The term “capital” is broad and can describe anything of value to its owner. Without capital, a business cannot function, whether it is a small family business, a major corporation, or a country’s economy. Think of capital as a way of measuring of wealth. Accountants look at capital in budgeting as cash flow.

Some examples of capital are:

Financial assets – money, stocks and bonds, and bank accounts.

Intellectual assets – patents, software, and brand names.

Physical assets – machinery, equipment, cars, printers, office chairs, computers.

Capital for individuals and capital for business?

Companies use structures that include capital as debt, equity, and daily operations and expenditures. In contrast, an individual holds capital to contribute to their net worth.

Money and capital

Capital is another way of saying “money.” Remember, capital comes with a cost. If the capital is debt, then interest is the cost. If the capital is equity, the cost is distributions the shareholders receive. In the financial world, capital is viewed through the lens of current operations and future investments.

Types of capital:

Working capital

Working capital is answered with this question: Can a company’s liquid assets cover daily obligations?

To calculate this, try two assessments.

-Subtract the current liabilities from the current assets

-Subtract the accounts payable from the accounts receivable and inventory.

Liquidity is another way to view capital. Working capital is a good barometer for a company’s short-term liquidity.

Debt

Borrowing is one way a business can gain capital, and the most common way of borrowing is through bank, bonds, or other financial institution. For small businesses, loans from friends, family, online lenders, or federal loan programs are often the source of debt capital.

There are many differences regarding capital for individuals and businesses. However, in both cases, a healthy, active credit history is required. As with any typical loan, the interest rates vary depending on the borrower’s credit history and health.

In everyday life, we think of debt as a burden. However, it can be an opportunity for a business, provided it is within reason. Monitor the debt to capital ratio to prevent going under.

Bonds are a great way to raise capital when interest rates are low, which means it is cheaper to borrow. Think of the bonds as an I.O.U. between a borrower and lender. A business may issue bonds to raise capital to fund its operations and projects. However, bonds are not limited to just businesses. States, sovereign governments, and municipalities may issue bonds to finance operations and projects. As a bond owner, you are the debt holder of the issuer.

Equity

There are several forms of equity capital. They are private equity, public equity, and real estate equity.

Comparing public equity and private equity

In public equity, the stock market raises equity by listing the company’s shares on the stock exchange. As investors buy stock, a company generates more equity. The single best way to raise equity capital is with I.P.O.s. (Initial public offerings) In private equity, a group of investors raise private equity, which is not the case with public equity.

Trading capital

Trading capital is what it says, and financial institutions and brokerage firms trade capital. There are several methods investors use to add to their trading capital, which are based on calculations determining the allocation of funds to each trade.

Cash reserves

One cannot have a successful investing strategy without optimal cash reserves. Debt liability offsets debt capital on the business’s balance sheet.

Capital can define a business’ structure

A company’s balance sheet is split among assets, liabilities, and equity, and the mix of these assets defines the structure. Some metrics for analyzing business capital are based on the cost of capital, equity return, capital debt, and equity debt.

Examples of capital

Capital comes down to any financial asset an individual or business has. Even one’s bank account is capital.

Tips for securing small business capital: Build a business plan

Lenders will want to see a well-thought-out business plan that outlines marketing, management, and money. As a borrower, one must explain how the money will be used. Like any loan, the single biggest criteria a lender will look for is the ability of the borrower to repay it. In short, a lender will want to know that you know what you are getting into. Having a well-thought-out business plan will help lenders feel more confident in the borrower, as it shows the borrower did their homework.

Business history

Borrowers should have at least two years of business history. Most lenders prefer this.

Plan for the worst

Provide the lender with a business projection 12 months out, broken out month-to-month. Show the lender case scenarios of what happens if the business drops.

Creditworthiness

Borrowers must check their credit for any errors, negative marks, or other issues that may affect their ability to borrow. Get credit in order, as one would when buying a house.

Capital F.A.Q.s

Capital assets is a term that applies to both individuals and businesses, which is anything of value, such as cars, real estate, and investments. Many capital assets are not liquid, which means they cannot be easily turned into cash.

Differences of capital in business and economics

An economist may define capital as liquid assets or cash in hand that can be used for spending. All the money in circulation is how capital is defined on a global scale. Business capital is the money available to run the business on a day-to-day basis and for the future. Typically, the revenue generated by the business is the only source of its capital.

In closing

Overall capital assets are determined by calculating any possession of cash value, such as cars, real estate, equipment, and machinery. There are different types of capital and the context of the use of the word capital can determine its meaning in each situation. View capital in the same way any other financial situation is viewed: Maintain a healthy debt to income ratio, maintain a healthy and active credit score, and monitor the cash flow and balance sheets.