Working capital structure and financing pattern of selected JSE-listed firms

Abstract

The paper analyses the working capital structure and financing patterns of companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange. Data was collected from 92 companies in eight economic sectors for the period 2001-2010 and analysed using descriptive statistics and trend analysis. Working capital management has grown in significance from being a survival issue to a strategic and competitive tool. The study reveals that the listed companies heavily depend on trade credit as the source of short term finance and trade receivables and inventory are their main working capital investment. The results show that firms in different economic sectors use different approaches to manage their current assets and change working capital policies in line the state of the economy.