OPERATING EXPENSE TO SALES Definition

OPERATING EXPENSE TO SALES reports the operating expenses as a percent of Net Revenues. This then is a measure of the total overhead employed in the firm per Net Sales Revenue Dollar; thereby giving an indication of the efficiency of the cost structure of the company. It gives an indication of the ability of a business to convert income into profit. Generally, businesses with low ratios will generate more profit than others. In general business operations with larger and more stable cash flows can sustain higher ratios than smaller and less stable operations. Scale and income stability are important considerations though it is up to the management of a business to monitor costs in an appropriate manner whatever its size. Formula: Total Overhead Cash Expense / Net Revenues

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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.

SALES is the total amount sold within a stipulated time period, usually 12 months. Sales is usually expressed in monetary terms but can also be in total units of stock or products sold.

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