Working Capital Liberation
Unlocking Business Growth Potential in a Volatile World
Key Metrics Under Pressure
Significant rise in Net Working Capital Days since 2015, indicating tightening liquidity.
Increase in cash-intensive sectors, locking up an estimated €300 billion in excess capital.
Slower customer payment cycles over the last decade are putting a strain on cash flow.
The Widening Gap: Company Size Matters
Smaller and mid-sized firms face the greatest challenges. While large corporations have managed to stretch supplier payments, SMEs have seen their working capital positions deteriorate significantly since 2015.
This disparity highlights a critical need for tailored working capital strategies for businesses of all sizes.
Working Capital Deterioration (Since 2015)
The New Playbook: Building Resilience and Agility
From Efficiency to Expansion
Liberated capital directly fuels growth initiatives, technology improvements, and talent acquisition. Here’s how US business leaders plan to leverage their financial strength.
73%
48%
39%
Cash is no longer just a financial metric; it is the ultimate business lifeline and shock absorber in an era of sustained unreliability.
Effective working capital management is the best way to generate cash without relying on expensive external funding.
