Why does US GAAP allow LIFO?

LIFO is allowed in the US because it is a quick and dirty approximation to inflation accounting for the income statement. However, its use messes up the balance sheet and allows LIFO dipping to occur – which completely messes up the income statement for the period in which it occurs.

Can LIFO be used to value inventory?

Since LIFO uses the most recently acquired inventory to value COGS, the leftover inventory might be extremely old or obsolete. As a result, LIFO doesn’t provide an accurate or up-to-date value of inventory because the valuation is much lower than inventory items at today’s prices.

Why do US companies keep using LIFO while IFRS prohibits it?

IFRS prohibits LIFO due to potential distortions it may have on a company’s profitability and financial statements. For example, LIFO can understate a company’s earnings for the purposes of keeping taxable income low. It can also result in inventory valuations that are outdated and obsolete.

How is inventory valued under US GAAP?

Under US GAAP, inventories are measured at the lower of cost, market value, or net realisable value depending upon the inventory method used. Market value is defined as current replacement cost subject to an upper limit of net realizable value and a lower limit of net realizable value less a normal profit margin.

Why does LIFO understate inventory?

LIFO is not a good indicator of ending inventory value because it may understate the value of inventory. LIFO results in lower net income (and taxes) because COGS is higher. However, there are fewer inventory write-downs under LIFO during inflation.

Is LIFO allowed under GAAP?

LIFO is prohibited under IFRS and ASPE. However, under the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), it is permitted.

Which of the following is a downside to LIFO?

Disadvantages of Using LIFO in Your Warehouse LIFO is more difficult to maintain than FIFO because it can result in older inventory never being shipped or sold. LIFO also results in more complex records and accounting practices because the unsold inventory costs do not leave the accounting system.