Question

Assume that a firm separately determined inventory under FIFO and LIFO and then compared the results. a. In each dropdown that follows, select the correct sign [less than ( <), greater than (> ), or equal (=)] for each comparison, assuming periods of rising prices. 1. FIFO inventory LIFO inventory 2. FIFO cost of goods sold LIFO cost of goods sold 3. FIFO net income LIFO net income 4. FIFO income taxes LIFO income taxes b. Why would management prefer to use LIFO over FIFO in periods of rising prices? Income shown on the company’s tax return would be lower if LIFO rather than FIFO is used. Income shown on the company’s tax return would be higher if LIFO rather than FIFO is used. Cost of goods sold shown on the company’s income statement would be lower if LIFO rather than FIFO is used. Dividends shown on the company’s financial statements would be higher if LIFO rather than FIFO is used.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

As per the data given in the question,

a)

1.  FIFO inventory        >     LIFO inventory

(Because in case of LIFO recent purchases are considered in production first or sold first so the remaining inventory are old inventory which is less costlier.)

2. FIFO cost of goods sold     <    LIFO cost of goods sold

(Because in case of LIFO recent purchases are considered in production first which are expensive so the cost of production is greater than FIFO.)

3. FIFO net income        >    LIFO net income

(Because cost of production is less under FIFO and the value of closing inventory is high, therefore the net income is also high.)

4.  FIFO income taxes   >   LIFO income taxes

(Since, income is high in FIFO, therefore the tax under FIFO will be higher.)

b) Management would like prefer to use LIFO over FIFO in periods of rising prices because Income shown in the company's Tax return will be higher if we use FIFO rather than using LIFO.