Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold by a company.

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) is a critical concept in both the fields of accounting and corporate finance. It represents the direct costs associated with the production of goods sold by a company. This includes both the cost of raw materials and direct labor costs used in producing the goods. COGS does not include indirect expenses such as distribution costs and sales force costs. Here are some of the key points to understand about Cost of Goods Sold:

1. Direct Costs Only: COGS includes only those costs directly attributable to the production of the goods sold. It includes the cost of materials and direct labor costs.
2. Calculation: COGS can be calculated as: COGS = Opening Inventory + Purchases during the period - Closing Inventory.
3. Impact on Gross Profit: COGS is deducted from revenues (sales) in order to calculate a company's gross profit. The lower the COGS, the higher the gross profit.
4. Inventory Valuation: COGS directly impacts the valuation of inventory, an important component of a company's current assets.
5. Tax Deductibility: In many jurisdictions, COGS is tax-deductible, serving as an important area for tax strategy.
6. Financial Analysis: Analysts and potential investors closely watch COGS as a percentage of sales when they are analyzing a company's gross margin. An increasing COGS percentage can be a red flag that warrants further analysis.

Understanding COGS is crucial for any business, as it directly impacts profitability and has tax implications. It also provides critical insights into a company's operational efficiency and cost management practices.