Average-Cost Method

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Average-Cost Method'

A costing method by which the value of a pool of assets or expenses is assumed to be equal to the average cost of the assets or expenses in the pool.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Average-Cost Method'

For example, if one share of Company A's stock is purchased on June 1 for $50.00, again on June 15 for $35.00, and again on Aug 10 for $40.00, the average-cost method assumes that three stocks were purchased for an average cost of $41.67. This number is arrived at by adding $50.00 + $35.00 + $40.00 and dividing the sum by 3, because there are three stocks in the pool.

Related Definitions

  • Specific-Shares Method

    A personal financial accounting method that, when used properly, can help reduce capital gains realized for an investor who purchased multiple sets of a stock or mutual fund. In turn, ...
    Read More »
  • Last In, First Out - LIFO

    An asset-management and valuation method that assumes that assets produced or acquired last are the ones that are used, sold or disposed of first.
    Read More »
  • First In, First Out - FIFO

    An asset-management and valuation method in which the assets produced or acquired first are sold, used or disposed of first. FIFO may be used by a individual or a corporation.
    Read More »
    • Asset Valuation

      The process of determining the current worth of a portfolio, company, investment, or balance sheet item.
      Read More »
    • Capital Gain

      1. An increase in the value of a capital asset (investment or real estate) that gives it a higher worth than the purchase price. The gain is not realized until the asset is sold. A ...
      Read More »
    • Capital Loss

      The loss incurred when a capital asset (investment or real estate) decreases in value. This loss is not realized until the asset is sold for a price that is lower than the original ...
      Read More »
    • Activity-Based Costing - ABC

      An accounting method that identifies the activities that a firm performs, and then assigns indirect costs to products. An activity based costing (ABC) system recognizes the relationship ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links