Glencore plc – Annual report – 31 December 2021
Industry: mining
29. Fair value measurements (extract)
Fair values are primarily determined using quoted market prices or standard pricing models using observable market inputs where available and are presented to reflect the expected gross future cash in/outflows. Glencore classifies the fair values of its financial instruments into a three level hierarchy based on the degree of the source and observability of the inputs that are used to derive the fair value of the financial asset or liability as follows:
Level 1 Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Glencore can assess at the measurement date; or
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted inputs included in Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly; or
Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities, requiring Glencore to make market-based assumptions.
Level 1 classifications primarily include futures with a tenor of less than one year and options that are exchange traded, whereas Level 2 classifications primarily include futures with a tenor greater than one year, over the counter options, swaps and physical forward transactions which derive their fair value primarily from exchange quotes and readily observable broker quotes. Level 3 classifications primarily include physical forward transactions which derive their fair value predominantly from models that use broker quotes and applicable market-based estimates surrounding location, quality and credit differentials and financial liabilities linked to the fair value of certain mining operations. In circumstances where Glencore cannot verify fair value with observable market inputs (Level 3 fair values), it is possible that a different valuation model could produce a materially different estimate of fair value.
It is Glencore’s policy that transactions and activities in trade related financial instruments be concluded under master netting agreements or long form confirmations to enable balances due to/from a common counterparty to be offset in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy by the counterparty.
The following tables show the fair values of the derivative financial instruments including trade related financial and physical forward purchase and sale commitments by type of contract and non-current other financial assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2021 and 2020. Other assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are marketing inventories, other investments, cash and cash equivalents. There are no non-recurring fair value measurements.
13. Inventories
Current inventory
Inventories of $28,434 million (2020: $22,852 million) comprise $16,073 million (2020: $12,260 million) of inventories carried at fair value less costs of disposal and $12,361 million (2020: $10,592 million) valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The amount of inventories and related ancillary costs recognised as an expense during the period was $177,704 million (2020: $124,037 million).
Fair value of inventories is a Level 2 fair value measurement (see note 29) using observable market prices obtained from exchanges, traded reference indices or market survey services adjusted for relevant location and quality differentials. There are no significant unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of such inventories.
Glencore has a number of dedicated financing facilities, which finance a portion of its inventories. In each case, the inventory has not been derecognised as the Group has not transferred control. The proceeds received are recognised as current borrowings (see note 21). As at 31 December 2021, the total amount of inventory pledged under such facilities was $17 million (2020: $804 million). The proceeds received and recognised as current borrowings were $2 million (2020: $679 million) and $80 million (2020: $80 million) as non-current borrowings.
Non-current inventory
$662 million (2020: $678 million) of inventories valued at lower of cost or net realisable value are not expected to be utilised or sold within the normal operating cycle and are therefore classified as non-current inventory.
1. Accounting policies (extract)
Inventories
The vast majority of inventories attributable to the marketing activities are valued at fair value less costs of disposal with the remainder valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value, with costs allocated using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method. Unrealised gains and losses from changes in fair value are reported in cost of goods sold.
Inventories held by the industrial activities are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost is determined using FIFO or the weighted average method and comprises material costs, labour costs and allocated production related overhead costs. Typically raw materials and consumables are measured using the FIFO method and work in progress inventories using the weighted average method.
Where the production process results in more than one product being produced (joint products), cost is allocated between the various products according to the ratio of contribution of these metals to gross sales revenue. Financing and storage costs related to inventory are expensed as incurred.
Non-current inventories primarily relate to stockpiles which are not expected to be utlised within the normal operating cycle.
Accounts examples 