What does working capital specifically measure?

Working capital specifically measures the difference between current assets and current liabilities. This financial metric indicates a company's short-term liquidity and operational efficiency, revealing its ability to cover its short-term financial obligations. By assessing working capital, stakeholders can better understand the company's capacity to fund its day-to-day operations and invest in growth opportunities without needing to secure additional financing.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of financial performance or asset management. Long-term investments pertain to a company's commitments over a longer horizon and do not reflect immediate liquidity. The efficiency of utilizing physical assets relates more to asset management and operational effectiveness rather than short-term financial health. Lastly, gross profit margin involves evaluating profitability and does not pertain to the assessment of current assets and liabilities. Understanding working capital is essential for evaluating a company's financial health and its ability to sustain operations in the short term.