In: Accounting
Explain the differences between the three main methods of inventory costing. How does the choice of inventory method affect the income statement?
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Explain the differences between the three main methods of inventory costing. |
The three main methods of inventory costing are: |
FIFO |
Weighted Average |
LIFO. |
FIFO means first in first out. It implies goods purchased first will be sold first. FIFO is accepted by GAAP and it is a widely used method. |
Under weighted average goods are recorded at average cost. Sales is also done at the average cost at that time. It is also accepted by GAAP and it is a widely used method. |
LIFO means Last in first out. It implies goods purchased last will be sold first. It is not accepted by GAAP and so not widely preferred. |
How does the choice of inventory method affect the income statement? |
If FIFO used and inventory prices are rising then net income will increase and vice versa. |
Average impact of income if weighted average used. |
If LIFO used and inventory prices are rising then net income will decrease and vice versa. |