PE Fund model - best practices.

Dear All

I’m looking for some reference materials with guidelines for the private equity fund model. I mean what should be covered in the PE model beyond the waterfall and returns profile? I know it depends upon the structure and other arrangements, but I need some published best practices/parameters that should be available in a good PE model. I’ve checked the ILPA and GPCA forums but found no relevant material.

Thanks!

2 Comments
 

Hey there!

Based on the most helpful WSO content, a comprehensive Private Equity (PE) model should cover a variety of aspects beyond just the waterfall and returns profile. Here are some key elements that should be included:

  1. Investment Assumptions: This includes the purchase price, the form of the purchase (equity or asset), and the expected holding period.

  2. Financial Projections: This includes projected income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

  3. Debt Schedule: This includes the details of any debt used to finance the purchase, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and covenants.

  4. Exit Assumptions: This includes the expected exit multiple and the method of exit (sale, IPO, etc.).

  5. IRR and Cash on Cash Returns: This includes the calculation of the internal rate of return (IRR) and cash on cash returns based on the cash flows from the investment and the exit.

  6. Sensitivity Analysis: This includes an analysis of how changes in key assumptions (like growth rate, exit multiple, etc.) would impact the returns.

Remember, every PE deal is unique, so the model should be tailored to fit the specifics of the deal. The WSO has a variety of resources on financial modeling that you might find helpful, including a guide on DCF Modeling and a variety of financial modeling templates.

Hope this helps! Swing back if you have more questions.

Sources: Private Equity shops with the best work/life balance, Starting a Private Equity Fund/Firm, Private Equity is Paradise, Why private equity practice vs. general practice?

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