A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OPERATING CASH FLOW AND NET PROFIT
Operating cash flow (OCF) and net profit are two fundamental indicators of a company's financial health. While net profit reflects accounting-based earnings after all expenses are deducted, operating cash flow represents the actual cash generated from core business operations. This study examines the relationship between operating cash flow and net profit in business organizations across a five-year period.
The study adopts a descriptive research design using secondary data sourced from company annual reports and audited financial statements. Financial tools including correlation analysis, trend analysis, ratio analysis, and comparative analysis are employed to evaluate the strength and direction of the relationship between these two variables.
The findings reveal that although net profit and operating cash flow often move in tandem, significant divergences occur due to non-cash items, working capital changes, and accrual accounting adjustments. The study concludes that businesses should monitor both metrics together for a comprehensive assessment of financial performance.
Keywords: Operating Cash Flow, Net Profit, Cash Flow Analysis, Financial Performance, Profitability, Accrual Accounting, Working Capital.
Jayaprabha, M. (2026). A Study on the Relationship Between Operating Cash Flow and Net Profit. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(05). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.494
Jayaprabha, M. "A Study on the Relationship Between Operating Cash Flow and Net Profit." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 05, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.494.
Jayaprabha, M. "A Study on the Relationship Between Operating Cash Flow and Net Profit." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 05 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.494.
2.Barth, M.E., Beaver, W.H., Hand, J.R.M. & Landsman, W.R. (2001). Accruals, Cash Flows, and Equity Values. Review of Accounting Studies, 4(3–4), 205–229.
3.Dechow, P.M., Kothari, S.P. & Watts, R.L. (1998). The Relation between Earnings and Cash Flows. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 25(2), 133–168.
4.Sloan, R.G. (1996). Do Stock Prices Fully Reflect Information in Accruals and Cash Flows about Future Earnings? The Accounting Review, 71(3), 289–315.
5.Bharathi, S., & Kumarpati, S. (2024). Hybrid work models and job satisfaction: A new era of employment. JSL, 44.
6.Sharma, A. & Wadhwa, S. (2015). Cash Flow and Profitability Analysis of Manufacturing Firms in India. International Journal of Finance and Accounting, 8(2), 45–61.
7.Wild, J.J., Shaw, K.W. & Chiappetta, B. (2019). Financial and Managerial Accounting (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
8.Penman, S.H. (2013). Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
9.Kannappa, R., & Bharathi, S. (2020). Investigating the impact of green HRM practices on employee engagement and job satisfaction. International Journal of Management, 11, 1939.