Regardless of a company’s size, working capital is a critical aspect that should never be overlooked. It serves as a daily necessity, ensuring that businesses have sufficient cash to meet their short-term obligations. Properly managing working capital is fundamental for a company’s financial health and operational success, encompassing a balance between growth, profitability, and liquidity.

On the other hand, credit rating evaluates the creditworthiness of issuers and the financial securities they issue. Since the 2008 financial crisis, rating scores by Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) have gained significant importance. CRAs also serve as important watchdogs, closely monitoring the creditworthiness of companies.

Working Capital Management (WCM) plays a crucial role in assessing a company’s creditworthiness. It involves how companies manage their current assets and liabilities. Effective WCM includes careful management of cash flow, current assets, and current liabilities through ratio analysis such as working capital ratio, collection ratio, and inventory turnover ratio.

Active Working Capital Management yields various benefits, including reduced operating costs, improved liquidity, and a stronger balance sheet, leading to lower borrowing costs and increased enterprise value.

Low working capital can indicate that a business is barely managing its short-term expenses or that it has invested excess cash to generate higher returns, enhancing the company’s overall value. CRAs carefully consider the impact of low working capital on a business to determine its creditworthiness.

A crucial consideration in WCM decisions is their impact on a firm’s risk, return, and valuation. Companies aim to achieve an optimal level of working capital, striking a balance between risk and return to ensure financial stability and growth.

In conclusion, effective working capital management is essential for businesses, not only for their operational success but also for securing a favorable credit rating. It reflects a company’s ability to manage its financial resources efficiently, which is crucial for its overall financial health and growth.