(m)Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
The costs of conversion of inventories include costs directly related to the units of production and a systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overheads that are incurred in converting materials into finished goods. The allocation of fixed indirect overheads is based on the higher of normal production capacity or actual production.
The raw material used to produce haemoderivatives is human plasma, which is obtained from our donation centers using the plasmapheresis method. The cost of inventories includes the amount paid to plasma donors, or the amount billed by the seller when purchased from third parties, as well as the cost of products and devices used in the collection process, rental expenses and storage. This plasma has to be stored before use, which is an essential part of the production process. During the storage period, the plasma undergoes various virological tests and should be kept in quarantine in accordance with FDA and European Medicines Agency regulations, in order to guarantee that all the plasma is suitable for use in the production process.
To the extent that plasma storage costs are necessary to the production process, they are included as cost of inventories.
Indirect costs such as general management and administration costs are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
The cost of raw materials and other supplies and the cost of merchandise are allocated to each inventory unit on a weighted average cost basis.
The transformation cost is allocated to each inventory unit on a FIFO (first-in, first-out) basis.
The Group uses the same cost model for all inventories of the same nature and with a similar use.
Volume discounts extended by suppliers are recognized as a reduction in the cost of inventories when it is probable that the conditions for discounts to be received will be met. Discounts for prompt payment are recognized as a reduction in the cost of the inventories acquired.
When the cost of inventories exceeds net realizable value, materials are written down to net realizable value, which is understood to be:
|
· |
For raw materials and other supplies, replacement cost. Nevertheless, raw materials and other supplies are not written down below cost if the finished goods into which they will be incorporated are expected to be sold at or above cost of production; |
|
· |
Merchandise and finished goods, estimated selling price less costs to sell; |
|
· |
Work in progress, the estimated selling price of related finished goods, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. |
The previously recognized write-down is reversed against profit and loss when the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down no longer exist or when there is clear evidence of an increase in net realizable value because of changed economic circumstances. The reversal of the write-down is limited to the lower of the cost and revised net realizable value of the inventories. Write-downs may be reversed with a credit to “Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress” and “Supplies”.