What do the costs in Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) include?

The correct choice highlights that the costs in Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) encompass direct costs that can be specifically attributed to the production of goods. This includes expenses such as raw materials, direct labor involved in manufacturing, and other direct costs directly related to the creation of a product. Understanding COGS is essential as it reflects the direct costs incurred in producing products that a company sells, which plays a significant role in determining a company's gross profit and overall profitability.

The other options do not accurately describe what COGS includes. For instance, labor costs alone do not capture the full scope of COGS because there are also raw materials and other direct expenses involved in production. Marketing and distribution costs fall outside COGS, as these are considered operating expenses rather than costs of production. Similarly, while overhead expenses can be related to production, they are not included in COGS unless they can be specifically assigned to the manufacturing process. Thus, the accurate understanding of COGS is pivotal for assessing a company's financial health.