The Role of Firm Characteristics in Predicting Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flow forecasting has significantly increased since 2000 due to more attention paid by investors and financial analysts than before. If cash flows can be predicted appropriately, a significant part of the informational needs associated with cash flows will be provided. In this regard, this study aims to examine the impact of firm characteristics on predictable future cash flows from operating activities by employing present operating cash flow and profitability. Eight hypotheses were developed, and the information was analyzed for 127 firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange between 2011 and 2020. The regression model was tested with a fixed effect model using panel data. The study’s findings showed that firm characteristics like size, level of competition, and level of supervision positively impact the predicting power of present operating cash flow and profitability in anticipating future operating cash flow. By contrast, the outcomes disclose that characteristics such as the company’s life will not significantly affect the predicted strength of present operating cash flow and present profitability to forecast future cash flow from operating activities.