Financial information is presented below:
Operating expenses $ 42,000
Sales returns and allowances 12,000
Sales discounts 3,000
Sales revenue 165,000
Cost of goods sold 96,000
The amount of net sales on the income statement would be
a. $153,000.
b. $150,000.
c. $165,000.
d. $162,000.
The correct answer and explanation is :
To find the net sales, we need to deduct both sales returns and allowances and sales discounts from the sales revenue.
Given Financial Information:
- Sales Revenue: $165,000
- Sales Returns and Allowances: $12,000
- Sales Discounts: $3,000
Step-by-Step Calculation:
Net Sales = Sales Revenue – Sales Returns and Allowances – Sales Discounts
Net Sales = $165,000 – $12,000 – $3,000
Net Sales = $150,000
Correct Answer:
b. $150,000
Explanation (300+ words):
The concept of net sales is a key component of an income statement. It reflects the actual revenue a company earns from its sales, after accounting for deductions like returns, allowances, and discounts. It provides a more accurate picture of a company’s true sales performance than the gross sales revenue.
Sales revenue refers to the total income generated from selling goods or services. However, this figure can be misleading if returns and discounts are not subtracted. That’s where net sales come in.
Sales returns and allowances represent the value of merchandise that customers return or receive partial refunds for due to issues such as defects or dissatisfaction. In this scenario, $12,000 was subtracted as sales returns and allowances.
Sales discounts are price reductions offered to customers, often as incentives for early payment or bulk purchasing. Here, $3,000 is deducted for discounts.
By subtracting these two figures ($12,000 and $3,000) from the gross sales revenue of $165,000, we arrive at net sales of $150,000. This amount is then used in further calculations on the income statement, such as determining gross profit (net sales – cost of goods sold) and ultimately net income after subtracting operating expenses and other costs.
Understanding net sales is essential for investors, managers, and accountants because it shows how much money the company actually brings in from sales. It also allows for better performance comparisons across periods or companies, as it filters out non-operational effects like frequent returns or excessive discounts.
In summary, the net sales on the income statement would be $150,000, making option b the correct answer.