Inventories

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Note 3 – Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price of goods less reasonable costs of completion and delivery. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company changed its method for accounting for cost of inventories from the

last-in,

first-out

(“LIFO”) method to the

first-in,

first-out

(“FIFO”) method. As required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the Company reflected this change in accounting principle on a retrospective basis, resulting in changes to the historical periods presented. The Company believes the FIFO method improve

financial reporting by better reflecting the current value of inventory on the consolidated balance sheets, by more closely aligning the flow of physical inventory with the accounting for the inventory, and by providing better matching of revenues and expenses.

The fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted to apply the new method of FIFO cost accounting for inventories. The cumulative effect of this change on periods prior to those presented herein resulted in an increase in retained earnings of $2,708,000. There was no material impact to the previously reported unaudited interim fiscal 2018 quarterly condensed consolidated results of operations or statements of income as a result of the retrospective application of the change in inventory accounting principle.

Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excessive levels, deterioration, possible alternative uses and other factors in determining net realizable value. The cost of work in process and finished goods includes materials, direct labor, variable costs and overhead. The Company evaluates the need to record inventory adjustments on all inventories, including raw material, work in process, finished goods, spare parts and used equipment. Used equipment acquired by the Company on

trade-in

from customers is carried at estimated net realizable value. Unless specific circumstances warrant different treatment regarding inventory obsolescence, the cost basis of inventories three to four years old are reduced by 50%, while the cost basis of inventories four to five years old are reduced by 75%, and the cost basis of inventories greater than five years old are reduced to zero. Inventory is typically reviewed for obsolescence on an annual basis computed as of September 30, the Company’s fiscal year end. If significant known changes in trends, technology or other specific circumstances that warrant consideration occur during the year, then the impact on obsolescence is considered at that time.

Net inventories at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 consist of the following:


	December 31, 2019		September 30, 2019
Raw materials	$	14,389,000	$	14,158,000
Work in process		1,877,000		1,397,000
Finished goods		9,425,000		9,811,000

	$	25,691,000	$	25,366,000

Slow-moving and obsolete inventory reserves were $4,467,000 and $4,700,000 at December 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively.