Evaluating the LIFO and FIFO Choice When Costs Are Rising and Falling (P7-5) Income is to be evaluated under four different situations as follows:
a. Prices are rising:
(1) Situation A: FIFO is used.
(2) Situation B: LIFO is used.
b. Prices are falling:
(1) Situation C: FIFO is used.
(2) Situation D: LIFO is used.
The basic data common to all four situations are: sales, 510 units for $13,260; beginning inventory, 340 units; purchases, 410 units; ending inventory, 240 units; and operating expenses, $5,000. The following tabulated income statements 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, 340 units at $9 = $3,060; purchases, 410 units at $10 = $4,100. In Situations C and D (prices falling), assume the opposite; that is, beginning inventory, 340 units at $10 = $3,400; purchases, 410 units at $9 = $3,690. Use periodic inventory procedures.
2. Analyze the relative effects on pretax income and on net income as demonstrated by requirement (1) when prices are rising and when prices are falling.
3. Analyze the relative effects on the cash position for each situation.
4. Would you recommend FIFO or LIFO?Explain.

PRICES RISING PRICES FALLING Situation C Situation A Situation B Situation D LIFO FIFO FIFO LIFO $13,260 $13,260 $13,260 $13.260 Sales revenue Cost of goods sold: Beginning inventory 3,060 Purchases 4,100 Goods available for sale 7,160 Ending inventory 2,400 Cost of goods sold 4,760 Gross profit Expenses 8,500 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 3,500 Pretax income Income tax expense (30%) 1,050 $ 2,450 Net income