Conduct an extensive analysis of different inventory valuation methods used by companies in the retail industry. Assume Company XYZ applies the FIFO (First-In-First-Out) method for inventory valuation. The company's inventory purchases during the year amounted to $500,000, with subsequent sales totaling $400,000. Calculate the value of ending inventory under the FIFO method and compare it to the value obtained using the LIFO (Last-In-First-Out) method. Analyze the impact of each method on the company's financial statements, profitability, and tax obligations. Discuss the strategic implications of choosing between FIFO and LIFO for inventory valuation in different economic environments.

Analyze the financial performance of Google LLC for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Google's balance sheet reveals total assets of $400 billion, total liabilities of $150 billion, and total equity of $250 billion. The income statement shows net sales of $200 billion, cost of goods sold amounting to $80 billion, and operating expenses totaling $50 billion. Additionally, the cash flow statement indicates net cash provided by operating activities of $70 billion, net cash used in investing activities of $50 billion, and net cash provided by financing activities of $20 billion. Evaluate key financial ratios such as the current ratio, return on equity (ROE), and debt-to-equity ratio to assess Google's financial health and performance.