Net earnings is to be evaluated under four different situations as follows:
i. Prices are rising: Situation
A€” FIFO is used. Situation B€” Weighted average is used.
ii. Prices are falling:
Situation C€” FIFO is used. Situation D€” Weighted average is used.
The basic data common to all four situations are sales, 500 units for $ 15,000; beginning inventory, 300 units; purchases, 400 units; ending inventory, 200 units; and operating expenses, $ 4,000. The following tabulated statements of earnings for each situation have been set up for analytical purposes:

Required:
1. Complete the preceding tabulation for each situation. In Situations A and B (prices rising), assume the following: beginning inventory, 300 units at $ 11 = $ 3,300; purchases, 400 units at $ 12 = $ 4,800. In Situations C and D (prices falling), assume the opposite; that is, beginning inventory, 300 units at $ 12 = $ 3,600; purchases, 400 units at $ 11 = $ 4,400. Use periodic inventory procedures.
2. Analyze and discuss the relative effects on pretax earnings and on net earnings as demonstrated by (1) when prices are rising and when prices are falling.
3. Discuss the relative effects, if any, on the cash position for each situation.
4. Would you recommend FIFO or weighted average? Explain.

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Prices Rising Prices Falling Statement of Earnings Sales revenue Cost of sales Situation A FIFO Situation B Weighted Average $15,000 Situation C FIFO Situation D Weighted Average $15,000 $15,000 Beginning inventory Purchases 3,300 4,800 2 Cost of goods available 8,100 Ending inventory Cost of sales 5,700 9,300 4,000 5,300 1,590 $ 3,710 Gross profit Operating expenses 4,000 4,000 4,000 Pretax eamings Income tax expense (30%) Net earnings