Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Raw materials are valued on a first-in, first-out basis. Strategic purchases of inventories in order to secure supply and reduce the impact of price volatility on the cost of inventories are valued on an average cost basis. Work in progress and finished goods costs comprise direct materials and, where applicable, direct labor costs, an apportionment of production overheads and any other costs that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in selling and distribution. Inventories are reviewed on a regular basis, and we will make allowance for excess or obsolete inventories and write-down to net realizable value based primarily on committed sales prices and our estimates of expected and future product demand and related pricing.
