In financial accounting, why might a merchandising company carry inventory?

• A. To record employee wages that have been incurred but not yet paid
• B. To track the cost of office equipment used to provide services to clients
• C. To recognize revenue before performing the related service
• D. To have goods available for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of a merchandising company: it primarily buys and sells goods rather than providing services.
2. Recognize that inventory represents goods that a merchandising company holds for sale to customers in the normal course of business.
3. Identify that carrying inventory allows the company to have products available to meet customer demand promptly.
4. Differentiate inventory from other assets such as office equipment or accrued wages, which serve different purposes in accounting.
5. Conclude that the main reason for carrying inventory is to ensure the company can sell goods to customers, which directly supports revenue generation.