KPS 3-statement LBO Test

Interested in recruiting for KPS once I start full-time and have heard they give out a pretty difficult model test where you build a 3-statement LBO from scratch in 75min and have to manually enter the historical financials from a PDF CIM.

From those that have done it before, how was it? Were there any curveballs or special features that they tested?

18 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about 3-statement model tests and LBO modeling tests:

  1. Time Constraints:

    • Building a 3-statement model and LBO in a short time frame, such as 75 minutes, is challenging. It's crucial to practice under timed conditions to get comfortable with the pace required.
  2. Manual Data Entry:

    • Manually entering historical financials from a PDF CIM can be a significant time sink. Efficiently copying data and minimizing errors is essential.
  3. Focus Areas:

    • Prioritize building a full income statement with thoughtful revenue and cost builds.
    • Ensure you understand the business and can quickly identify key issues, risks, and upside/downside drivers.
  4. Technical Skills:

    • Demonstrate your ability to model technically and understand the business.
    • You might not have time to build a perfect 3-statement model, so focus on the most critical parts.
  5. Common Challenges:

    • Limited information provided, requiring you to make logical assumptions.
    • The need to balance between speed and accuracy.
  6. Preparation Tips:

    • Practice building LBO models from scratch without templates.
    • Familiarize yourself with common financial metrics and how to calculate them.
    • Understand the fundamental concepts of finance and accounting inside and out.
  7. Additional Advice:

    • Some tests may include qualitative aspects, such as creating quick slides to highlight key points.
    • Be prepared for potential debrief interviews where you might need to explain your modeling choices in detail.

By focusing on these areas, you can better prepare for the KPS 3-statement model test and increase your chances of success.

Sources: Citadel (Surveyor) Case Study/Modeling Test, Former MS M&A / KKR here to field questions, Guide to Lateraling in 2021, Ask me anything - MM PE Associate, 1 year in, Private Equity Recruiting Process (From Banking)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Been a long time since I did it but remember this line. Basically just saying that (I think) since you don't get a full B/S showing the pre-transaction book value of equity before you do the whole pro forma goodwill thing, you assume that it's the difference between the pre-transaction assets and liabilities, which you construct through I think some kind of NWC roll (that's done for you) on top of straight blue-cell typing for some rows?

In any case, the forums talked about how there'd be some super complicated liabilities during the transaction based on NWC usage and whatnot but that's just not the case anymore.

 

Voluptas voluptatem saepe aspernatur ut voluptas necessitatibus omnis. Fugit voluptate numquam non totam iste non. Aut et ea nesciunt autem ratione. Eos facilis unde et ipsa minima ut hic iusto. Sed labore aspernatur facere magnam consequuntur nihil earum numquam.

Suscipit labore corrupti eius aspernatur voluptas quo fugiat. Molestias voluptate aliquam nobis ab.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $61
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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
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...”