What do supplies mean in this context?

CFA Level I FRA
#1

image
image830×513 51.3 KB

Not exactly related to the question but more my understanding of what constitutes this table. To the question “Did the price of supplies increased signficantly?” the response is “supplies grew by less than 2%, but sales increased by less than 5%, so it is unlikely that the price of supplies increased significantly”.

What do supplies actually mean? Not a native english speaker so you can go into the detail that can only help. In french it translates to “provisions”, but provisions for what? I mean, don’t we already have finished goods, work in process stuff, that are supposed to match the demand?

#2

Paper, pencils, sellotape, paperclips, pushpins, highlighters, Post-It notes, fingertip moistener (e.g., Sortkwik), dartboards bearing various bosses’ likenesses, paper towels, marking pens, erasers, binder clips, extension cords, glue, envelopes, mustard packets, hand soap, and so on.

1 Like
#3

Think of “supplies” as something that helps in the production process. For example, a computer repair shop has those cans of air to blow dust off keyboards and parts. Other supplies might include solder for connecting circuits, little bits of copper wire, etc.

1 Like
#4

Obligatory Simpsons reference:

1 Like