What is a key purpose of a company's operating budget?

A key purpose of a company's operating budget is to project future revenues. This budget serves as a financial plan that outlines expected income and expenditures over a specified period, typically a year. By forecasting future revenues, companies are able to set achievable financial goals, allocate resources effectively, and make informed decisions about operations and strategy. This projection is crucial for planning and ensuring that the company remains on track to meet its overall financial objectives, allowing management to plan for necessary investments and manage costs accordingly.

While analyzing past performance, calculating profit margins, and evaluating employee performance are important aspects of financial management, they do not directly reflect the primary goal of an operating budget, which focuses on anticipating future financial performance and ensuring strategic alignment with company goals.