v2.4.1.9
Inventories
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market.
Inventories consist of the following:
In Thousands
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
$
24,559

 
$
28,283

Work-in-process
17,994

 
19,169

Finished goods
86,738

 
84,020

Total
129,291

 
131,472

Adjust to LIFO cost
(43,937
)
 
(53,221
)
Lower of cost or market adjustment

 

Inventory, net
$
85,354

 
$
78,251


LIFO pools are established at the end of each fiscal year. During the first three quarters of every year, LIFO calculations are based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO balances will fluctuate up and down in tandem with inventory levels and costs.
During the first quarter of 2015, the Company did not liquidate any LIFO inventory layers established in prior years. A LIFO adjustment was recorded decreasing cost of sales by $9.3 million during the first quarter of 2015. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company did not liquidate any LIFO inventory layers established in prior years. A LIFO adjustment was recorded decreasing cost of sales by $4.8 million during the first quarter of 2014.