Information: Tangy Industries, a newly formed company, has hired you as a consultant. The company president, John Mills, is seeking your advice as to the appropriate inventory method the company should use to value its ending inventory and cost of goods sold. Mr. Mills is only aware of the LIFO and FIFO inventory valuations. He believes that LIFO might be better for tax purposes, but speculates that FIFO has certain advantages for financial reporting to investors and creditors. Mr. Mills advises you that the company will be profitable in its first year and for the foreseeable future.

Question: What factors should you consider when choosing an inventory method? What are the different effects on ending inventory and COGS when using LIFO and FIFO?