In today’s highly competitive business landscape, companies that utilize the right financial models have a clear edge over their competitors. While there’s no sure way to predict the future, proper financial modeling can give a glimpse of what the future holds. Even small businesses are hopping onto the financial modeling bandwagon and are reaping big.

Financial modeling provides a way for businesses to evaluate their worth and compare themselves with competitors. It’s also a critical component of strategic planning to test different scenarios and helps with budgeting. Adopting the right financial model for your business might be what you need to take it to the next level.

If you’re looking to make financial modeling part of your business strategy but don’t know-how, we’re here to help. In today’s post, we’ll be looking at the different types of financial models and how they can benefit your business.

What Is Financial Modeling?

Financial modeling is the process of creating a financial representation of a real-world financial situation. This model can be in the form of a spreadsheet, database, or any other type of software. Financial models are used to simulate different financial scenarios and help make informed decisions.

This representation will give crucial insight into a business’s current state and future projections. Different financial models reach different conclusions and achieve different purposes. However, the effectiveness of any model depends on the accuracy of its inputs and assumptions.

Type of Financial Models

As mentioned above, there are different types of financial models that serve specific purposes. Here are some of the common financial models businesses utilize today.

The Three Statement Model

The three-statement financial model is the most basic financial model used to forecast a company’s financial performance. This model is also known as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement model. It projects a company’s future financial performance by starting with its current financial position.

From there, it forecasts how financial performance will change over time. The three-statement financial model is used to generate financial statements, calculate key financial ratios, and forecast future cash flows.

This model is a good starting point for businesses that are new to financial modeling. It’s also a good option for companies that don’t have much data to work with or don’t have the infrastructure for more complex models.

The Merger Model (M&A)

The merger model is a financial model used to forecast the financial performance of a company after a merger or acquisition. This type of model is also known as an M&A model. The merger model projects how the two companies will perform as one entity.

This type of financial modeling is complex and requires a lot of data. The merger model is used to forecast financial statements, calculate key financial ratios, and generate pro forma financial statements.

A merger model is a good option for businesses that are considering an M&A transaction. It’s also a good option for businesses that have a lot of data and the infrastructure to support a complex financial model.

The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF Model)

The discounted cash flow model is a financial model used to value a company. This type of model discounts a company’s future cash flows to present value. The DCF model is used to calculate the intrinsic value of a company using the net present value (NPV).

This type of financial modeling is complex and requires a lot of data. It’s used to forecast a company’s financial performance, calculate key financial ratios, and value a company.

The DCF model is a good option for businesses that are looking to value their company or raise capital. It’s also a good option for businesses that have tons of data and the right IT setup to support a complex financial model.

The Initial Public Offering Model (IPO)

The initial public offering (IPO) model is a financial model used to value a company that is going public. The model is premised on two things: comparative analysis with the company’s peers and the assumption of how much investors would be willing to pay for the company.

This type of financial modeling is complex and requires a lot of data. The IPO model calculates the dilution of existing shareholders and forecasts a company’s financial performance after going public. The IPO model is a good option for businesses that are considering an initial public offering.

Leveraged Buyout Model (LBO)

The leveraged buyout financial model is a financial model used to value a company that is being acquired with leverage (debt). The LBO financial model calculates the returns of an investment and the amount of debt that can be used to finance the acquisition.

This modeling type incorporates debt schedules, making it more advanced than other modeling types. It also consists of multiple layers of financing that create circular references. In turn, this necessitates the use of cash flow waterfalls for the modeling.

This model is pretty common in investment banking and private equity. However, it’s not as common in other types of commercial setups.

The Consolidation Model

The consolidation financial model is a financial model used to value a company that is being acquired without leverage (debt). The consolidation financial model calculates the returns of an investment and the amount of equity that can be used to finance the acquisition.

This type of financial modeling is similar to an LBO financial model but without the debt component.  The consolidation financial model is used to value a company that is being acquired with equity.

A consolidation financial model is a good option for businesses that are being acquired without leverage (debt). It’s also a good option for businesses that have a lot of data and the infrastructure to support a complex financial model.

The Sum of Parts Model

The sum of parts financial model is a financial model used to value a company with multiple operations or businesses. The sum of parts financial model values each operation or business separately and then sums the total value.

This type of financial modeling is complicated and usually requires a lot of data. The sum of parts financial model is used to forecast a company’s financial performance and calculate key financial ratios. The sum of parts of a financial model is a good option for businesses with multiple operations or businesses.

The Budget Model

The budget financial model is a financial model used to forecast a company’s financial performance. The budget financial model consists of a series of assumptions about the future and then uses those assumptions to generate financial projections.

This type of financial modeling is relatively simple and doesn’t require as much data as other models. The budget financial model is used to forecast a company’s financial performance and calculate key financial ratios. A budget financial model is a good option for businesses that are starting up or businesses that don’t have a lot of data.

When Should Businesses Use Financial Modeling?

The answer to this question depends on the specific business and its financial situation. However, there are some general guidelines that businesses can follow on when to use financial modeling.

• If a business is considering an IPO: IPO financial model
• If a business is being acquired with leverage (debt): LBO financial model
• If a business is being acquired without leverage (debt): the consolidation financial model
• If a business has multiple operations or businesses: the sum of parts financial model
• If a business is starting up or doesn’t have a lot of data: a budget financial model

Financial modeling can be a helpful tool for businesses to use to predict their future success. By understanding the different types of financial models and when to use them, businesses can make more informed decisions about their business operations and finances.

What Data Do You Need for Financial Modeling?

The type of data an entrepreneur needs for financial modeling or forecasting depends on the financial model. It also depends on the size and reaches of your business. Here are a few types of data you need for financial modeling.

• Balance sheets
• Income statements
• Cash flow statements
• Modelling assumptions
• Historical figures

These are a few examples of the data needed for most types of financial modeling. Keeping track of all the data and creating financial models can be a headache for some businesses. If that’s the case, they might want to consider outsourcing to accounting and financial management companies like EvolveCFO to give them a hand.

Importance of Financial Modeling for Entrepreneurs

The competitive nature of today’s business environment makes financial modeling a must for entrepreneurs looking to succeed. Unfortunately, most business owners aren’t too keen on investing time, money, and effort into financial modeling. This, of course, works to their detriment.

Here are a few reasons why financial modeling is important for businesses of all sizes.

Helps With Business Valuation

One of the most important aspects of financial modeling is its ability to help businesses come up with an accurate valuation. Whether you’re looking to get funding from investors or selling your business, financial modeling can give you a clear idea of how much your company is worth.

It helps look at the company’s revenue in terms of how much is coming in and how much money your company is losing. This will help give a clear picture of your company’s financial situation and its worth.

Minimizes Financial Risk

Risk is an inherent part of any business, but some business risks aren’t worth taking. Utilizing certain financial models helps identify certain financial risks that could run your business into the ground. By sidestepping these risks, you can run a thriving and profitable business.

Assists With Business Scaling

Scaling your business up or down to meet consumer demands is one of the trickiest aspects of running a business. This is especially true if you don’t base your scaling activities on actual data and consumer patterns.

A financial model can help you make data-driven decisions about your business’s future. This will allow you to confidently scale your business up or down as needed without putting your company’s financial stability at risk.

Allows for Easier and Clearer Assessments

Financial modeling gives business owners a clear and concise way to assess their company’s financial situation. Remember the SEC requires companies to present both quarterly and yearly statements every year.

This assessment can be used to make informed decisions about the future of your business.

Some financial models also allow you to track your company’s progress over time and see how well it’s performing. This information can be used to make changes to your business model and operations to improve your company’s financial performance.

Helps Mitigate Against Losing Customers

Financial modeling allows you to take a deep look into your business operations and how money moves. This in-depth analysis can shed light on issues that are making you lose customers. That way, you can make the necessary changes to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.

What’s more, it also helps identify loopholes that are draining your business dry. You can then plug these loopholes for improved profitability.

Helps Create Accurate Budgets

Creating an accurate budget is essential for any business owner who wants to keep their company afloat. Financial modeling can help you create a budget that takes into account all of your revenue and expenses. This will allow you to have a clear idea of how much money you have coming in and going out.

It also helps identify areas where you might be overspending. By reining in your expenses, you can save your business a lot of money in the long run.

Embrace Financial Modeling for a Thriving Business

Now that you know all the critical financial models and their benefits, the ball is now in your court. It’s up to you to pick a financial model for your business and leverage it to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to call in the pros when necessary.

For more informative content, be sure to check out the other posts on the site.

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