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Comparative Predictive Abilities of Earnings and Operating Cash Flows on Future Cash Flows: Empirical Evidence from Ghana

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  • Joseph Akadeagre Agana
  • Kwame Mireku
  • Kingsley Opoku Appiah

Abstract

Cash flow prediction is an essential component of economic decision making, particularly in investment and credit evaluation. This paper examines the comparative predictive ability of earnings and operating cash flows variables on future operating cash flows within a developing economy’s setting. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method is used to develop regression models over the period of 2002 to 2012. Current operating cash flows, as proxy for future operating cash flows, are regressed on past one, two and three years of earnings and operating cash flows as predictors. Results from the regression analysis reveals earnings and operating cash flows are significant in predicting future operating cash flows but have different predictive powers with earnings providing a superior comparative predictive ability on future cash flows. The paper therefore concludes that earnings are a better predictor of future operating cash flows than historical operating cash flows itself.Â

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Akadeagre Agana & Kwame Mireku & Kingsley Opoku Appiah, 2015. "Comparative Predictive Abilities of Earnings and Operating Cash Flows on Future Cash Flows: Empirical Evidence from Ghana," Accounting and Finance Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 4(3), pages 1-40, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:afr111:v:4:y:2015:i:3:p:40
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Ali Al-Attar & Simon Hussain, 2004. "Corporate Data and Future Cash Flows," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(7-8), pages 861-903.
    5. Dechow, Patricia M. & Kothari, S. P. & L. Watts, Ross, 1998. "The relation between earnings and cash flows," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 133-168, May.
    6. Nelson, Karen K. & Barth, Mary E. & Cram, Donald, 2001. "Accruals and the Prediction of Future Cash Flows," Research Papers 1594r, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    7. Jinhan Pae, 2005. "Expected Accrual Models: The Impact of Operating Cash Flows and Reversals of Accruals," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 5-22, January.
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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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