In: Accounting
How would reported income differ if LIFO rather than FIFO were used when purchase prices are rising? When purchase prices are falling? How would the balance sheet accounts be affected if LIFO rather than FIFO were used when purchase prices are rising? When purchase prices are falling?
Impact on reported income
When purchase prices are rising
The income reported would be lower under LIFO method compared to FIFO method. The reason being inventory is valued at lower cost and current purchase prices would be charged to cost of goods sold and it will be higher which will reduce the profits
When purchase prices are falling
The income reported would be higher under LIFO method compared to FIFO method. The reason being inventory is valued at higher price of earlier purchased lots and current lower purchase prices would be charged to cost of goods sold which will increase the profits.
Impact on Balance Sheet accounts
When purchase prices are rising
The Inventory would be valued at lower cost compared to FIFO method. Since the profits reported are lower than FIFO method the retained earnings balance would be lower compared to FIFO method
When purchase prices are falling
The Inventory would be valued at higher cost compared to FIFO method. Since the profits reported is higher than FIFO method the retained earnings balance would be higher compared to FIFO method.