Cash, Receivables, and Investments: Characteristics and Valuation The financial statements of Stern Corporation appear to include some assets valued at the amounts paid to acquire them, some valued at amounts less than was paid to acquire them, and others valued at more than was paid to acquire them.

a. Why is it considered appropriate to report accounts receivable at less than the full amount owed to the company by those who have purchased on account?

b. Why is it considered appropriate to report an investment in marketable securities being held for potential immediate sale at its current market price rather than the amount paid?

c. Why is it considered appropriate to revalue financial assets such as accounts receivable and marketable securities but not considered appropriate to revalue nonfinancial assets such as buildings and equipment?