Inventory Cost, LCNRV, and Disclosures

What does a disclosed inventory write-down or reversal tell an analyst?

Inventory values changed materially and reported profit was affected.

Why is inventory classification disclosure into raw materials, WIP, and finished goods useful?

It shows where inventory is concentrated in the production cycle.

Why is the LIFO reserve an important disclosure for a US GAAP filer?

It lets analysts compare LIFO results to FIFO.