[24] Inventories

The reported inventories break down as follows: > TABLE 064

Inventories

 

064

in € million

2014

2013

Materials and supplies

122.2

108.3

Work in progress

71.5

66.7

Finished goods and merchandise

330.8

331.2

Advances paid

4.7

5.5

Total inventories

529.2

511.8

The slight year-on-year rise in inventories was largely attributable to the increase in materials and supplies (up by 12.8 per cent) and work in progress (up by 7.1 per cent). In 2014, impairment losses of €9.1 million were recognised on inventories (2013: €13.7 million). Reversals of impairment losses had to be recognised in the amount of €4.1 million (2013: €7.0 million) because the reasons for the impairment losses no longer existed.