What is the main purpose of a pro forma financial statement?

The main purpose of a pro forma financial statement is to include hypothetical scenarios regarding business decisions. Pro forma statements are essentially financial reports prepared under specific assumptions or projections, often used to forecast future financial performance or to illustrate the potential impact of certain business decisions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or capital investments. By presenting these hypothetical scenarios, they enable stakeholders to evaluate how certain choices might affect the company's financial standing.

Unlike actual financial results, which reflect what has already occurred, pro forma statements focus on potential outcomes and are useful for planning and strategic decision-making. They allow companies and investors to visualize the implications of various scenarios and evaluate the feasibility of proposed initiatives. This clear distinction of presenting possible future financial conditions is what makes pro forma statements a valuable tool in financial analysis and planning.