Inventories

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Note E. Inventories

Inventories, net of obsolete, unmarketable and slow moving reserves, are as follows:

	September 30
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Raw materials	$	107	$	129
Work in process		—		3
Finished goods		305		329
Other		54		50
Total	$	466	$	511

Other inventory is comprised of certain spare parts and supplies.

Cabot periodically reviews inventory for both obsolescence and loss of value. In this review, Cabot makes assumptions about the future demand for and market value of the inventory and, based on these assumptions, estimates the amount of obsolete, unmarketable or slow moving inventory. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, total inventory reserves were $29 million and $38 million, respectively. During fiscal year 2018, the Company recorded a lower of cost or market charge in the amount of $13 million related to its Purification Solutions inventory held at several sites in North America and Europe.