Inventory Management

What is Inventory Turnover?

A ratio that measures how many times a company's inventory is sold and replaced over a specific period, indicating sales efficiency and inventory management.

How It Works

Inventory turnover shows how quickly a company converts its inventory into sales. A high ratio indicates strong sales and efficient inventory management. A low ratio may suggest overstocking, obsolete inventory, or weak sales. The ideal ratio varies by industry — grocery stores may turn inventory 12+ times per year, while jewelry stores may only turn it 1–2 times.

Formula

Inventory Turnover = Cost of Goods Sold ÷ Average Inventory

Real-World Example

A retailer has annual COGS of ₹24,00,000 and average inventory of ₹4,00,000. Inventory Turnover = 6, meaning inventory is sold and restocked 6 times per year (about every 2 months).

Why It Matters

1

Ensures accurate financial reporting and record-keeping

2

Helps maintain regulatory and tax compliance

3

Enables better-informed business decisions

4

Improves operational efficiency and cash flow management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good inventory turnover ratio?

It depends on industry. Grocery/FMCG: 12–20. Apparel: 4–6. Electronics: 5–8. Furniture: 3–5. Compare against your industry peers, not generic benchmarks.

How does inventory turnover affect cash flow?

Higher turnover means less cash is tied up in unsold inventory. Each 'turn' converts inventory into sales revenue (and eventually cash), improving the cash conversion cycle.

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