[rbranson]

Not exactly. While you are correct that their profits would not necessarily be impacted, it's because the purchased goods or raw materials are booked as inventory (asset), and not part of COGS (liability).

The cost of constructing the new Kindles is still booked, just under a different part of the book. Once the devices are sold, the amount changes from an asset to a liability.

[tomkarlo]

That's the point - we're talking about their Q3 profit. The parent post suggested that the Kindle Fire might have depressed Q3 profits, which is impossible given that it's not being sold yet.

FYI, once it's sold, it's neither an asset or a liability - it's no longer reflected on the company's balance sheet. The revenue and COGS show up on the income statement, and may also be reflected on the cash flow statement. But they're off the balance sheet.