What is meant by physical/operating capital?

Physical or operating capital refers to the tangible assets that a business requires to conduct its operations effectively. This includes items such as machinery, buildings, vehicles, equipment, and other physical goods necessary for production and service delivery. These assets are essential for a company to function and generate revenue, as they represent the backbone of the operational capabilities.

By focusing on the physical assets and liabilities needed for company operations, this choice accurately reflects the concept of operating capital. The assets listed provide the foundation for a company's productive capacity, while liabilities may encompass any financial obligations related to these physical assets, such as loans for machinery or obligations to suppliers.

In contrast, financial resources for investment relate more to monetary aspects rather than the tangible assets themselves. Fixed financial obligations point to debts or liabilities rather than the physical capital necessary for operations. Immediate cash solely focuses on liquidity, which is important for short-term operations but does not encompass the broader category of physical capital that includes long-term operational assets. Thus, the correct understanding of physical or operating capital aligns with the description provided in the selected choice.