Blog
Expert guides on financial modelling, valuation, and forecasting. Built for finance professionals, founders, and analysts.
How to Build a Debt Schedule in Excel
Learn how to build a debt schedule in Excel: a per-tranche roll-forward of opening balance, draws, scheduled principal, cash sweep, and PIK interest, plus revolver modeling and leverage, coverage, and DSCR covenant tests.
Monte Carlo Simulation in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to build a Monte Carlo simulation in Excel using only native functions - RAND, NORM.INV, and Data Tables. Includes a fully worked product-launch example, the exact formulas, distribution choices, and how to read the output.
Startup Runway and Burn Rate: How to Calculate
Learn how to calculate burn rate and startup runway step by step. Understand gross vs net burn rate, the cash runway formula, a worked monthly example, and how much cash to raise.
Real Estate Pro Forma: How to Build One
Learn how to build a real estate pro forma from scratch. A complete walkthrough of the property pro forma waterfall - gross rent, NOI, debt service, cap rate, and returns - with a worked multifamily example, Excel formulas, and a free real estate financial model template.
Accretion / Dilution Analysis in M&A
Learn accretion / dilution analysis in M&A: the P/E rule of thumb, pro forma EPS mechanics, a full worked example across cash, stock, and mixed financing, plus synergies and breakeven analysis.
Terminal Value: Gordon Growth vs Exit Multiple
Learn how to calculate terminal value in a DCF using the Gordon Growth (perpetuity growth) model and the exit multiple method. Includes the terminal value formula, a full worked example, the implied-multiple cross-check, and the mistakes that quietly inflate valuations.
Financial Forecasting Methods Explained: How to Build a Financial Forecast
A practical guide to financial forecasting methods - straight-line, moving average, linear trend, and driver-based forecasting. Includes a worked revenue forecast in Excel, formulas, and how to measure forecast accuracy.
Enterprise Value vs Equity Value Explained
Enterprise value vs equity value, explained clearly: what each measures, the full EV-to-equity bridge (net debt, preferred, minority interest, cash), which valuation multiples pair with which, and a worked numerical example.
The 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast: A Practical Guide
A practical guide to building a 13-week cash flow forecast in Excel - the short-term, weekly liquidity model used in treasury and turnaround situations. Learn why 13 weeks, the direct-method receipts-and-disbursements build, a fully worked 13-week example, the roll-forward and variance formulas, and the mistakes to avoid.
Pro Forma Financial Statements: A Complete Guide
Pro forma financial statements are projected income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements built on a set of assumptions. Learn what they are and how to build a fully linked pro forma income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in Excel, with a worked three-year example that ties out to the penny.
Comparable Company Analysis: Excel Guide
Learn comparable company analysis (trading comps) step by step: select a defensible peer set, build EV/EBITDA and EV/Revenue multiples, handle outliers, and turn median peer multiples into an implied valuation range, with a full worked example in Excel.
Business Valuation Methods: DCF, Comps and Precedents
A practical guide to business valuation: the three approaches (income, market and asset), how DCF, comparable companies and precedent transactions work, and how to reconcile company valuation methods into a defensible range.
