We compare the predictive abilities of earnings and cash flows for future cash flows. We base our predictions on a model of the relation between future cash flows and past earnings and its components, including cash flows. As predicted, we find that current and past earnings explain...

Building on the Dechow, Kothari, and Watts (1998) model of the accrual process, this study investigates the role of accruals in predicting future cash flows. The model shows that each accrual component reflects different information relating to future cash flows; aggregate earnings masks this...