(4) INVENTORIES

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

Inventories consisted of the following:


	April 30, 2015		July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	58,184	$	51,179
Work-in-process		567		910
Finished goods		6,995		13,180

	$	65,746	$	65,269

The Company continuously monitors inventory balances and records inventory write-downs for any excess of the cost of the inventory over its estimated market value. The Company also monitors inventory balances for obsolescence and excess quantities as compared to projected demand. The Company’s inventory methodology is based on assumptions about average shelf life of inventory, forecasted volumes, forecasted selling prices, write-down history of inventory, market conditions and contractual arrangements with clients. 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 customer requirements, additional inventory write-downs 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.