Question
Explain the Characteristics of Working Capital.

Answer

Introduction :
  • After business came into existence to keep it running working capital is required.
  • It is required for purchase, for production, sale, advertisement, distribution and for day-to-day administrative expenses.
  • Working capital is found in various forms so it is known with different names.
  • E.g. it is called current capital as it is invested in current assists.
  • When it is in production process it is called moving capital.
  • It increases and decreases so it is called flexible capital.
  • It is required for short term so it is called short term capital.
  • Characteristics of working capital :
  • Short term capital:
  • Working capital is required less than $5$ years so it is called short term capital.
  • Investment in current assists :
  • Working capital is invested in short term securities of business such as debtors, bills receivable etc.
  • Liquidity :
  • All current assists in which working capital is invested and is converted into cash. So it has the attribute of cash liquidity.
  • Less risk :
  • Working capital in business is for short term and is easily converted into cash. So the risk factor is less.
  • Changing form :
  • The form of working capital changes when it is employees in current assists e.g. raw material is converted into semi finished goods, semi finished goods is converted into finished goods.
  • Finished goods is converted into debtors and if such goods sold in cash or credit it is converted in to cash.
  • To pay day-to-day expenses :
  • Working capital is required to pay day-to-day expenses.
  • No depreciation :
  • Working capital is circulating in business so depreciation is not calculated on it.
  • Requirement according to type and form of business :
  • Working capital is required in all types of business. Its requirement differs according to nature and form of business.
  • Conclusion :
  • Chief characteristic of working capital is its liquidity. Company purchases raw material through working capital then process is carried on it.
  • After the goods ready for sale once again it is converted into cash and after sale once again raw material is purchased from cash.
  • Thus, working capital is circulating in business.

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