What is the concept of inventory turnover in accounting?

@london_lueilwitz 

Inventory turnover is a financial ratio that measures the number of times a company's inventory is sold and replaced within a specific period. It allows businesses to understand how quickly they are able to sell their inventory and generate revenue.

The formula to calculate inventory turnover is: Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory

The cost of goods sold (COGS) represents the cost incurred by the company to produce or purchase the goods sold during a particular period. The average inventory is the average value of the inventory held by the company during the same period.

A high inventory turnover ratio indicates that inventory is sold and replaced quickly, which is generally considered favorable as it demonstrates efficient operations and reduced cost of carrying inventory. On the other hand, a low inventory turnover ratio signifies slower sales and potential issues such as overstocking, obsolescence, or poor demand.

Inventory turnover is an essential measure for companies to manage their inventory levels effectively and optimize cash flow. By monitoring this ratio, businesses can determine whether they are stocking appropriate levels of inventory, identify potential operational inefficiencies, and make informed decisions related to purchasing and production.