The 2008 annual report of Sherwin Williams, a manufacturer of paint products, contained the following footnote (dollars in thousands)

Inventories were stated at the lower of cost or marker with cost determined principally on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The following presents the effect on inventories, net income, and net income per share had the Company use used the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method adjusted for income taxes at the statutory rate and assuming no other adjustments. Management believes that the use of LIFO results in a better matching of costs and revenues. The information is presented to enable the reader to make comparisons with companies using the FIFO method of inventory valuation.

REQUIRED:a. Sherwin Williams reported inventories on the balance sheet at $864,200 (2008), $887,465 (2007), and $825,179 (2006). Compute the company's ending inventory had it shifted to FIFO at the end of 2008 (dollars in thousands).b. Estimate the taxes saved by Sherwin Williams because it uses LIFO instead of FIFO. Assume a tax rate of 33 percent.c. Does LIFO provide a better matching of current costs to revenues in times o inflation? Why? Is the same true in times of deflation?

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2007 2006 2008 Percent of total inventory on LIFO Excess of FIFO over LIFO Decrease in net income due to LIFO Decrease in net income per common share due to LIFO 86% 83% $241,579 (7,844) 88% S226,818 (24,033) S321,280 (49,184) (41) (.06) (17)