Which of the following is NOT a normal category of inventory?

The correct choice identifies Marketable Securities as not being a normal category of inventory. In the context of inventory management and accounting, inventory typically consists of items that are held for sale in the ordinary course of business. The primary categories of inventory include Raw Materials (the basic components used in the production of goods), Work in Progress (items that are in the process of being manufactured but are not yet completed), and Finished Goods (products that are fully manufactured and ready for sale).

Marketable Securities, on the other hand, refer to financial instruments that can be quickly converted to cash, such as stocks and bonds. These do not fall under inventory for businesses engaged in manufacturing or retail as they pertain more to financial assets rather than physical goods meant for sale.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial when analyzing financial statements or managing an inventory system, as it helps clarify what constitutes operational inventory versus financial investments.