Included in KCNs inventory are the following:

$100,000 (cost) of computers which suppliers ceased producing in the middle of 20X3. Although the wholesale value of these computers is only about $30,000, the retail value (if they could all be sold today, which they cant be) is approximately $110,000. The selling costs of these specific machines are considered negligible, and a normal profit margin is approximately 25% of sales price. The retail market is thin and it will take some time to sell the computers. Management intends to sell all of these computers at retail and believes that the value (retail and wholesale) of these computers is likely to decrease at a rate of approximately 10-15 percent every six months for the next couple of years. Management believes that the computers will be sold within the next year as follows--first quarter 35% of inventory, second quarter 30%, third quarter 25 %, and fourth quarter 10 % at market values at the time of sale. These projections seem reasonable. It is currently February 15 and you note that sales are right on schedule and that retail prices have not yet dropped from year-end. Management has pointed out to you that computers in inventory that dont sell could be used for parts. But they dont anticipate the need to do this.

Because of discontinuance of the above microcomputers, many suppliers of parts for these computers have chosen to quit manufacturing the items with the result that shortages are occurring. As a result, KCNs $50,000 inventory of parts for these machines has increased in value to $75,000 wholesale, and $130,000 retail. The average profit margin on sales of parts is 50% of sales price. Also, management has pointed out to you that computers in inventory that dont sell could be used for parts. But they dont anticipate the need to do this.

Does KCN need to record an inventory writedown to reflect a lower of cost or market value? If so, how much?

please provide some explanation.