{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/future-earnings","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/future-earnings","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"future-earnings","term":"Future earnings","group":"Reading the business","definition":"Future earnings refer to the projected profits or cash flow a business is expected to generate after you acquire it. Lenders use these projections to assess the business's ability to repay the loan.","what_it_means":"While lenders primarily rely on historical financials, they will also review your business plan and financial projections for future earnings, especially if you plan significant changes. However, don't expect future earnings projections alone to carry the weight of an unproven historical track record. Be realistic and well-supported in your projections.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/future-earnings","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"business-plan","term":"Business plan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-plan"},{"slug":"financial-projections","term":"Financial projections","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/financial-projections"},{"slug":"cash-flow","term":"Cash flow","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cash-flow"},{"slug":"business-valuation","term":"Business valuation","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-valuation"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Can a business's retained earnings count as equity injection?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-a-business-s-retained-earnings-count-as-equity-injection"},{"question":"Can I use my business's retained earnings from a prior venture as equity injection?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-i-use-my-business-s-retained-earnings-from-a-prior-venture-as-equity-injection"},{"question":"Can future cash flow or profits from the acquired business count as equity injection?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/can-future-cash-flow-or-profits-from-the-acquired-business-count-as-equity-injection"},{"question":"How does an SBA 7(a) loan affect my ability to get future business financing?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-an-sba-7-a-loan-affect-my-ability-to-get-future-business-financing"},{"question":"Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to buy land for future business expansion?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-i-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-to-buy-land-for-future-business-expansion"},{"question":"Can a 7(a) loan finance the purchase of undeveloped land for future business expansion?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/can-a-7-a-loan-finance-the-purchase-of-undeveloped-land-for-future-business-expansion"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Future earnings","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/future-earnings","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}