Production in a period usually equals sales.

• A. False.
• B. True.
• C. Sometimes.
• D. Never.

Answer: (B)

The relationship between production and sales hinges on finished goods inventory. Production for a period must cover what is sold plus any change in the finished goods stock. In formula form: Production = Sales + Ending Finished Goods − Beginning Finished Goods. If the finished goods at the end of the period are the same as at the start, the change is zero and production equals sales. In many practical contexts, especially in planning, companies aim to match production with demand and keep inventory changes modest, so production often comes out to roughly the same as sales. If inventory rises, production will exceed sales; if inventory falls, production will be less than sales. This is why the statement is treated as true in typical scenarios, even though it isn’t universally exact.