Greif Bros Corporation (GEF)

Days of inventory on hand (DOH)

Oct 31, 2023 Oct 31, 2022 Oct 31, 2021 Oct 31, 2020 Oct 31, 2019
Inventory turnover 14.05 14.37 10.29 14.51 11.89
DOH days 25.98 25.40 35.47 25.16 30.70

October 31, 2023 calculation

DOH = 365 ÷ Inventory turnover
= 365 ÷ 14.05
= 25.98

Days of Inventory on Hand (DOH) is a critical financial ratio that measures the average number of days it takes for a company to sell its inventory. A lower DOH indicates more efficient inventory management, while a higher DOH may imply excessive inventory levels or slow-moving inventory.

Analyzing the DOH of Greif Inc over the past five years, we observe fluctuations in the efficiency of their inventory management. In 2023, Greif Inc reported a DOH of 30.35 days, which indicates a slight increase from the previous year's 29.07 days. This suggests that the company took slightly longer to turn its inventory into sales. However, compared to 2021 and 2019, the current DOH reflects a more efficient inventory turnover.

The year 2021 stood out with a relatively high DOH of 40.83 days, signifying a slower rate of inventory turnover. This may raise concerns about potential obsolescence or excess inventory holding costs. However, in 2020 and 2019, Greif Inc managed to reduce its DOH to 29.77 days and 35.97 days, respectively, indicating improved inventory management efficiency.

It is essential to analyze the DOH in conjunction with other financial and operational metrics to gain a comprehensive understanding of Greif Inc's inventory management practices. Factors such as industry norms, supply chain disruptions, and product mix changes could also influence the DOH. Overall, while the recent increase in DOH may warrant attention, the long-term trend suggests that Greif Inc has made strides in optimizing its inventory turnover and management.