method in which the costs to be inventoriedinclude only the variablemanufacturing costs. Fixed factory overhead is treated as a period cost-it is deducted along with the selling and administrative expenses in the period incurred. That is, Direct materials $xx Direct labor xx Variable factory overhead xx Product cost $xx Fixed factory overhead is treated as a period expense. Variable costing is used for internal management only. Its uses include: (1) inventory valuation and income determination; (2) relevant cost analysis; (3) break-even analysis and Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Analysis ; and (4) short-term decision-making. Variable costing is, however, not acceptable for external reporting or income tax reporting. Companies that use variable costing for internal reporting must convert to absorption costing for external reporting. Under absorption costing, the cost to be inventoried includes all manufacturing costs, both variable and fixed. Nonmanufacturing (operating) expenses, i.e., selling and administrative expenses, are treated as period expenses and thus are charged against the current revenue. Direct materials $xx Direct labor xx Variable factory overhead xx Fixed factory overhead xx Product cost $xx Two important facts are noted: 1. Effects of the two costing methods on net income: (a) When production exceeds sales, a larger net income will be reported under absorption costing. (b) When sales exceed production, a arger net income will be reported under direct costing. (c) When sales and production are equal, net income will be the same under both methods. 2. Reconciliation of the direct and absorption costing net income figures: (a) The difference in net income can be reconciled as follows: (b) the above formula works only if the fixed overhead rate per unit does not change between the periods.
variable costing
There are two methods of preparing Income Statement. They are:- 1. Absorption costing method. 2. variable Costing method.
Variable costing is called marginal costing while direct costing is separate concept.
fixed expense
marginal costing is also known as contribution costing. its a costing method that's includes only a variable cost of a product no attempt is made to allocate or appropriate fixed costs to cost centers. the setting of prices is basically based on the variable costs of making a product. if the prices are set above this unit cost then each item sold will make a condition to fixed costs. on the other hand absorption costing or full costing is an approach to the costing of products that allocated all costs of production to cost centers. The aim is to ensure that all business costs are covered.
'''Direct Costing'''
I think..... In marginal costing method only variable cost is considered as product cost and fixed cost is not considered as product cost. But in reality product cost include fixed and variable, thus both variable and fixed costs should be considered while allocating cost. Marginal costing is used for inside reporting and absorption costing is used for outsider to clarify the real cost of product........ Am i right? Please confirm it
Yes, companies in both the service sector and the merchandising sector make choices between absorption costing and variable costing. Absorption costing includes all manufacturing costs, both fixed and variable, in the cost of goods sold, while variable costing includes only variable manufacturing costs. The choice between the two can significantly impact financial statements and tax liabilities, influencing management decisions and performance evaluation. Companies often select the method that aligns with their financial reporting needs and internal management strategies.
Variable costing is limited primarily because it does not comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require absorption costing for external financial reporting. This method can also distort profitability analysis, as it excludes fixed manufacturing overhead from product costs, potentially misleading managers about the true cost of production. Additionally, variable costing may not be suitable for long-term decision-making, as it focuses on short-term variable costs and can overlook the impact of fixed costs on overall profitability.
full absorption costing
VARIABLE COSTING VERSUS ABSORPTION COSTINGAbsorption costing applies all manufacturing overhead to production costs while they flow through Work-in-Process Inventory, Finished-Goods Inventory and expenses on the income statement while Variable Costing only applies variable manufacturing overhead.Fixed manufacturing overhead is expensed immediately as it is incurred under variable costing while it is inventoried until the accounting period during which the manufactured goods are sold under absorption costing.
I would recommend variable costing for managerial decision-making because it provides clearer insights into the impact of variable costs on profitability. This method helps managers understand how changes in production volume affect costs and profits, facilitating better budgeting and performance evaluation. Absorption costing, while useful for external reporting, can obscure the relationship between fixed costs and production levels, potentially leading to less informed decisions. Therefore, for internal management purposes, variable costing is generally more effective.