Glossary > Finance > Banking > Corporate Banking

Working Capital

Working capital is the difference between a company's current assets (like cash, accounts receivable, and inventory) and its current liabilities (such as accounts payable and short-term debt). It represents the company's ability to meet its short-term financial obligations and fund its day-to-day operations.

Example #1

An example of working capital is when a retail store has $100,000 in cash, $50,000 in accounts receivable, and $30,000 in inventory. If it also has $40,000 in accounts payable and $20,000 in short-term debt, its working capital would be $120,000 ($100,000 + $50,000 + $30,000 - $40,000 - $20,000).

Example #2

Another example is a manufacturer with $500,000 in current assets and $300,000 in current liabilities. Its working capital would be $200,000 ($500,000 - $300,000), indicating its ability to cover its short-term obligations.

Misuse

Misusing working capital can happen when a company overextends its financial resources by mismanaging its short-term assets and liabilities. This can lead to cash flow issues, an inability to pay suppliers or employees on time, and even bankruptcy. It's crucial to monitor and maintain a healthy working capital position to ensure the company's sustainability.

Benefits

Maintaining a healthy working capital position is crucial for businesses to operate smoothly. Sufficient working capital allows a company to pay its bills, purchase inventory, cover unexpected expenses, and take advantage of growth opportunities without resorting to expensive short-term borrowing.

Conclusion

Understanding and actively managing working capital is essential for businesses to ensure their financial stability and operational efficiency. By carefully monitoring working capital levels, companies can avoid liquidity problems, maintain vendor relationships, and sustain growth.