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Glossary Term

Working Capital

The cash a business has available for day-to-day operations.

All glossary terms

In short

Working capital is the cash a business has available for day-to-day operations. Structures like a sale-leaseback can convert owned equipment into working capital when you need it.

Why working capital matters

Working capital is the fuel for daily operations — payroll, fuel, repairs, and seizing new opportunities. Financing decisions directly affect how much you keep on hand:

  • Preserving cash — financing equipment (vs. buying outright) keeps working capital free.
  • Unlocking cash — a sale-leaseback turns owned equipment into usable capital.
  • Smoothing seasons — flexible structures help bridge slow-paying periods.
  • Funding growth — capital on hand lets you take on new work quickly.

Financing as a working-capital tool

The core reason many operators finance rather than buy outright is to protect working capital — it's usually better to keep cash available for operations than to sink it into an asset. When cash is already tied up in owned equipment, a sale-leaseback or refinance can release it. The goal is to keep enough capital working in the business to stay flexible and ready.

Common questions

How can I turn my equipment into working capital?

A sale-leaseback lets you sell equipment you own to a lender and lease it back, freeing the cash while you keep using the asset. Refinancing paid-down equipment can also release capital.

Why finance equipment instead of paying cash?

Financing preserves working capital for day-to-day operations and growth, rather than tying a large amount of cash up in a single asset.

General information only. This page is educational and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. All financing is subject to credit review and lender approval. Rates, terms, and eligibility vary by applicant, asset, and lender, and are not guaranteed. Any figures or examples are illustrative. Please speak with a qualified advisor about your specific situation.