Discussion: The inventory turnover ratio for the raw materials inventory is substantially lower than the turnover ratio for finished goods.
One reason for the difference could be that source of supply for raw materials is relatively undependable, so that management believes it is necessary to carry a larger inventory to sustain operations through periods when the supply might be interrupted. Another possible reason is that significant volume discounts can be obtained by making larger purchases of the raw materials. It is also possible that management has been carrying too much in the inventory of raw materials, and could reduce the level without harming the company’s ability to operate. On the other hand, the turnover ratio for finished goods might be higher because the market for the product is so active that items are sold very quickly after they are available. This implies that the demand for the product is very strong. It is also possible that the finished goods turnover ratio is too high and that the company is risking lost sales by not having enough product on hand.
Similar inferences are drawn from the days’ sales in inventory ratio results. In particular, the company is carrying 73.7 days’ supply of raw materials inventory. Note that the company carries less than half as many days’ supply (25.4 days) in its finished goods inventory.