Overhead ratio measures the amount spent by a company on its operating expenses relative to its revenues or gross income. It reflects a company's ability to manage costs effectively and can be used to judge a company's financial strength and ability to withstand any potential shocks or competitors.

The overhead ratio is calculated by dividing operating expenses by total income before tax. Operating expenses include costs related to operating activities such as rent, utilities, wages, and other expenses incurred in running the business. These costs do not include costs associated with the manufacturing of the goods or services that the company produces.

The company should keep its overhead ratio below 1.0 (i.e. expenses should be less than revenues), as a lower overhead ratio implies more money is available for reinvestment in the company, capital expenditures, or any other planned expenses. A higher overhead ratio indicates that the company is spending too much money on overhead costs. This can reduce the company's profitability and reduce the return it is able to provide to investors.

The overhead ratio is an important consideration when evaluating potential investments. A high overhead ratio could be a sign that a company is not managing its expenses efficiently and is at risk of future financial challenges. On the other hand, if a company has a low overhead ratio and is able to reinvest the saved funds in research and development or other activities, it can indicate strong potential opportunity for future growth.

Comparing overhead ratios of companies in the same business sector can also be beneficial in understanding industry trends. A company whose overhead ratio is consistently higher than its peers may be paying too much for certain operations and should take measures to bring its overhead costs into line with the industry averages.

Overall, the overhead ratio is a key financial indicator that reflects a company's ability to control costs and generate profits. Monitoring and managing overhead costs can help companies remain competitive and maximize their profitability.