ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES Definition

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES see GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES.

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DEPRECIATION ALLOCATION is the allocation of the cost of capital expenditures so that revenue is matched with expenses for items that will last more than one year (land is not depreciable). The methodology is to allocate plant and equipment cost to expense through the use of accelerated, straight line and units of production amortization methods; as well as the disposal of assets; and, repairs and betterments to assets.

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN ON SALES (GPM) is one of the key performance indicators. The gross profit margin gives an indication on whether the average markup on goods and services is sufficient to cover expenses and make a profit. GPM shows the relationship between sales and the direct cost of products/services sold. It measures the ability of both to control costs and to pass along price increases through sales to customers. The gross profit margin should be stable over time. A persistent gradual decrease is likely to indicate that productivity needs to be increased to return profitability back to previous levels. Generally:

>40% = Indicates a sustainable competitive advantage

< 40% = Indicates competition may be eroding margins

< 20% = There is likely no sustainable competitive advantage

Formula: Gross Profit / Net Revenue

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