In the context of financial planning, what does the 'forecast' mainly focus on?

In financial planning, the 'forecast' primarily focuses on predicting future financial results. This involves making projections about various financial metrics, such as revenue, expenses, profits, and cash flow, based on historical data, anticipated market conditions, and business strategies. Forecasting is crucial because it allows businesses to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, leading to informed decision-making.

While estimating current expenses, setting a budget, and evaluating company valuation are important aspects of financial management, they serve different purposes. For instance, estimating current expenses is about analyzing present costs, setting a budget involves allocating resources based on expected revenues and expenses, and evaluating company valuation pertains to determining the overall worth of a business. However, forecasting specifically aims to predict how the business will perform in the future, making it a vital tool for strategic planning and resource management.