A company may compute inventory under one of various cost flow assumptions. Among these assumptions are first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO). In the past, some companies have changed from FIFO to LIFO for computing portions or all of their inventory. Required: Ignoring income tax, explain what effects a change from FIFO to LIFO has on a company’s net earnings and working capital. Explain the difference between the FIFO assumption of earnings and operating cycle and the LIFO assumption of earnings and operating cycle.

A company may compute inventory under one of various cost flow assumptions. Among these assumptions are first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO). In the past, some companies have changed from FIFO to LIFO for computing portions or all of their inventory. Required: Ignoring income tax, explain what effects a change from FIFO to LIFO has on a company’s net earnings and working capital. Explain the difference between the FIFO assumption of earnings and operating cycle and the LIFO assumption of earnings and operating cycle.

Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation

8th Edition

ISBN:9781285190907

Author:James M. Wahlen, Stephen P. Baginski, Mark Bradshaw

Publisher:James M. Wahlen, Stephen P. Baginski, Mark Bradshaw

Chapter9: Operating Activities

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 9QE

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Similar questions

Why do companies adopt the LIFO method of inventory costing? Your discussion should include the effects on the income statement and balance sheet.
Which of the following statements regarding the lower of cost and net realizable value (LCNRV) rule is true? a.The LCNRV rule is an application of the cost principle. b.When the net realizable value of inventory drops below the cost of inventory, an adjustment is made to decrease inventory to its net realizable value and decrease income. c.If a company uses the LCNRV rule, there is no need to use a cost flow assumption such as FIFO, or weighted average cost. d.When the net realizable value of inventory is above the cost of inventory, an adjustment is made to increase inventory to its net realizable value and increase income.
The management of Milque Corp. is considering the effects of inventory-costing methods on its financial statements and its income tax expense. Assuming that the cost the company pays for inventory is increasing, which method will: (a) (b) (c) Provide the highest net income? Provide the highest ending inventory? Result in the lowest income tax expense? 10
The management of Milque Corp. is considering the effects of various inventory-costing methods on its financial statements and its income tax expense. Assuming that the price the company pays for inventory is increasing, which method will: (a) provide the highest net income? Select the inventory-costing method that will provide the highest net income (b) provide the highest ending inventory? Select the inventory-costing method that will provide the highest ending inventory (c) result in the lowest income tax expense? Select the inventory-costing method that will result in the lowest income tax expense (d) result in the most stable earnings over a number of years? Select the inventory-costing method that will result in the most stable earnings over a number of years
Which of the following statements is true regarding the lower of cost or net-realizable value (NRV)? I. Firms have the option whether to apply this accounting method. II. Firms can reduce the cost of inventory but not increase it. III. If the NRV is lower, the entry recorded reduces total assets.
Which one of the following statements is true? a. Income manipulation is difficult under LIFO.b. Accounting principles do not require that the inventory cost flow approximate the physical flow of goods.c. Companies may use LIFO for tax purposes and FIFO in the financial statements.d. In periods of declining prices, LIFO will result in the payment of less income taxes.
The management of Mastronardo Company is considering the effects of inventory-costing methods on its financial statements.Assuming that the price the company pays for inventory is increasing, which method will: a. Provide the highest gross profit? select a method FIFOLIFOAverage-cost b. Provide the highest ending inventory? select a method FIFOLIFOAverage-cost
Which of the following statement is not valid as it applies to inventory costing method? A) If inventory quanities are to be maintained, part of the earning must be invested (plowed back) in inventories when FIFO is used during a period of rising prices. B) LIFO tends to smooth ou the net income patterns by matching currents cost of goods sold with current revenue, when inventories remain at costant quantities. C) When a firm using the LIFO method fails to maintain its usual inventory position (reduces stock on hand below customary levels), there may be a matching of old cost with current revenue. D) The use of FIFO permits some control by managment over the amount of net income for a period through controlled purchase, which is not true with LIFO.
What is the purpose of the lower of cost or net realizable value rule? What would happen if a company was to report their inventory at replacement cost?
Various inventory methods including FIFO, LIFO, and average cost provide a process to identify raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods. Discuss the benefits of using one method verses the other and their effect on the income statement. Does a company decide, based on taxes, which method to use or are there other determinants that are more important in your opinion? Provide details explaining your opinion in your discussion.
If inventory is being valued at cost and the price level is steadily rising, which of the three methods of costing—FIFO, UFO, or weighted average cost—will yield the lowest an nual income tax expense? Explain.
You are comparing two companies, Ying Ltd and Yang Corporation, in the same industry. Ying focuses on revenue expenditure and uses the periodic inventory system. Yang focuses on capital expenditure and uses the perpetual inventory system. Discuss the difference between the company’s expenditure focus and state the two reasons each company will take a physical inventory use their respective systems.