Dierdorf Inc., a closely held corporation, has decided to go public. The controller, Ed Floyd, is concerned with presenting interim data when a LIFO inventory valuation is used. What problems are encountered with LIFO inventories when quarterly data are presented?

Short Answer

Expert verified

LIFO basis can be used quarterly but not throughout the year.

Step by step solution

01

Meaning of LIFO

LIFO stands for "Last-In, First-Out.” This method is utilized for recording the cost flow of inventory in the business. The LIFO strategy expects that themost important method that comprises a company's stock is sold first.

02

Explaining the problems that are encountered with LIFO inventories when quarterly data are presented.

When the LIFO basis is used for quarterly reporting, there is concern that the LIFO basis may be reduced in any quarter but not for the entire year. If the stock basis closes at the end of the most recent year, a purchase savings (equation account) should be established at that time to better reflect transaction costs and obtain a more practical interim statement for net income.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Tina Bailey, a student of intermediate accounting, was heard to remark after a class discussion on segment reporting, “All this is very confusing to me. First we are told that there is merit in presenting the consolidated results, and now we are told that it is better to show segmental results. I wish they would make up their minds.” Evaluate this comment.

Differential reporting for small- and medium-sized entities:

a) is required for all companies less than a certain size.

b) omits accounting topics not relevant for SMEs, such as earnings per share, and interim and segment reporting.

c) has different rules for topics such as earnings per share, and interim and segment reporting.

d) requires significantly more disclosures, since more items are not recognized in the financial statements.

What is the relationship of the asset turnover to the return on assets?

(Post-Balance-Sheet Events) For each of the following subsequent (post-balance-sheet) events, indicate whether a company should (a) adjust the financial statements, (b) disclose in notes to the financial statements, or (c) neither adjust nor disclose.

  1. Settlement of federal tax case at a cost considerably in excess of the amount expected at year-end.
  2. Introduction of a new product line.
  3. Loss of assembly plant due to fire.
  4. Sale of a significant portion of the company’s assets.
  5. Retirement of the company president.
  6. Prolonged employee strike.
  7. Loss of a significant customer.
  8. Issuance of a significant number of shares of common stock.
  9. Material loss on a year-end receivable because of a customer’s bankruptcy.
  10. Hiring of a new president.
  11. Settlement of prior year’s litigation against the company (no loss was accrued).
  12. Merger with another company of comparable size.

(Ratio Computations and Additional Analysis) Bradburn Corporation was formed 5 years ago through a public subscription of common stock. Daniel Brown, who owns 15% of the common stock, was one of the organizers of Bradburn and is its current president. The company has been successful, but it currently is experiencing a shortage of funds. On June 10, 2018, Daniel Brown approached the Topeka National Bank, asking for a 24-month extension on two \(35,000 notes, which are due on June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2018. Another note of \)6,000 is due on March 31, 2019, but he expects no difficulty in paying this note on its due date. Brown explained that Bradburn’s cash flow problems are due primarily to the company’s desire to finance a \(300,000 plant expansion over the next 2 fiscal years through internally generated funds. The commercial loan officer of Topeka National Bank requested the following financial reports for the last 2 fiscal years

BRADBURN CORPORATION

BALANCE SHEET

MARCH 31

Assets

2018

2017

Cash

\) 18,200

\( 12,500

Notes receivable

148,000

132,000

Accounts receivable (net)

131,800

125,500

Inventories (at cost)

105,000

50,000

Plant & Equipment (net of depreciation)

1,449,000

1,420,500

Total assets

\)1,852,000

\(1,740,500

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Accounts payable

\) 79,000

\( 91,000

Notes payable

76,000

61,500

Accrued liabilities

9,000

6,000

Common stock (130,000 shares, \)10 par)

1,300,000

1,300,000

Retained earnings*

388,000

282,000

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

\(1,852,000

\)1,740,500

*Cash dividends were paid at the rate of \(1 per share in the fiscal year 2017 and \)2 per share in the fiscal year 2018.

BRADBURN CORPORATION

INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED MARCH 31

2018

2017

Sales revenue

\(3,000,000

\)2,700,000

Cost of goods sold*

1,530,000

1,425,000

Gross margin

1,470,000

1,275,000

Operating expenses

860,000

780,000

Income before income taxes

610,000

495,000

Income taxes (40%)

244,000

198,000

Net income

\( 366,000

\) 297,000

Depreciation charges on the plant and equipment of \(100,000 and \)102,500 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, and 2018, respectively, are included in the cost of goods sold.

Instructions

d. Should Topeka National Bank grant the extension on Bradburn’s notes considering Daniel Brown’s statement about financing the plant expansion through internally generated funds? Discuss.

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