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Write down of high-technology company's inventory

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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 (Krantz, 2001). Should the Securities and Exchange Commission do anything? Why?

Reference

Krantz, M. (2001, July 16). Tech firms stand to gain from huge write-offs [Electronic version]. USA Today.

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Response discusses the write down of high-technology company's inventory

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This issue is related to Valuation of Inventory. IFRS requires inventory to be valued at cost or market value whichever is lower. This is in consistent with accounting principle of conservatism. As per principle of conservatism, "if a situation arises where there are two acceptable alternatives for reporting an item, conservatism directs the accountant to choose the alternative that will result in less net income and/or less ...

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