In most cases, yes, the buyer is purchasing all future profits in the business. However, in cases where the buyer’s offer includes an earn-out, the seller is able to share in the future some of the future profitability of the company. This is sometimes done where the seller wants to retain the buyer’s services post-sale and incentivize the seller to grow the profitability of the company. The seller may see an opportunity to capitalize on a larger total payout with a buyer that can leverage the seller’s company to maximize the future growth of the company.