[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.