Pro-forma calculations: Overview, definition, and example
What are pro-forma calculations?
Pro-forma calculations are adjusted financial figures used to show what a company’s financial results would look like under specific assumptions or hypothetical scenarios. These calculations are commonly used in contracts, credit agreements, and M&A deals to present a modified view of financial metrics—such as EBITDA, leverage ratios, or net income—after factoring in anticipated events like acquisitions, divestitures, synergies, or cost savings.
Why are pro-forma calculations important?
Pro-forma calculations are important because they provide a forward-looking or normalized view of financial performance, especially in deals or financing situations where recent or upcoming changes would distort traditional historical metrics. They help lenders, investors, or counterparties assess risk and make decisions based on a more relevant picture of the business’s operations or financial condition. Pro-forma metrics are often used to test compliance with financial covenants or to justify borrowing capacity.
Understanding pro-forma calculations through an example
A company acquires another business midway through the year. To determine whether it complies with a leverage covenant, it prepares a pro-forma EBITDA calculation that includes the full-year financials of the acquired business and estimated cost savings. This allows the lender to assess compliance as if the acquisition had occurred at the start of the period.
Example of how a pro-forma calculations clause may appear in a contract
Here’s how a pro-forma calculations clause may appear in a credit agreement:
"For purposes of determining compliance with the financial covenants set forth herein, the Borrower may include pro-forma adjustments to EBITDA and other financial metrics to reflect acquisitions, dispositions, restructurings, or other events, provided such adjustments are reasonable and consistent with Regulation S-X or other customary practices."
Conclusion
Pro-forma calculations help present a more accurate or relevant view of a company’s financial position by adjusting for key changes or assumptions. They are especially valuable in transactional or financing contexts where static historical data may not reflect current or future realities. When used properly and transparently, pro-forma calculations improve decision-making and support compliance with contractual obligations.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.