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The “LIFO Reserve†and the Value of the Firm: Theory and Empirical Evidence

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  • DAVID A. GUENTHER
  • MARK A. TROMBLEY

Abstract

. A valuation approach is used to examine the effect of the LIFO inventory method on the relation between the market value of a firm's stock and the book value of equity. The paper develops three competing hypotheses that have different predictions regarding the relation between the LIFO reserve and the market value of equity. Results indicate a significant negative relation between the LIFO reserve and the value of equity, inconsistent with the pricing of LIFO reserves as unbooked assets, but consistent with a model that views the LIFO reserve as a measure of the effect of increases in factor input prices on firm value. Résumé. Les auteurs ont recours à une évaluation pour examiner l'incidence de la méthode DEPS de détermination du coût des stocks sur la relation entre le cours de l'action d'une société et sa valeur comptable. Ils élaborent trois hypothèses concurrentes qui débouchent sur des prédictions différentes en ce qui a trait à la relation entre la réserve résultant de l'utilisation de la méthode DEPS et la valeur marchande de l'entreprise. Les résultats indiquent une relation négative significative entre cette réserve et la valeur comptable de l'entreprise, relation qui ne concorde pas avec le prix de ladite réserve que l'on voudrait assimiler à un actif non comptabilisé, mais qui cadre avec un modèle selon lequel la réserve résultant de l'utilisation de la méthode DEPS est considérée comme une mesure de l'incidence des hausses du prix des intrants sur la valeur de l'entreprise.

Suggested Citation

  • David A. Guenther & Mark A. Trombley, 1994. "The “LIFO Reserve†and the Value of the Firm: Theory and Empirical Evidence," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 10(2), pages 433-452, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:coacre:v:10:y:1994:i:2:p:433-452
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1911-3846.1994.tb00401.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wessel M Badenhorst & Rieka von Well, 2023. "The Value‐relevance of Fair Value Measurement for Inventories," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(2), pages 135-159, June.
    2. Dan S. Dhaliwal & Robert H. Trezevant & Michael S. Wilkins, 2000. "Tests of a Deferred Tax Explanation of the Negative Association between the LIFO Reserve and Firm Value," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 41-59, March.
    3. Heather A. Wier, 2009. "Fair Value or Conservatism: The Case of the Gold Industry," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(4), pages 1207-1233, December.

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