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Journal of Accounting and Economics Vol. 35 No. 1 2003

An empirical analysis of analysts’ cash flow forecasts

Mark L. DeFond; Mingyi Hung

University of Southern California

Abstract

This study investigates the recent trend in analysts disseminating operating cash flow forecasts. We find that analysts tend to forecast cash flows for firms where accounting, operating and financing characteristics suggest that cash flows are useful in interpreting earnings and assessing firm viability. Specifically, we find that analysts tend to forecast cash flows for firms with (1) large accruals, (2) more heterogeneous accounting choices relative to their industry peers, (3) high earnings volatility, (4) high capital intensity, and (5) poor financial health. These findings are consistent with financial analysts responding to market-based incentives to provide market participants with value-relevant information.

DOI
10.1016/s0165-4101(02)00098-8
Volume
35
Issue
1
Pages
73-100
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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