käyttöpääomasta

Käyttöpääoma, or working capital, is a measure of a company's operational liquidity. It is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Current assets include items such as cash, accounts receivable, and inventory. Current liabilities encompass short-term debts like accounts payable and short-term loans.

A positive working capital indicates that a company has enough liquid assets to cover its short-term obligations. This suggests financial stability and the ability to fund ongoing operations. Conversely, negative working capital means a company's short-term liabilities exceed its current assets, which could signal liquidity problems or inefficient management of assets and liabilities.

The management of working capital is crucial for a company's survival and growth. Efficient working capital management aims to optimize the balance between current assets and current liabilities. This involves strategies to speed up cash collection from customers, manage inventory levels effectively, and negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers. Too much working capital can be inefficient, tying up funds that could be invested elsewhere. Too little can lead to a cash crunch, hindering daily operations and potential growth. Therefore, finding the optimal level of working capital is a key financial objective.