What does the term "net working capital" refer to in accounting?

Net working capital is a key financial metric that measures a company's short-term financial health and efficiency. It is calculated as the difference between current assets and current liabilities. Current assets include cash, inventory, and accounts receivable, which are expected to be converted into cash or used within a year. Current liabilities, on the other hand, consist of obligations that the company must settle within the same timeframe, such as accounts payable and short-term debt.

When net working capital is positive, it indicates that a company has sufficient short-term assets to cover its short-term liabilities, suggesting good financial health and liquidity. Conversely, a negative net working capital indicates potential liquidity issues, as the company may struggle to meet its short-term obligations.

This concept is crucial for assessing a company's operational efficiency, as it reflects the ability to manage ongoing expenses and invest in growth opportunities. Thus, the definition that states net working capital is the difference between a company’s current assets and current liabilities is correct.

The other options do not accurately represent what net working capital is. Total liabilities pertain to all debts a company owes, total assets encompass everything the company owns, and total equity refers to the net assets available to shareholders after liabilities are deducted.