Board packs, dashboards & decision papers · Core
Forecast
Also called: financial forecast, outlook
ELI5
An updated estimate of future results.
Used in conversation
“Can we circulate forecast with the assumptions and open questions marked?”
Pitch context
You will see “Forecast” in annual reports, earnings decks, filings and investor presentations when the discussion reaches board packs, dashboards & decision papers.
Why it matters: In board packs, dashboards & decision papers, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- TargetA forecast is the best estimate of what is likely; a target is the result the organisation wants to achieve.
- BudgetA forecast updates expected outcomes; a budget is an authorised plan or allocation, often used as a control baseline.
- GuidanceGuidance is management’s external communication about expected performance; a forecast is an internal or external estimate produced under a stated method.
- OutlookThe search label “outlook” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — How to Read a 10-KDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16