What is meant by working capital?
The capital invested in current or working assets such as stock of materials and finished goods, accounts receivable, bills receivable, short-term securities and cash or bank balance for meeting day-to-day expenses is known as working capital or current capital. It represents the investment for a short period. The term 'working capital' is used in two senses, namely gross working capital and net working capital.
(i) Gross Working Capital: It is the total value of current assets. The amount of gross working capital indicates the total funds available for financing the current assets. It is a quantitative concept, which fails to reveal the correct financial position of a company.
(ii) Net Working Capital: It represents the excess of current assets over current liabilities. Net working capital is a qualitative concept, and it reveals the soundness of current financial position. It shows a firm's ability to meet its current obligations as they fall due for payment.