Which component is not typically included in calculating working capital?

The correct choice indicates that long-term debt is not included in calculating working capital. Working capital is a financial metric that represents the difference between a company's current assets and current liabilities. It is a measure of a company's short-term liquidity and operational efficiency.

Current assets include items like cash, inventory, and accounts receivable, which are expected to be converted into cash or used up within one year. Current liabilities are obligations that the company needs to settle within the same timeframe, such as accounts payable, short-term debt, and other short-term obligations. By focusing solely on current assets and current liabilities, working capital provides insight into the company’s ability to pay its short-term debts.

Long-term debt, on the other hand, refers to financial obligations that are due beyond one year. Since these liabilities are not expected to be settled in the short term, they do not factor into the calculation of working capital, which is concerned exclusively with the company’s short-term financial position.

Short-term investments are generally classified under current assets and thus are included in the working capital calculation, further reinforcing the appropriate focus of working capital on immediate financial resources and obligations.