What is financial forecasting primarily used for?

Financial forecasting is primarily used for estimating future financial outcomes. This process involves analyzing past financial data and applying various models to predict future revenues, expenses, and overall financial performance. Businesses and financial analysts rely on forecasts to make informed decisions about budgeting, planning, and resource allocation, allowing for better management of expectations regarding profitability and cash flow.

The ability to estimate future financial outcomes is crucial for strategic planning, enabling companies to anticipate market changes or economic conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly to maintain financial health. In contrast, conducting audits primarily focuses on evaluating historical financial statements for accuracy, setting regulatory standards involves creating guidelines for compliance, and evaluating investment risks pertains to assessing the potential for loss in investments, all of which are distinct from the primary purpose of financial forecasting.