Ratio Calculations: LIFO and FIFO

Teddie Bower, Inc., reported the following data in its annual financial statements (dollars in thousands):

1999

2000

Sales

$333,667

$313,456

Cost of goods sold—LIFO

32,587

44,690

Cost of goods sold—FIFO

30,198

45,833

Ending inventory—LIFO

11,189

10,567

Ending inventory—FIFO

15,999

14,234

Net income—LIFO

34,000

33,500

Net income—FIFO

38,980

37,765

Required

a. Calculate the number of days’ sales in ending inventory (NDS) under both LIFO and FIFO.

b. Calculate the gross profit percentage under both LIFO and FIFO.

c. Discuss the differences in inventory levels, income, and gross profit under both LIFO and FIFO.

d. Discuss why a firm might prefer LIFO under these circumstances.