(5) INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by both the moving average and the first-in, first-out methods. Materials that the Company typically procures on behalf of its clients that are included in inventory include materials such as compact discs, printed materials, manuals, labels, hardware accessories, hard disk drives, phone chassis, consumer packaging, shipping boxes and labels, power cords and cables for client-owned electronic devices.

Inventories, net consisted of the following:


	April 30, 2018		July 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	21,760	$	24,129
Work-in-process		15,259		713
Finished goods		9,165		9,527

	$	46,184	$	34,369

The Company continuously monitors inventory balances and records inventory provisions for any excess of the cost of the inventory over its estimated net realizable value. The Company also monitors inventory balances for obsolescence and excess quantities as compared to projected demands. The Company’s inventory methodology is based on assumptions about average shelf life of inventory, forecasted volumes, forecasted selling prices, contractual provisions with its clients, write-down history of inventory and market conditions. While such assumptions may change from period to period, in determining the net realizable value of its inventories, the Company uses the best information available as of the balance sheet date. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, or the Company experiences a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and client requirements, additional inventory provisions may be required. Once established, write-downs of inventory are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of inventory and cannot be reversed due to subsequent increases in demand forecasts. Accordingly, if inventory previously written down to its net realizable value is subsequently sold, gross profit margins may be favorably impacted.

IWCO’s inventory consists primarily of raw materials (paper) used to produce direct mail packages and work-in-process. Finished goods are generally not a significant element of the inventory as they are generally mailed after the production and sorting process. With the acquisition of IWCO the Company recorded a fair value “step-up” to work-in-process inventory of $7.0 million, which was recognized as a non-cash charge to cost of revenues during the nine months ended April 30, 2018.