There are two alternatives to reporting cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows:
(1) the direct method and
(2) the indirect method.

Operating Activities

Cash flows directly related to the production and delivery of a company's goods and services.

Direct Method

A method of reporting the cash flows from operating activities as the difference between the operating cash receipts and the operating cash payments.

Indirect Method

A method of reporting the cash flows from operating activities as the net income from operations adjusted for all deferrals of past cash receipts and payments and all accruals of expected future cash receipts and payments.