Ratio Calculations: Effects of FIFO and LIFO

Two similar companies use different inventory valuation methods. LL Co. uses the LIFO inventory valuation method, and FF Co. uses FIFO. Ignore the effect of income taxes on each company.

Income Statements

LL Co.

FF Co.

Sales

$ 35,000

$35,000

Cost of goods sold

(20,350)

(18,200)

Gross profit

14,650

16,800

Selling, general, and administrative

(6,000)

(6,000)

Income before interest expense

8,650

10,800

Interest expense (12%)

(960)

(960)

Income before taxes

$ 7,690

$ 9,840

Balance Sheets

Total current assets

10,320

12,870

Fixed assets (net)

29,000

31,000

Total assets

$ 39,320

$43,870

Equities

Current liabilities

$ 3,120

$ 3,270

Long term liabilities

8,000

8,000

Total liabilities

11,120

11,270

Shareholders’ equity

28,200

32,600

Total equities

$ 39,320

$43,870

Required

Using the financial statements from LL Co. And FF Co., calculate the following ratios:

a. Current ratio

b. Average sales per day

c. Gross profit percentage

d. Cost of goods sold per day

e. Operating income ratio

f. Return on equity (use ending shareholders’ equity in the denominator)

g. Return on assets (use ending total assets in the denominator)

h. Based on these results (above),which company seems to be better managed? In which company would you prefer to make an equity investment? Explain.