Financial outlook is an estimation of a business’s potential financial performance over a specified period of time. It considers external factors such as economic trends, industry conditions and the competitive landscape in order to make projections regarding revenues, expenses, profits and other financial aspects. When used correctly, a financial outlook can be a powerful tool for business owners to gauge their performance and set achievable goals. It can help them plan ahead, identify areas of improvement and spot potentially risky investments before they become a problem. Ultimately, an accurate financial outlook gives businesses the information they need to steer a clear path to success.