töökapital

Töökapital, also known as working capital, refers to a company's liquidity, operational efficiency, and overall short-term financial health. It is calculated as the difference between a company's current assets and its current liabilities. Current assets include items that are expected to be converted into cash within one year, such as cash, accounts receivable, and inventory. Current liabilities are obligations that are due within one year, such as accounts payable, short-term loans, and accrued expenses.

A positive working capital indicates that a company has enough liquid assets to cover its short-term debts. This suggests a healthy financial position and the ability to meet immediate obligations. Conversely, negative working capital means a company's current liabilities exceed its current assets, which could signal financial distress and an inability to pay short-term debts.

Effective working capital management is crucial for businesses. It involves balancing the need to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs with the desire to avoid holding excessive non-income-generating assets like inventory or cash. Companies strive to optimize their working capital by managing inventory levels efficiently, accelerating accounts receivable collection, and negotiating favorable payment terms with suppliers. Poor working capital management can lead to cash flow problems, missed opportunities, and even bankruptcy.