Poll: Horizontal or Vertical Models?

Settling a debate - what does your bank use when building out 3 statement models? Vertical (ie 3 statements on 1 tab) or horizontal (3 statements across 3 tabs)? Also, in each of these cases, are inputs and outputs on separate tabs? THANK YOU!

26 Comments
 

I do 3statements on same tab.

If it’s just a run-if-the-mills financial model then inputs on same tab.. any special chart outputs on separate tab

If it’s a deep dive model that builds to financials through operations, then inputs often not on same tab as the 3 statement

Note that it’s often not the banks decision, it’s often times whoever builds the models decision on how to lay stuff like this out. Sometimes there are templates laid out a certain way but there are times when you won’t touch the template

 

Vertical models.

I like to have each line item built up (expenses, revenue build, capex/depreciation, etc.) on individual tabs and feed all of it into a 3 statement model on one tab. Outputs and various return analysis on separate tabs. I also like to do any capital structure adjustment on the three statement tab (more like 4 statements) so that there is not an empty column between historical and projected financials.

 
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I like having: - every line as own tab - every year as own workbook - every statement in different folder - then a separate file on my desktop with a bunch of indirects pulling stuff into outputs

 
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Tab 1: Summary tab (w transaction assumptions, summary returns, PF balance sheet, etc.) Tab 2: Model (full three statement with returns calc), vertical style Tab 3: Operating build

Generally all you need. I tend to create additional tabs for outputs / presslinks for presentations.

Obviously, depending on where you are in deal processes, these get much more complex. Deal that we just signed up has the following:

Summary tab Charts output tab S&U tab Historical P&L output tab Model cases P&l output tab LBO Model tab Operating build tab Top customer build tab

and then a few support tabs that are from various VDR files that i used to build the model. This is also fairly simple compared to a few others i've made that had probably 5-8 additional tabs dedicated to operating builds

"My name's Ralph Cox, and I'm from where ever's not gonna get me hit"
 

It depends on the level of complexity of the model. I like to keep constant assumptions (same for all years) on a cases tab because I can screw with column widths. I then do a vertical model tab for 3 statements. If there is a complex revenue build, that can go on a separate tab. I do a separate tab for complex ABL availability builds as well. Debt schedule ideally goes on the vertical model tab unless it is too complex. I have the luxury and burden of having complete control over the model, so I can do pretty much whatever I want. I try and make it so everything can be print formatted to avoid having to output tons of stuff to PowerPoint every time I share the model with my boss or management. Lenders and bankers are happy to get in XLS.

 

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