the net cash provided by operating activities, calculated using the indirect method, is $37,200. This represents the cash generated or used by the company's core operating activities after accounting for non-cash expenses and changes in working capital accounts.
To calculate the net cash provided by operating activities using the indirect method, we need to start with the net income and make adjustments for various non-cash items and changes in working capital accounts. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the calculations:
1. Start with Net Income:
- Net Income = $38,500
2. Add Back Depreciation Expense (a non-cash expense):
- Depreciation Expense = $8,400
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense = $38,500 + $8,400 = $46,900
3. Adjust for Gain on Sale of Equipment (a non-operating item):
- Gain on Sale of Equipment = $11,400
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense - Gain on Sale of Equipment = $46,900 - $11,400 = $35,500
4. Adjust for Decrease in Inventory (an increase in cash):
- Decrease in Inventory = $7,400
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense - Gain on Sale of Equipment + Decrease in Inventory = $35,500 + $7,400 = $42,900
5. Adjust for Increase in Accounts Receivable (a use of cash):
- Increase in Accounts Receivable = $4,700
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense - Gain on Sale of Equipment + Decrease in Inventory - Increase in Accounts Receivable = $42,900 - $4,700 = $38,200
6. Adjust for Increase in Prepaid Expenses (a use of cash):
- Increase in Prepaid Expenses = $5,400
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense - Gain on Sale of Equipment + Decrease in Inventory - Increase in Accounts Receivable - Increase in Prepaid Expenses = $38,200 - $5,400 = $32,800
7. Adjust for Decrease in Wages Payable (an increase in cash):
- Decrease in Wages Payable = $4,400
- Net Income + Depreciation Expense - Gain on Sale of Equipment + Decrease in Inventory - Increase in Accounts Receivable - Increase in Prepaid Expenses + Decrease in Wages Payable = $32,800 + $4,400 = $37,200
So, the net cash provided by operating activities, calculated using the indirect method, is $37,200. This represents the cash generated or used by the company's core operating activities after accounting for non-cash expenses and changes in working capital accounts.