Target Corp. (TGT)

The vast majority of Target’s inventory is accounted for under the retail inventory accounting method (RIM) using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Inventory is stated at the lower of LIFO cost or market. Inventory cost includes the amount Target pays to the suppliers to acquire inventory, freight costs incurred to deliver product to the distribution centers and stores, and import costs, reduced by vendor income and cash discounts. Distribution center operating costs, including compensation and benefits, are expensed in the period incurred. Inventory is also reduced for estimated losses related to shrink and markdowns. The LIFO provision is calculated based on inventory levels, markup rates, and internally measured retail price indices.

Under RIM, inventory cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the inventory retail value. RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. The use of RIM will result in inventory being valued at the lower of cost or market because permanent markdowns are taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventory.

Source: 10-K (filing date: 2019-03-13).

Target Corp., balance sheet: inventory

US$ in millions

		Feb 2, 2019		Feb 3, 2018		Jan 28, 2017		Jan 30, 2016		Jan 31, 2015		Feb 1, 2014
	Inventory

Based on: 10-K (filing date: 2019-03-13), 10-K (filing date: 2018-03-14), 10-K (filing date: 2017-03-08), 10-K (filing date: 2016-03-11), 10-K (filing date: 2015-03-13), 10-K (filing date: 2014-03-14).