käyttövarat

Käyttövarat, known in English as working capital or current assets, refers to the assets of a company that are expected to be converted into cash, sold, or consumed within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer. These assets are crucial for a company's short-term operational activities and liquidity.

Common examples of käyttövarat include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (money owed by customers), inventory (raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods), and short-term investments. These assets are typically listed on the asset side of a company's balance sheet.

The management of käyttövarat is a key aspect of financial management. Efficient management ensures that a company has sufficient liquidity to meet its short-term obligations, such as paying suppliers, employees, and operating expenses. However, excessively high levels of käyttövarat can indicate inefficient use of resources, as these assets may not be generating optimal returns. Conversely, insufficient käyttövarat can lead to liquidity problems, potentially impacting the company's ability to operate and meet its financial commitments.

The relationship between käyttövarat and current liabilities (lyhytaikaiset velat) is often analyzed through financial ratios like the current ratio (vaihto-omaisuuden ja lyhytaikaisten velkojen suhde) and the quick ratio (nopeasti realisoitavien erien ja lyhytaikaisten velkojen suhde). These ratios help assess a company's short-term solvency.