This study employs the modified DD model proposed by McNichols (2002) and
assumes that uncertainty in accruals (proxied by the standard deviation of the residual) is
best captured by this model. The measure of accruals quality is based on this standard
deviation of estimated residual (σ(ˆεj,t), hereafter, Stdresid) from Eq. (1) as it refers to the
extent to which working-capital accruals map into operating cash flow realizations. Large
(small) values of Stdresid correspond to lower (higher) accruals quality and lower (higher)
earnings quality.