Indirect Method of Calculating Cash Flows
To calculate cash flows from operations using the indirect method, start with net income at the end of the period and adjust for changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, prepaid expenses, unearned revenue, inventory and depreciation. It is the change in these accounts from the balance sheet at the beginning of the period to the balance sheet at the end of the period that is included when calculating cash flow from operations. Gains or losses on the sale of equipment used in operations are also considered operating cash flows, while the sale of equipment at the recorded value would be considered an investing cash flow