Resources to Find Info on Modeling a Biotech Company

I’m in the process of modeling a company, similar to what I’ve done in the past at my university, but am running into some road blocks since biotech models look differently than other companies.

Any videos/courses/templates paid or unpaid that might be worth checking out?

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When it comes to modeling a biotech company, the approach can indeed differ significantly from traditional financial models due to the unique nature of the industry (e.g., long R&D cycles, regulatory hurdles, and milestone-based revenues). Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some resources and tips to get you started:

1. WSO Financial Modeling Resources

  • WSO Free Modeling Series: This includes 9 free financial modeling lessons taught by experienced professionals. While not biotech-specific, it provides a solid foundation in financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, and Comps.
  • Biotech/Pharma Model Templates: WSO offers financial modeling templates that can be adapted for biotech companies. These templates are available in Excel format and can be a great starting point.

2. Biotech-Specific Guides

3. Courses and Training

  • DCF Modeling Training: Biotech companies often rely on DCF models due to their future cash flow projections. WSO’s DCF Modeling Training is a free guide that can help you refine your approach.
  • WSO Elite Modeling Package: This package includes advanced courses like LBO, M&A, and valuation modeling. While not biotech-specific, the skills are transferable and can be applied to biotech scenarios.

4. Key Considerations for Biotech Models

  • Pipeline Analysis: Focus on the company’s drug pipeline, including the stage of development, probability of success, and potential market size.
  • Milestone Payments: Incorporate milestone-based revenues and expenses, which are common in biotech partnerships.
  • Regulatory Timelines: Factor in FDA approval timelines and associated costs.
  • Risk-Adjusted NPV (rNPV): This is a common valuation method for biotech companies, adjusting for the probability of success at each development stage.

5. Community and Forums

  • WSO Forums: Engage with the WSO community to ask specific questions or find threads related to biotech modeling. Many users share their experiences and resources.
  • Networking: Reach out to professionals in the biotech or equity research space for insights and advice.

6. Additional Resources

  • Excel Modeling Best Practices: Available on WSO, this resource ensures your models are clean, efficient, and error-free.
  • Biotech Primers: Look for primers on WSO that explain the industry’s fundamentals, which can help you better understand the drivers of a biotech company.

If you’re looking for templates or specific examples, the WSO library of financial modeling templates is a great place to start. Good luck with your modeling journey—remember, biotech might be complex, but with the right tools and approach, you’ll nail it!

Sources: Biotech finance part 2: valuation methodologies and modeling considerations, Guide To Evaluate a Biotech Company, Guide To Evaluate a Biotech Company, Divergence in the Drug Businesses: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

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