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Flexibility in Cash Flow Reporting Classification Choices under IFRS

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth A. Gordon
  • Elaine Henry
  • Bjorn N. Jorgensen
  • Cheryl L. Linthicum

    (UTSA)

Abstract

Relative to U.S. GAAP, IFRS allows more flexibility in classifying certain items within the statement of cash flows. Where U.S. GAAP requires firms to classify interest paid, interest received, and dividends received as operating cash flows (OCF), IFRS allows firms to report these within OCF or classify them as investing or financing. Studying IFRS-reporting firms in 13 European countries, we document firms’ cash-flow classification choices vary, with about 77%, 54%, and 49% of our sample classifying interest paid, interest received, and dividends received, respectively, in OCF. Reported OCF tends to be higher under IFRS than it would be under U.S. GAAP classification. We find the main determinants of OCF-enhancing classification choices are capital market incentives and other firm characteristics, including greater likelihood of financial distress, greater probability of default, and accessing equity markets more frequently. We also find the cross-listed firms in our sample do not necessarily make choices consistent with U.S. GAAP.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth A. Gordon & Elaine Henry & Bjorn N. Jorgensen & Cheryl L. Linthicum, 2013. "Flexibility in Cash Flow Reporting Classification Choices under IFRS," Working Papers 0199acc, College of Business, University of Texas at San Antonio.
    • Handle: RePEc:tsa:wpaper:0199acc
    as

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    File URL: http://interim.business.utsa.edu/wps/acc/0016ACC-006-2013.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    IFRS; US GAAP; Cash Flows;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M4 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M48 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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