice of conservatism during a particular reporting period?

a. Reporting investments with appreciated market values at market value.

b. Accrual of a contingency deemed to be reasonably possible.

c. Reporting inventory at the lower of cost or market value.

d. Capitalization of research and development costs.

Explanation

Choice "c" is correct. The rule of conservatism states that revenues and gains should be recognized when the earnings process is complete, but that expenses and losses should be expensed immediately. Reporting inventory at the lower of cost or market requires the recording of a loss on inventory when market is lower than cost in the period the loss is sustained, rather than when the inventory is sold, consistent with the rule of conservatism.

Choice "d" is incorrect. Because the future benefits of R&D costs are questionable, these cost should be expensed immediately, consistent with the rule of conservatism and the matching principle.

Choice "b" is incorrect. The rule of conservatism only requires the accrual of "probable" losses. The accrual of a reasonably possible loss is not required and the accrual of any contingent gain, whether probable, reasonably possible, or remote, is prohibited.

Choice "a" is incorrect. The reporting of marketable securities with appreciated values at market value requires the recording of a gain on the asset before the gain is realized. This contradicts the rule of conservatism, but is allowed because fair value is a more relevant measure of the value of marketable securities.