Assuming periodic inventory procedure, what effect would an understatement of ending inventory have on the different items on the financial statements?

The understatement of the ending inventory balance would result in an overstatement of the cost of goods sold. This will in turn result in an understatement of the gross and net profits for the year in the p/l.

Explanation:

The relationship between the elements of inventory in a financial statement is as shown below,

Opening balance + purchases - cost of goods sold = closing balance

As such, the understatement of the ending inventory balance would result in an overstatement of the cost of goods sold. This will in turn result in an understatement of the gross and net profits for the year in the p/l.