BIM33160 - Stock: valuation: mark to market or marking to market

The stock is valued at its market value, rather than at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Strictly FRS102 only allows the use of the lower of cost and net realisable value as a method for valuing stock. Therefore entities which wish to use a mark to market method are using the true and fair view override (see BIM31020). That is, they assert that in order to present a true and fair picture of the business a mark to market valuation method must be used, rather than the lower of cost and net realisable value.

This method is only appropriate where there is a liquid market in the stock, so that the value could be realised easily. It is currently used by financial institutions and commodities dealers.

For entities applying one FRS 102 Section 13 then agricultural produce is measured at fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest in accordance with IAS 41.

FRS 105 Section 27 Specialised Activities requires agricultural produce to be measured under the cost model.

Current law & practice

Following legal advice, HMRC’s view is that where:

• mark to market (MTM) basis of valuation is used in any company’s accounts,
• the use of it is in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice (including appropriate industry Statements of Recommended Practice),
• the profits and losses thrown up by the comparison of fair values is taken to profit and loss account or its equivalent, and not to reserve,

then there is no rule of law requiring the profits or losses disclosed by the accounts to be adjusted for tax purposes to give effect to the realisation basis.