How does inventory affect the Statement of Profit and Loss (SPL)?

Inventory plays a significant role in the Statement of Profit and Loss (SPL) by directly influencing the calculations of gross profit. Gross profit is determined by taking the sales revenue and subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS). The cost of goods sold is calculated based on the opening inventory plus purchases made during the period, minus the closing inventory.

When inventory levels change, this affects the cost of goods sold; if closing inventory increases, the COGS will decrease, leading to a higher gross profit. Conversely, if the closing inventory decreases, the COGS will increase, resulting in lower gross profit. This relationship highlights the impact of inventory on the SPL and illustrates its importance in financial reporting.

Therefore, understanding how inventory affects gross profit calculations is essential for analyzing a company's financial performance.