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Is Lifo Fair

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Is LIFO Fair?

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Exxon Mobil Corporation, like many U.S. companies, uses LIFO to value its inventory for financial reporting and tax purposes. In one recent year, this resulted in a cost of goods sold figure that was $5.6 billion higher than under FIFO. By increasing cost of goods sold, Exxon Mobil reduces net income, which reduces taxes. Critics say that LIFO provides an unfair “tax dodge.” As Congress looks for more sources of tax revenue, some lawmakers favor the elimination of LIFO. Supporters of LIFO argue that the method is conceptually sound because it matches current costs with current revenues. In addition, they point out that this matching provides protection against inflation.

International accounting standards do not allow the use of LIFO. Because of this, the net income of foreign oil companies such as BP and Royal Dutch Shell are not directly comparable to U.S. companies, which makes analysis difficult.

What are the arguments for and against the use of LIFO?
Answer:
Proponents of LIFO argue that it is conceptually superior because it matches the most recent cost with the most recent selling price. Critics contend that it artificially understates the company's net income and consequently reduces tax payments. Also, because most foreign companies are not allowed to use LIFO, its use by U.S. companies reduces the ability of investors to compare results across companies.

Source: David Reilly, “Big Oil's Accounting Methods Fuel Criticism,” Wall Street Journal, August 8, 2006, p. C1.

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