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The Bates Company Has Been Producing Tools for Over Fifty

question 51

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The Bates Company has been producing tools for over fifty years. In that time the company has been acknowledged as a producer of high quality tools at a reasonable price. Bates' competitive prices can be attributed to three factors. First, the company recognized early in its development that tools made from specific blends of various types of metal were less costly to produce and had superior performance compared to traditional metals. Accordingly, Bates made investments in developing tools made for specialty metals long before other competitors and has made a series of investments over its operating history that have put it far ahead of its competitors in terms of product development. Industry analysts believe that based on these investments it would be difficult and extremely costly, if it were even possible, for rivals to catch up with Bates. Second, in recognizing the importance of certain metals, Bates was able to sign long-term contracts with suppliers of the metals that have provided Bates with a lasting cost advantage. Finally, Bates maintains its cost advantages by using a thorough budgeting and reporting system that allows it to closely control costs, and these systems are supported by a frugal company culture and financial incentives that reward employees for finding ways to save money throughout the company.
-The budgeting and reporting activities that Bates uses are examples of

Definitions:

Ending Inventory

The total value of goods available for sale at the end of an accounting period, calculated by adding new purchases to beginning inventory and subtracting costs of goods sold.

Inventory Valuation Method

The approach used to calculate the cost of inventory that a business has sold or currently holds, influencing financial reporting and tax calculations.

Disclosure

Disclosure refers to the process of making essential information known to the public or to specific parties, often as a requirement in financial and legal activities.

FIFO

An inventory valuation method, "First-In, First-Out", where goods first bought are the first to be sold.