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Operating cash flow asymmetric timeliness in Australia

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  • Meiting Lu
  • Yaowen Shan
  • Sue Wright
  • Yimeng Yu

Abstract

Operating cash flow (CFO) asymmetric timeliness occurs when CFO reflects bad news more quickly than good news. We examine the presence and determinants of CFO asymmetric timeliness in Australia, where substantial differences in reporting requirements of cash flow components, in characteristics of listed companies and in the degree of conservative financial reporting produce contrasting findings to those in the United States. We find supportive evidence for the novel ‘sticky cost behaviour’ explanation and also the product‐pricing strategy, but not the life cycle hypothesis. These findings are useful for investors and analysts concerned with forecasting the future values of companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Meiting Lu & Yaowen Shan & Sue Wright & Yimeng Yu, 2020. "Operating cash flow asymmetric timeliness in Australia," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(S1), pages 587-627, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:60:y:2020:i:s1:p:587-627
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.12349
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