Answer:
FIFO method decreases COGS and increases net income, but both methods will result in a similar cash flow ($8,850).
Explanation:
cost of goods sold using FIFO:
380 x $5 = $1,900
(120 x $5) + (90 x $7) = $1,230
total = $3,130
profit = (590 x $15) - $3,130 = $5,720
cost of goods sold using LIFO:
(100 x $9) + (280 x $7) = $2,860
210 x $7 = $1,470
total = $4,330
profit = (590 x $15) - $4,330 = $4,520
assuming that the company does not incur any operating costs:
Cash flow from operating activities (using FIFO):
Net income                 $5,270
adjustments to net income:
Decrease in inventory        $3,130
Net cash flow               $8,850
Cash flow from operating activities (using LIFO):
Net income                 $4,520
adjustments to net income:
Decrease in inventory        $4,330
Net cash flow               $8,850
