Cash flow & liquidity · Core
Working-capital movement
Also called: working-capital change
ELI5
Change in receivables, payables, inventory and other operating balances affecting cash.
Used in conversation
“The number is useful only if everyone calculates working-capital movement the same way.”
Pitch context
You will see “Working-capital movement” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches cash flow & liquidity.
Why it matters: In cash flow & liquidity, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.
Caution
Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16