The following example was provided to encourage the use of the LIFO method. In a nutshell, LIFO subtracts inflation from inventory costs, deducts it f
The following example was provided to encourage the use of the LIFO method. In a nutshell, LIFO subtracts inflation from inventory costs, deducts it from taxable income, and records it in a
\r\nLIFO reserve account on the books. The LIFO benefit grows as inflation widens the gap between currentyear and past-year (minus inflation) inventory costs. This gap is: With LIFO Without LIFO
\r\nRevenues $3,200,000 $3,200,000
\r\nCost of goods sold 2,800,000 2,800,000
\r\nOperating expenses 150,000 150,000
\r\nOperating income 250,000 250,000
\r\nLIFO adjustment 40,000 0
\r\nTaxable income $ 210,000 $ 250,000
\r\nIncome taxes @ 36% $ 75,600 $ 90,000
\r\nCash fl ow $ 174,400 $ 160,000
\r\nExtra cash $ 14,400 0
\r\nIncreased cash fl ow 9% 0%
\r\nInstructions
\r\n(a) Explain what is meant by the LIFO reserve account.
\r\n(b) How does LIFO subtract inflation from inventory costs?
\r\n(c) Explain how the cash flow of $174,400 in this example was computed. Explain why this amount may not be correct.
\r\n(d) Why does a company that uses LIFO have extra cash? Explain whether this situation will always exist.