Impact analysis of replacing the SSAF by the CFS: a study from a value-relevance perspective

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, several studies have discussed the relevance of accounting information. These are the so-called value-relevance studies of accounting information. In these studies, accounting variables are used to try and explain stock price behavior. The focus is to verify, through regression analysis, if certain accounting information has information contents for the capital market. That is the context for this article, which aims to analyze the impact of replacing the SSAF (Statement of Sources and Applications of Funds) by the SCF (Statement of Cash Flows), implemented through changes in Brazilian accounting standards valid for the financial year 2008. Therefore, it analyzes the question about the value relevance of the operational sources of funds (ORO) from SSAF and operating cash flow (FCO) from the SCF, for the years 2005 to 2007, of non-financial publicly-traded corporations listed in the database Melhores e Maiores of FIPECAFI-EXAME. Empirical evidence supports that the replacement of the SSAF by the SCF was beneficial for accounting information users in Brazil, although previous studies have pointed to the SSAF as a richer statement in terms of information, i.e. a statement that allows ursers to extract more information. A plausible explanation for this finding is that the SCF is na easier to understand and more user-friendly statement, especially for users who are less familiar with accounting, so that it is more used.