Rörelsekapacitet

Rörelsekapacitet, often translated as "working capital" in English, refers to a company's ability to finance its day-to-day operations. It is a measure of a company's short-term financial health and its capacity to meet its immediate obligations. Essentially, it represents the difference between a company's current assets and its current liabilities.

Current assets are items that a company expects to convert into cash within one year, such as cash, accounts receivable (money owed by customers), and inventory. Current liabilities are obligations that a company expects to pay within one year, including accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), short-term loans, and accrued expenses. A positive rörelsekapacitet indicates that a company has enough liquid assets to cover its short-term debts.

A healthy rörelsekapacitet is crucial for smooth business operations. It allows a company to pay its employees, suppliers, and other creditors on time, which can maintain good relationships and avoid disruptions. It also provides a buffer to handle unexpected expenses or fluctuations in revenue.

However, a very high rörelsekapacitet might not always be optimal. It could suggest that a company is holding too much idle cash or inventory, which could be invested more productively elsewhere to generate higher returns. Conversely, a negative rörelsekapacitet, where current liabilities exceed current assets, can signal financial distress and an inability to meet short-term obligations. Managing rörelsekapacitet effectively involves balancing liquidity needs with profitability objectives.