Suppose that David adopted the last-in first-out (LIFO) inventory-flow method for his business inventory of widgets (purchase prices below).

In late December, David sold widget #2 and next year David expects to purchase three more widgets at the following estimated prices:

a. What cost of goods sold and ending inventory would David record if he elects to use the LIFO method this year?
b. If David sells two widgets next year, what will be his cost of goods sold and ending inventory next year under the LIFO method?
c. How would you answer (a) and (b) if David had initially selected the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method instead of LIFO?
d. Suppose that David initially adopted the LIFO method, but wants to apply for a change to FIFO next year. What would be his §481 adjustment for this change, and in what year(s) would he make the adjustment?

Widget #1 Purchase Date August 15 October 30 November 10 Direct Cost S 2,100 $ 2,200 S 2,300 Other Costs S 100 S 150 S 100 Total Cost $2,200 S 2,350 $2,400 #3 Widget Purchase Date early spring Summer Fall Estimated Cost S 2,600 $ 2,260 $2,400 #5 #6