As an example, the annual report for apple shows a typical balance sheet layout.
The business plan financial section for most businesses tends to concentrate on the income statement and fails to get to grips with the accounting balance sheet. Our financial projections template always includes the balance sheet template.
Any number of people could be using your balance sheet forecast to make decisions about your business. It is important that you have an understanding of what information the balance sheet forecast is providing and what that information is telling you.
Chartered accountant Michael Brown is the founder and CEO of Plan Projections. He has worked as an accountant and consultant for more than 25 years and has built financial models for all types of industries. He has been the CFO or controller of both small and medium sized companies and has run small businesses of his own. He has been a manager and an auditor with Deloitte, a big 4 accountancy firm, and holds a degree from Loughborough University.
By Andy Marker | January 3, 2024
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We’ve collected the top free financial projection and forecasting templates. These templates enable business owners, CFOs, accountants, and financial analysts to plan future growth, manage cash flow, attract investors, and make informed decisions. On this page, you'll find many helpful, free, customizable financial projection and forecasting templates, including a 1 2-month financial projection template , a startup financial projection template , a 3-year financial projection template , and a small business financial forecast template , among others. You’ll also find details on the elements in a financial projection template , types of financial projection and forecasting templates , and related financial templates .
Download a Sample Simple Financial Projection Template for
Excel | Google Sheets
Download a Blank Simple Financial Projection Template for
Excel | Google Sheets
Small business owners and new entrepreneurs are the ideal users for this simple financial projection template. Just input your expected revenues and expenses. This template stands out due to its ease of use and focus on basic, straightforward financial planning, making it perfect for small-scale or early-stage businesses. Available with or without sample text, this tool offers clear financial oversight, better budget management, and informed decision-making regarding future business growth.
Looking for help with your business plan? Check out these free financial templates for a business plan to streamline the process of organizing your business's financial information and presenting it effectively to stakeholders.
Download a Sample Financial Forecast Template for
Download a Blank Financial Forecast Template for
This template is perfect for businesses that require a detailed and all-encompassing forecast. Users can input various financial data, such as projected revenues, costs, and market trends, to generate a complete financial outlook. Available with or without example text, this template gives you a deeper understanding of your business's financial trajectory, aiding in strategic decision-making and long-term financial stability.
These free cash-flow forecast templates help you predict your business’s future cash inflows and outflows, allowing you to manage liquidity and optimize financial planning.
Download a Sample 12-Month Financial Projection Template for
Download a Blank 12-Month Financial Projection Template for
Use this 12-month financial projection template for better cash-flow management, more accurate budgeting, and enhanced readiness for short-term financial challenges and opportunities. Input estimated monthly revenues and expenses, tracking financial performance over the course of a year. Available with or without sample text, this template is ideal for business owners who need to focus on short-term financial planning. This tool allows you to respond quickly to market shifts and plan effectively for the business's crucial first year.
Download free sales forecasting templates to help your business predict future sales, enabling better inventory management, resource planning, and decision-making.
Download a Sample Startup Financial Projection Template for
Download a Blank Startup Financial Projection Template for
This dynamic startup financial projection template is ideal for startup founders and entrepreneurs, as it's designed specifically for the unique needs of startups. Available with or without example text, this template focuses on clearly outlining a startup's initial financial trajectory, an essential component for attracting investors. Users can input projected revenues, startup costs, and funding sources to create a comprehensive financial forecast.
Download a Sample 3-Year Financial Projection Template for
Download a Blank 3-Year Financial Projection Template for
This three-year financial projection template is particularly useful for business strategists and financial planners who are looking for a medium-term financial planning tool. Input data such as projected revenues, expenses, and growth rates for the next three years. Available with or without sample text, this template lets you anticipate financial challenges and opportunities in the medium term, aiding in strategic decision-making and ensuring sustained business growth.
Download a Sample 5-Year Financial Forecasting Template for
Download a Blank 5-Year Financial Forecasting Template for
CFOs and long-term business planners can use this five-year financial forecasting template to get a clear, long-range financial vision. Available with or without example text, this template allows you to plan strategically and invest wisely, preparing your business for future market developments and opportunities. This unique tool offers an extensive outlook for your business’s financial strategy. Simply input detailed financial data spanning five years, including revenue projections, investment plans, and expected market growth. Visually engaging bar charts of key metrics help turn data into engaging narratives.
Download a Sample Small Business Financial Forecast Template for
Download a Blank Small Business Financial Forecast Template for
Excel | Google Sheets
The small business financial forecast template is tailored specifically for the scale and specific requirements of small enterprises. Business owners and financial managers can simply input data such as projected sales or expenses. Available with or without sample text, this tool offers the ability to do the following: envision straightforward financial planning; anticipate future financial needs and challenges; make informed decisions; and steer the business toward steady growth.
The elements in a financial projection template include future sales, costs, profits, and cash flow. This template illustrates expected receivables, payables, and break-even dates. This tool helps you plan for your business's financial future and growth.
Here are the standard elements in a financial projection template:
There are many types of financial projection and forecasting templates: basic templates for small businesses; detailed ones for big companies; special ones for startup businesses; and others. There are also sales forecasts, cash-flow estimates, and profit and loss projections.
In addition, financial projection and forecasting templates include long-term planning templates, break-even analyses, budget forecasts, and templates made for specific industries such as retail or manufacturing.
Each template serves different financial planning needs. Determine which one best suits your requirements based on the scale of your business, the complexity of its financial structure, and the specific department that you want to analyze.
Here's a list of the top types of financial projection and forecasting templates:
Check out this list of free financial templates related to financial projections and forecasting. You'll find templates for budgeting, tracking profits and losses, planning your finances, and more. These tools help keep your company’s money matters organized and clear.
Use one of these project budget templates to maintain control over project finances, ensuring costs stay aligned with the allocated budget and improving overall financial management.
Use one of these monthly budget templates to effectively track and manage your business’s income and expenses, helping you plan financially and save money.
Use one of these expense report templates to systematically track and document all business-related expenditures, ensuring accurate reimbursement and efficient financial record-keeping.
Use one of these balance sheet templates to summarize your company's financial position at a given time.
Use one of these cash-flow forecast templates to predict future cash inflows and outflows, helping you manage liquidity and make informed financial decisions.
Use one of these cash-flow statement templates to track the movement of cash in and out of your business, so you can assess your company’s level of liquidity and financial stability.
Use one of these discounted cash-flow (DCF) templates to evaluate the profitability of investments or projects by calculating their present value based on future cash flows.
Use one of these financial dashboard templates to get an at-a-glance view of key financial metrics, so you can make decisions quickly and manage finances effectively.
Free financial planning templates.
Use one of these financial planning templates to strategically organize and forecast future finances, helping you set realistic financial goals and ensure long-term business growth.
Use one of these profit and loss (P&L) templates to systematically track income and expenses, giving you a clear picture of your company's profitability over a specific period.
Use one of these billing and invoice templates to streamline the invoicing process and ensure that you bill clients accurately and professionally for services or products.
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Last Updated August 28, 2024
Planning for future growth is an obvious critical component of running a business, but how to do this effectively is not quite as obvious.
This is where a projected balance sheet comes into play. This document is a great tool for forecasting future financial position, anticipating financial needs, managing cash flow , and making more informed, strategic decisions down the line.
This guide will help you understand what a projected balance sheet is, why it’s so essential, and how to create a projected balance sheet as you ultimately learn how to build a reliable and accurate financial forecast.
A projected balance sheet, also known as a pro forma balance sheet, estimates a company’s future financial position. Unlike a standard balance sheet that reflects past performance, it forecasts assets, liabilities, and equity based on expected financial activities.
This balance sheet projection includes current and long-term assets (like cash and property), liabilities (such as accounts payable and loans), and equity (owners’ interest after liabilities).
Projected balance sheets help businesses anticipate financial needs, manage cash flow, and plan for growth. They provide valuable insights for investors, lenders, and management. Pro forma balance sheets are an essential tool for strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management. They offer a snapshot of a company’s anticipated financial health.
A balance sheet forecast helps businesses anticipate future financial conditions and prepare for potential challenges and opportunities. By projecting assets, liabilities, and equity, companies can better manage cash flow, plan for investments, and appropriately allocate resources.
A balance sheet forecast provides valuable insights for stakeholders, such as investors and lenders. It demonstrates the company’s financial stability and growth potential. The document assists in securing funding by showcasing the expected financial health of the business.
Moreover, forecasting supports strategic decision-making, which means management can set realistic goals and make informed choices. It identifies potential financial shortfalls and surpluses and guides corrective actions and strategic initiatives. Overall, a balance sheet forecast is a proactive tool for financial planning and sustainable business growth.
For a projected balance sheet to offer valuable insights, it must be accurate. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Start with a thorough analysis of historical financial data. This includes examining past balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements . These historical trends and patterns in assets, liabilities, and equity provide the needed information for making accurate projections. Use this data to establish a baseline for future estimates.
A robust balance sheet forecast should not be created in isolation. Ensure your projections align with forecasts for the income statement and cash flow statement. The income statement influences net income, which affects earnings. Meanwhile, the cash flow statement shows changes in cash and cash equivalents.
Conduct scenario planning to stimulate various strategic moves and market conditions. This helps assess potential impacts on your financial health. Additionally, perform sensitivity analysis to understand how changes in key assumptions affect your projections. This allows for adjustments based on different economic or business scenarios.
Factor in any known future events such as acquisitions, divestitures, or capital expenditures. These strategic plans can significantly impact the structure of your balance sheet. Ensure these initiatives accurately reflect your projects to provide a realistic financial outlook.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Balance sheet forecasting is an iterative process. Regularly compare actual outcomes to your forecast to refine assumptions and methodologies. This review process ensures that your projects remain realistic and accurate over time.
Consistency and Reasonableness
Critically evaluate your projected balance sheet for consistency and reasonableness. This is an important key to maintaining credibility and accuracy.
When creating a projected balance sheet, include all relevant categories that reflect the company’s anticipated financial position. These categories are typically divided into assets, liabilities, and equity.
Below, we detail what each of these categories should include, along with examples.
Assets are resources owned by the company that are expected to provide future economic benefits. They are divided into current and long-term assets.
Related: Fixes Assets vs. Current Assets
Liabilities are obligations that the company must pay in the future. They are divided into current and long-term liabilities.
Equity represents the owners’ residual interest in the company after liabilities have been deducted from assets. It includes:
There are several key steps to creating an accurate and comprehensive projected balance sheet. This process helps businesses anticipate future financial positions and plan accordingly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a projected balance sheet.
Start by collecting historical financial statements, including past balance sheets, income statements , and cash flow statements . Analyze these documents to understand trends and patterns in assets, liabilities, and equity. This historical context forms the baseline for your future projections .
Next, project future sales and expenses based on market research, industry trends, and internal data. Consider factors like seasonality, economic conditions, and competitive landscape. Accurate revenue and expense forecasts impact many balance sheet items, including accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable .
Forecast the values of current and long-term assets. For current assets, such as cash, accounts receivable, and inventory, use projected sales and production levels. Adjust long-term assets, like property and equipment, for depreciation and anticipated investments.
Estimate future obligations by considering expected business activities and financial commitments. Project accounts payable, short-term debt, and accrued expenses based on historical trends and anticipated changes. For long-term liabilities, factor in repayment schedules for existing loans and potential new debt .
Determine changes in shareholders’ equity by forecasting retained earnings, additional capital contributions, and dividends. This involves projecting net income from the income statement and deciding on dividend payouts based on historical patterns or strategic goals.
Finally, critically evaluate your projected balance sheet for accuracy and consistency. Regularly compare it to actual outcomes and adjust assumptions as needed. Conduct sensitivity analysis to understand how changes in key variables affect your projections. This iterative process helps refine your forecast and maintain its reliability.
An important aspect of business accounting is not just reviewing past and current performance but planning ahead.
A projected balance sheet, or pro forma balance sheet, forecasts a company’s future financial position, detailing expected assets, liabilities, and equity. It differs from historical balance sheets by focusing on anticipated future performance based on assumptions and financial projections.
Essential for strategic planning, it helps businesses manage cash flow, secure funding, and make informed decisions by providing insights into their future financial health. This tool integrates with the other essential financial statements to ensure a comprehensive view of the company’s projected financial status .
What is the difference between a projected and an estimated balance sheet.
A projected balance sheet is a detailed financial statement that forecasts a company’s future financial position based on specific assumptions and planned activities. In contrast, an estimated balance sheet approximates future financial conditions using simpler, less detailed calculations. The projected balance sheet is generally more precise and is used for strategic planning, while the estimated balance sheet provides a rough approximation for immediate needs .
Financial modeling involves creating a detailed representation of a company’s financial performance, often using spreadsheets. It includes forecasting future revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity. These models help businesses assess the impact of various scenarios and decisions on their financial health. Financial modeling is essential for budgeting, investment analysis, and strategic planning .
When making financial projections, consider factors such as historical financial data, market trends, economic conditions, and business strategies. Account for potential changes in revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures. Incorporate assumptions about growth rates, cost structures, and external factors like regulatory changes. Regularly review and adjust these projections based on actual performance.
Balance sheet forecast methods include historical trend analysis, the percentage of sales method, and driver-based modeling. Historical trend analysis uses past data to predict future values. The percentage of sales method projects balance sheet items as a percentage of forecasted sales. Driver-based modeling links balance sheet items to specific business drivers, such as production volumes or market conditions.
Michael McCareins is the Content Marketing Associate at altLINE, where he is dedicated to creating and managing optimal content for readers. Following a brief career in media relations, Michael has discovered a passion for content marketing through developing unique, informative content to help audiences better understand ideas and topics such as invoice factoring and A/R financing.
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There are three main financial statements that you will need to include in your business plan financial projections: 1. Income Statement Projection. The income statement projection is a forecast of your company’s future revenues and expenses. It should include line items for each type of income and expense, as well as a total at the end.
Creating financial projections is an important part of building a business plan. That’s because realistic estimates help company leaders set business goals, execute financial decisions, manage cash flow, identify areas for operational improvement, seek funding from investors, and more.
By analyzing projected financial statements, such as the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet, business owners can assess how their business is expected to perform over a specific period of time. This insight enables them to make informed decisions regarding budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
The balance sheet forecast is one of the three main statements for business plan financials, and is sometimes referred to as the statement of financial position. The balance sheet forecast shows a financial snapshot of the business at a specific point in time, usually at the end of each accounting year.
These templates enable business owners, CFOs, accountants, and financial analysts to plan future growth, manage cash flow, attract investors, and make informed decisions.
This process helps businesses anticipate future financial positions and plan accordingly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a projected balance sheet. 1. Gather Historical Data. Start by collecting historical financial statements, including past balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.