Working capital is the amount of a company's current assets minus the amount of its current LIABILITIES. For example, if a company's balance sheet dated June 30 reports total current assets of $323,000 and total current liabilities of $310,000 the company's working capital on June 30 was $13,000. If another company has total current assets of $210,000 and total current liabilities of $60,000 its working capital is $150,000.

The adequacy of a company's working capital depends on the industry in which it competes, its relationship with its customers and suppliers, and more. Here are some additional FACTORS to consider:

• The types of current assets and how quickly they can be converted to cash. If the majority of the company's current assets are cash and cash equivalents and marketable investments, a smaller amount of working capital may be sufficient. However, if the current assets include slow-moving INVENTORY items, a greater amount of working capital will be needed.
• The nature of the company's sales and how customers pay. If a company has very consistent sales via the Internet and its customers pay with credit cards at the time they place the order, a small amount of working capital may be sufficient. On the other hand, a company in an industry where the credit terms are net 60 days and its suppliers must be paid in 30 days, the company will need a greater amount of working capital.
• The existence of an approved credit line and no BORROWING. An approved credit line and no borrowing allows a company to operate comfortably with a small amount of working capital.
• How accounting principles are applied. Some companies are conservative in their accounting policies. For instance, they MIGHT have a significant credit balance in their allowance for doubtful accounts and will dispose of slow-moving inventory items. Other companies might not provide for doubtful accounts and will keep slow-moving items in inventory at their full cost.

In short, analyzing working capital should involve more than simply subtracting current liabilities from current assets.

Working capital is the amount of a company's current assets minus the amount of its current liabilities. For example, if a company's balance sheet dated June 30 reports total current assets of $323,000 and total current liabilities of $310,000 the company's working capital on June 30 was $13,000. If another company has total current assets of $210,000 and total current liabilities of $60,000 its working capital is $150,000.

The adequacy of a company's working capital depends on the industry in which it competes, its relationship with its customers and suppliers, and more. Here are some additional factors to consider:

In short, analyzing working capital should involve more than simply subtracting current liabilities from current assets.