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If the company using FIFO switches to using LIFO in an inflationary environment, who will report a higher net income going forward?

If two companies post identical operating results, but one uses LIFO and one uses FIFO for its calculation of inventory. If the company using FIFO switches to using LIFO in an inflationary environment, who will report a higher net income going forward?

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Question added by Ankit Gupta , Accounts and Commercial Assistant , Hayat Communication FZCO
Date Posted: 2013/09/22
Fouzan Qadeer
by Fouzan Qadeer , Corporate Financial Analyst , Balubaid Group

The company using FIFO will report a higher net income since it will be expensing out inventory which was delivered before the inflation occured (hence lower cost).

Whilst the company using LIFO will report a lower net income since it will be expensing out inventory which was delivered during the inflationary period (hence higher cost).

Mohanlall  Singh
by Mohanlall Singh , Warehouse Assistant , Unilever Food Solutions SA

Lifo means last in first out Fifo means first in first out stock rotation

SHAIKH MOHAMMED BASHEER AHMED SHAIKH
by SHAIKH MOHAMMED BASHEER AHMED SHAIKH , Account Manager , Tarik Al Zahid Holding Company

Yes during the inflationary period, shifting of pricing method of an inventory from FIFO to LIFO, as per the FIFO method:

If cost are incrasing (inflationary) the itsms pruchased are cheaper, this dreceases the cost of goods sold (COGS) and incease the profit (income) the ending inventory value is higher.

Then treat vice versa for LIFO method.

But as per the problem, the company is switching the method from FIFO TO LIFO, there is drop in net income correspondingly increase in cash flow due to tax savings. The auditor should note the value of inventory difference while switching the method from FIFO TO LIFO.

 

Ahmad Al Zoubi CMA CertIFR
by Ahmad Al Zoubi CMA CertIFR , Accounting Manager , Abdul Latif Jameel

If the company using FIFO

Ending inventory will be high this lead to Cost of good sold will be low and then Net income will be high

If the company using LIFO

Ending inventory will be low this lead to Cost of good sold will be high and then Net income will be low

That's means FIFO will generate high net income,

Under IFRS LIFO is prohipited and Under GAAP LIFO is permitted

brian ombati
by brian ombati , Bursar , Kids' Dream Children's Home

In an inflationary environment, a company that switches from FIFO (First-In, First-Out) to LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) inventory valuation method typically reports lower net income going forward. This is because LIFO matches the most recent, and often higher-priced, inventory costs with revenue, leading to higher cost of goods sold (COGS) and lower reported profits. As a result, the company's net income under LIFO tends to be lower compared to FIFO, where older, lower-cost inventory is matched with revenue, resulting in lower COGS and higher reported profits.

Prince Ninan
by Prince Ninan , Audit Executive , Lewis & Pecker

the company that is following fifio methos

Syed Hyder
by Syed Hyder , Assistant Manager–Commercial Finance (Inventory & Payables) , Daraz.pk (Ali Baba Venture)

well First of all LIFO system is allowed anymore as per IAS. Secondly anyways if they switch from FIFO to LIFO than Stocks in hand will be of lower value bcoz all the stock made in the inflationary environment will be sold first (has high value) a result Profit will be SHOT DOWN

 

SRINVAS RAO
by SRINVAS RAO , • Accountant,Finance Controller and Accounts Manager FICO in several companies including Audit Firm. , Infinite Computers Bangalore

The stock positions in FIFO shows accurate to value hence FIFO holds a higher income values since there will a replacement cost match to an issue prices if when LIFO is operated during inflationary times.

muhammad  murtaza
by muhammad murtaza , Customer Service Officer , united marine agencies pvt ltd

When a company switches from FIFO (First-In, First-Out) to LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) during an inflationary period, it often reports higher net income initially. This happens because LIFO matches more recent, higher-cost inventory with current sales, leading to a higher cost of goods sold (COGS). Higher COGS reduces taxable income, thereby resulting in higher net income.

Additionally, a switch from FIFO to LIFO could impact financial ratios, comparisons with prior periods, and may require disclosure in financial statements due to changes in accounting methods. It's essential for companies to carefully evaluate the long-term implications and consult with accounting professionals before making such a change.

 

EHTISHAM UL HAQ
by EHTISHAM UL HAQ , Front Liner And Cashier Officer , Pakistan Currency Exchange

The First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method assumes that the first unit making its way into inventory–or the oldest inventory–is the sold first.The Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method assumes that the last or moreunit to arrive in inventory is sold first.

Upendra Chaudhary
by Upendra Chaudhary , Team Leader(Operation flight Preparation) , Emirates Flights Catering

yes during the inflationary period shifting of pricing method of an inventory from fifo to lifo as per the fifo method if cost are incrasing ...

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