LIFO (Last In, First Out)

What is LIFO ?

LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) is an inventory valuation and accounting method used to manage and report inventory costs. Under this method, the most recently acquired inventory (last-in) is the first to be used or sold (first-out), while older inventory remains in stock.

Key Aspects of LIFO

LIFO vs. FIFO

Feature

LIFO (Last-In, First-Out)

FIFO (First-In, First-Out)

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

Higher in inflation

Lower in inflation

Net Income

Lower in inflation

Higher in inflation

Tax Liability

Lower in inflation

Higher in inflation

Inventory Value

Lower in inflation

Higher in inflation

Used by Companies

Common in U.S. (where allowed)

Preferred globally


LIFO in Practice

Example

A company purchases inventory as follows:

If the company sells 100 units under LIFO:

Under FIFO:

LIFO Conformity Rule

Advantages of LIFO

Disadvantages of LIFO

LIFO Liquidation

If a company depletes its inventory without restocking, older (cheaper) inventory gets used, reducing COGS and increasing taxable income, which negates the tax benefits of LIFO.


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