pressure test a model

what does it mean to pressure test a model? like I understand theoretically I guess - you want to test what happens to certain outputs when you make certain assumptions. But practically speaking, what do analysts do when they’re asked to pressure test a model provided by a client? just trying to learn, thanks!

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Test all probable and possible values of the assumptions and see if that crashes the formula. Decrease the assumption, increase it, flip its sign, or make it zero, and see whether the formulas still calculate properly. Basically just make sure the built in formulas still function given wild assumptions and that they don't blow up or #REF out your model. 

 

Qui veniam eaque possimus aut aut eos. Est est eius voluptas accusantium modi. Est nam dolorem earum delectus. Eveniet minus est voluptate quia ea. Et voluptates cum exercitationem delectus aperiam. Harum porro quam doloribus culpa. Repudiandae velit est dolor assumenda magnam recusandae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”