Importance Recently, the concepts of working capital and current assets have been interpreted differently in economic literature. The lack of uniformity in terminology causes a gap in information flows that are generated in the accounting system and required for analysis and efficient financial management. This fact necessitates a deeper examination of their economic nature, substance and content. Objectives We focus on a comprehensive study of problematic issues related to defining the economic substance of working capital based on its key parameters. Methods Works of domestic and foreign economists on finance and capital management serve as a theoretical and methodological framework for the study. We employ historical approach, general and special methods of analysis, synthesis and analogies. Results In the paper, we present our own position on defining the economic substance of current assets and working capital categories, their content and identification. Conclusions The offered approach may contribute to further development of methods of financial analysis and serve as a methodological guidance for business entities to exercise control and make business decisions in their management of working capital.
Keywords: current assets, working capital, investment value, turnover, capital cycle
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