What occurs to reserves if the LPU is less than last year?

When the Last Payment Unit (LPU) is less than the previous year, it typically indicates a reduction in funds available, reflecting either a decline in business activity or lower revenue generation. This reduction directly impacts reserves, as reserves are often maintained to cushion against future financial uncertainty or fluctuations in cash flow.

When the LPU decreases, it usually signifies less income is being generated, which can lead to a reduction in the amount set aside as reserves. Companies often adjust their reserves in response to their current financial performance and projections. If fewer resources are generated, there is less surplus to allocate towards reserves, resulting in a decrease.

In contrast, if the LPU were stable or increasing, reserves would likely either remain stable or grow, allowing the organization to strengthen its financial buffer against potential downturns. Moreover, the other choices do not accurately reflect the implications of a lower LPU, as they suggest stability or enhancement of reserves despite a clear indication of decreased financial inflow.