Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

5.	INVENTORIES

Inventories valued at LIFO

(last-in,

first-out),

consist of the following (in thousands):


	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Finished goods	$	45,688		$	39,048
Raw materials		44,407			44,475

Total FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventories		90,095			83,523
Reserve to adjust inventories to LIFO value		(16,821	)		(16,821	)

Total LIFO inventories	$	73,274		$	66,702

The Company utilizes the LIFO method of accounting to its Trex Residential wood-alternative decking and residential railing products, which generally provides for the matching of current costs with current revenues. However, under the LIFO method, reductions in annual inventory balances cause a portion of the Company’s cost of sales to be based on historical costs rather than current year costs (LIFO liquidation). Reductions in interim inventory balances expected to be replenished by

year-end

do not result in a LIFO liquidation. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based, in part, on management’s estimates of expected

year-end

inventory levels and costs, which may differ from actual results. Since inventory levels and costs are subject to factors beyond management’s control, interim results are subject to the final

year-end

LIFO inventory valuation. As of March 31, 2021, there were no LIFO inventory liquidations or related impact on cost of sales in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Inventories valued at lower of cost (FIFO method) and net realizable value were $1.7 million at March 31, 2021 and $1.5 million at December 31, 2020, consisting primarily of raw materials. The Company utilizes the FIFO method of accounting to its Trex Commercial products.