In what context is "overhead" described in a business?

Overhead refers to the ongoing administrative expenses necessary for running a business but not directly tied to the production of goods or services. This includes costs such as rent, utilities, salaries of administrative staff, office supplies, and other general expenses that keep the business functioning on a day-to-day basis.

Understanding overhead is crucial for budgeting and determining pricing strategies, as these costs can affect profit margins. Unlike production costs that can be directly attributed to manufacturing a product, overhead costs are often considered indirect costs. This distinction is essential for managers when assessing the overall operational efficiency and financial health of a company.

The other options relate to different aspects of a business’s financial operations: direct costs are closely linked to production, revenue pertains to income generated from sales activities, and investment income involves returns on invested capital, none of which capture the essence of overhead as ongoing business operating expenses.