Cost of Sales
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Accounting Glossary
- Accounting 101
- Accounts Payable
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- Accounting Software
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- Chart of Accounts
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- Comprehensive Income
- Contractor vs Employee
- Cost of Sales
- CPA, Controller, CFO
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- Current Ratio
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- Equity
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- Gross Margin
- How to Calculate Income
- Inventory
- Liability
- Liquidity
- Modified Adjusted Gross Income
- Net Income
- Operating Expenses
- Prepaid Expense
- P&L Statement
- Revenue Recognition
- Trial Balance
- Variable Cost
- Working Capital
- Write-Off
Cost of Sales
Often equated to the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), it represents the direct costs of producing the goods or services a company sells.
It is a defining factor for determining gross profit, making it central to a range of key business operations, from production to financial reporting. This considers costs such as raw materials, direct labor, and overhead expenses inherent in the product or service creation process.
By subtracting the cost of sales from the revenue, a business can compute its gross profit figure, which provides valuable insight into operational effectiveness and pricing strategies. Effectively managing and optimizing the cost of sales can enhance profitability, demanding strategic purchasing, streamlined production processes, and efficient inventory management. Regularly monitoring the cost of sales in relation to sales revenue can reveal shifts in production efficiencies, changes in material costs, or fluctuations in product mix. Cost of sales is a crucial metric for stakeholders to make informed business decisions and formulate strategic plans.
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