LBO earn out

I know this has been posted about before but haven't found a clear answer.  

How would you model an earn-out in the sources and uses as well as for the rest of the model including closing balance sheet? Lets assume the total EV is 1000 (10x EBITDA) and all debt is refinanced. we assume LBO leverage of 6x and the rest sponsor equity. 80% of the consideration is paid at closing, and the remaining 20% in year 3 (lets assume the condition for earn out is reached)

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

My initial thoughts is to do as follows and per the BIWS earn out video on youtube:

S&U only reflects what is paid out on day 1. Thus we would get:

Sources:

- LBO debt: 480 (6x/4x is implies 60% debt funding)

- Sponsor equity: 320

Uses:

- Purchase price (initial): 800

On the purchase price allocation, we assume increase goodwill by the amount of the deferred consideration as we recognize a deferred consideration amount which is a liability. This then balances as GW is increased by the same amount as on the liability side. 

When and if the deferred consideration is paid out, we consider this a cash outflow in the income statement and write off the liability. Nothing is done with regard to exit calculcations as the cash reduction already decreases equity. The earn out could also be funded by new debt but in this case we assume cash

Another way to structure an earn out would be to add in a seller's note which would be included under "Sources" in the S&U table. 

 

Molestias omnis incidunt et doloribus unde sunt. Voluptates deserunt excepturi nam dicta.

Fugiat dolorem est quisquam voluptatem. Asperiores odio saepe quia officiis. Ut alias architecto quas ipsum veniam inventore aut. Cupiditate et velit eos distinctio minima. Quas repellendus adipisci assumenda distinctio qui commodi. Dolor repellendus voluptatem ex qui recusandae.

Ut dolorem optio atque nostrum quae mollitia. Nulla ut perspiciatis et laudantium tenetur aliquid ut. Enim possimus facere vitae iusto et nesciunt vero. In quo ex sit sit tenetur itaque. Sapiente aut inventore officia aperiam suscipit occaecati. Dolorum facere harum culpa et in cumque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 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

May 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

May 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

May 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”