Assessing the Comparability and the Understandability of the Information on Cash Flows by European-Listed Entities

Abstract

This chapter aims to assess the comparability and understandability of information on cash flows through the choices by entities in the presentation of the statement of cash flows (SCF) and the disclosure of non-generally accepted accounting principles measures (NGM) related to cash flow information, respectively. Data were obtained from 484 consolidated annual reports, between 2018 and 2021, from 121 entities listed on Euronext. The findings indicated that interest paid and received (dividends paid) were generally classified in the operating (financing) category, contrary to (aligned with) the proposed in the exposure draft (ED) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The findings also showed that entities often disclose NGM related to cash flows and present their formula and the possibility of reconciliation with the SCF. This research contributes to the discussion around the comparability, and understandability of information in the context of the current IASB's ED, which aims to standardise the presentation and the disclosure requirements on cash flows.