Final answer:
The most persuasive information for the asset value of newly acquired computers comes from external documentation, which provides objective evidence of their cost and value. This outweighs other methods such as management inquiry, observation, or physical examination in providing a reliable basis for financial reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the asset value of newly acquired computers, the most persuasive information would typically come from documentation prepared externally. External documentation may include purchase invoices, receipts from vendors, or any other third-party documentation that confirms the cost and value of the computers. Such documentation provides objective, verifiable evidence that can substantiate the recorded value of the computers on the company's balance sheet.
While management inquiry, observation of procedures, and physical examination can provide useful information, they rely more heavily on internal controls and are less objective compared to externally prepared documents. Observation and physical examination can help in ascertaining the physical condition of the computers and whether they are in line with the expected standards but do not directly relate to the cost-value information necessary for asset valuation.
When dealing with assets like computers, the actual physical materials, such as plastic parts and wiring, contribute less to the overall value when compared to the technology and intellectual property they contain. Hence, relying on external documentation is key in obtaining the most reliable evidence for financial reporting.