Took an LBO modeling test without assumptions provided

I recently took a modeling test for a higher profile PE firm. They provided me a CIM without full balance sheet info with the only guidance being: build a 3 statement LBO model in an hour. To build an LBO you need financing assumptions, and a myriad of other assumptions, so I was/am a bit confused on how they wanted me to build the LBO.

I literally just used assumptions from previous LBOs I have built including cap structure, mgmt roll, tax rate, etc….

Does anyone know if I was suppose to build this any other way?

7 Comments
 

For financing assumptions and similar I would have used sensitivity tables with medians around what’s average for a buyout of that size.

For other assumptions, I would have used context clues from the CIM and explained my reasoning in the comments (e.g. project capex to increase if the CIM mentions that the firm is growing rapidly, investing in a new segment, etc.)

 

Sensitivity tables have nothing to do with assumptions for base case or general modeling, just the results of factors on your model. You could theoretically sensitize from 0-100x leverage or whatever you want

 

Voluptatum et laboriosam provident labore a. Blanditiis repudiandae deleniti dicta debitis. Rerum deserunt voluptatibus qui quam praesentium tempora. Blanditiis doloribus debitis doloremque qui quos quo natus. Nam beatae autem ut amet commodi ea laborum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

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

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”