What is a disadvantage of the FIFO inventory system?

The FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory system operates on the principle that the oldest stock (the first in) is sold first (the first out). A noted disadvantage of this method is that it is more challenging to manipulate than other inventory systems. This difficulty arises because FIFO is structured to reflect the actual flow of goods, which tends to be straightforward and traceable.

In contrast, methods like LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) can be more susceptible to manipulation, particularly in terms of financial reporting and tax advantages. Since FIFO requires adherence to the real-time flow of inventory, it provides less flexibility for companies seeking to manipulate financial outcomes through inventory costs. This adherence ensures that the cost of older inventory is reflected in the cost of goods sold, which may not always align with current market prices, affecting profitability measures.

Thus, the main reason this option is advantageous is that FIFO's structure promotes transparency and reduces the likelihood of revenue inflation through inventory accounting, making it less amenable to manipulation.