Working capital of a business refers to the excess of current assets (such as cash in hand, debtors, stock, etc.) over current liabilities. Working capital affects both the liquidity as well as profitability of a business. As the amount of working capital increases, the liquidity of the business increases. However, since current assets offer low return, with the increase in working capital the profitability of the business falls. For example, an increase in the inventory of the business increases its liquidity but since the stock is kept idle, the profitability falls. On the other hand, low working capital, hinders the day to day operations of the business. Thus, the working capital should be such that a balance is maintained between the profitability and liquidity.
