Working Capital Management
Definition and Objectives
Working capital management involves managing the short-term assets and liabilities to ensure a company can continue its operations and meet short-term obligations.
Example
A retail company like Walmart needs to manage its inventory levels, accounts receivable, and accounts payable efficiently to ensure it can meet its short-term liabilities while maintaining sufficient inventory to meet customer demand.
Working Capital Policies
Working capital policies involve deciding the level of current assets and liabilities to be maintained.
Example
An aggressive policy might involve minimal levels of inventory and receivables to maximize liquidity, while a conservative policy might maintain higher levels to avoid stockouts and bad debts.
Factors Affecting Working Capital Requirements
Factors include the nature of the business, production cycle, credit policy, and operational efficiency.
Example
A manufacturing company might require more working capital during peak production seasons due to higher inventory and labour costs.
Forecasting Working Capital Requirements
Forecasting involves predicting future working capital needs based on historical data, sales projections, and operational plans.
Example
A seasonal business might forecast higher working capital needs before its peak season to ensure it can stock sufficient inventory and manage increased sales volumes.
Working Capital Financing
Sources of working capital financing include trade credit, bank loans, and commercial paper.
Example
A small business might use a line of credit from a bank to finance its working capital needs, ensuring it has access to funds for day-to-day operations.
Cash, Receivables, and Inventory Management
Effective management of cash, receivables, and inventory ensures liquidity and operational efficiency.
Example
Amazon uses sophisticated inventory management systems to minimize holding costs while ensuring quick delivery times, and it employs strict receivables management to maintain healthy cash flow.
GreeneStep Reports: Cash Receivables Report, Cashflows