Working Capital
Working Capital
Working Capital
Introduction:-
lead not only to loss profits but also the ultimate downfall of what otherwise might be
considered as a promising concern. A study of Working capital is of major importance to
internal & external analysis because of its close relationship with the current day-to-day
operations of business.
In other words “net current assets or net working capital”. This definition of working
capital is qualitative in character. Working capital represents the total of all current assets. In
other words it is called gross Working capital or circulating capital of current capital.” The
current liabilities and provisions excess assets, the difference is referred to as negative
Working capital The use of the circulating capital instead of Working capital indicates that
the flow is circular in nature. The beginning of business venture, c,mash is provided by
owners and lenders. This is used for purchasing of fixed assets, which is not to be sold
throughout the year during the normal course of business. Remaining cash will be used for
Working capital to meet the current requirement of a business enterprise such as the purchase
to service. Raw material etc., when receivables are collected.
Principles of working capital management
In the words of Shubin, “working capital is the amount of funds necessary to cover the cost of
operating the enterprise. “
According to Genesten berg, “ Circulating capital means current assets of a company
that are changed in the ordinary course of business from to another, as for example, from cash
to inventories, inventories to receivables, receivables into cash.
The need of working capital is increased by raising prices of end produce and relative
inputs. Financing of additional working capital requirements in such an environment
becomes a real problem to a finance manager. Commercial Banks play a most
important role in providing Working capital finance especially in the India. In
inflation situation the R.B.I has taken up certain fiscal measures.
The opinion is normally ruled out, because financial institutions do not provide
finance for Working capital requirements. This facility is not applicable for all
companies including small companies also.
Floating or Debentures
The probability of a successful floatation of debentures seems to be rather merging.
In Indian capital market, floating of debentures has still to gain popularity debentures
issues of companies in private sector, generally fails to attract investor to invest funds
in companies. For this, modes of raising funds by issuing convertible debentures or
bonds is also considered, which may attract a number of investors.
Accepting public deposits
The issue of tapping public deposits is directly related to the image of the company
seeking to invite public deposits. But the problem of low profitability in many
industries is very common.
Issues of Shares
With a view to financing additional working capital needs issued of additional shares
should be one way to raise the equity base. Indian companies find themselves in a
bad shape in this context too. Low profit margins as well as lack of knowledge, about
the company make the success of a capital issue very dim
The following are some of factors determine the account of working capital
1. Nature of Industry
Small companies have smaller proportions of cash, receivables and inventory than
large corporations. This debt becomes more marked in large corporations. A public utility,
Ex: mostly employees fixed assets in its operations while the merchandising department
depends generally on inventory and receivables. Needs of working capital are thus
determined by the nature of an enterprise.
2. Demand of industry
Creditors are interest in the security of loans they want their obligations to be
sufficiently covered. They want the mount to security in assets which are greater than the
liability.
3. Cash requirements
Cash is one of the current assets, which is essential for successful operators of the
production cycle. It should adequate and properly utilized. It would be wasteful to hold
excessive cash. A minimum level of cash always required to keep the operating going.
Adequate cash also maintain good credit relations. Richards Osborn has pointed out that cash
has universal liquidity and acceptability. Unlike illiquid assets, its value is clear-cut and
definite
4. Time
The level of Working capital depends upon the time required to many fracture goods.
If the time is longer, the size of working is great. Moreover the amount of Working capital
depends upon inventory turnover and the unit cost of the goods that are sold. The greater this
cost, the bigg1er is the amount of Working capital
5. Volume of sales
This is the most important factor affecting the size and components of working
capital. A firm maintains currents assets because they are needed to support the operational
activities which result in sales. The volume of sales and size of the Working capital are
directly related to each other. As the volume of sales increase, there is an increase in the
investment of Working capital in the cost of operations, in inventories and in receivables.
6. Terms of purchases and loans
If the credit terms of purchases are more favorable and those of sales less liberal, less
cash will be invented in inventory. When more favorable terms working capital requirements
can be reduced. A firm enjoys greater Credit with bank needs less working capital.
1. Current ratio
This ratio attempts to measure the ability of a firm to meet its current obligations
or the liquidity of the business. In any operating concern, the current ratio should be 2:1. It is
shown as:
Current assets
Current ratio= --------------------
Current liabilities
2. Quick ratio
This ratio is a more severe and stringent test of a firm’s ability to meet current
obligation. It supplements the current ratio. The firm should have a quick ratio of 1: 1. It’s
shown as
Quick assets
Quick ratio= -----------------------
Current liabilities
3. Cash ratio
It measures the short term debt paying ability. This ratio is obtained by dividing cash
and trade investment or marketable securities by current liabilities.
Cash + Marketable securities
Cash ratio = ------------------------------------
Current liabilities
Total creditors
Creditors turnover ratio= --------------------- X 360 days
Annual credit purchases
6. Total assets turnover ratio
A firm’s ability to produce a large volume of sales for a give amount of assets is the
most important aspect of its pertaining performance. Unutilized and under utilized assets
increase the firms need for costly financing as well as expenses for maintenance and up keep.
Sales
Total assets turnover ratio= ---------------
Total assets