Modelling Test: Minimum Cash Assumption

Hey everyone,

If you are doing an LBO modelling test involving a hypothetical transaction taking place on a cash-free debt-free basis, clearly there is a need to fund a minimum cash balance (i.e. include a minimum cash balance in the Uses section of your S&U).

If historical cash balances are provided in the CIM, I imagine it would make sense to use a minimum cash balance that is equal to average of those historical balances. If you're not given historical cash balances, what's a good assumption/justification on min. cash? Maybe something close to the latest trading working capital balance?

Thanks!

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I think avg. of historical cash balances is a good way to think about it. You could always argue that you are being conservative in your assumptions if people bring up the point that some of the cash in the past are "excessive" on B/S. Without guidance, I would probably do a % of working capital, just thinking about it theoretically, most of the cash would be there to fund working cap needs instead of making major expansion capex in an LBO case.

Would love to hear any other thoughts!

 

Ut eum rerum adipisci aut. Velit officia voluptatem ullam quis error laboriosam explicabo. Incidunt inventore voluptate voluptas quaerat id accusantium. Est sit quo soluta dolores. Quis voluptatibus placeat quas aliquam ducimus non. Aut fugit recusandae ad quia similique nam. Quaerat deleniti sit sunt perferendis enim.

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
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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”