Using Industry Intelligence to Enhance Financial Models: Insights from CFI & IBISWorld

Written by CFI Team

Reviewed by Jeff Schmidt

Read Time 2 minutes

From steering company growth to valuing a business, financial modeling is the engine that powers high-stakes decision-making in finance. However, even the most carefully built model can fall short without real-time industry data.

That’s why the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) and IBISWorld collaborated on a new whitepaper: Leveraging Industry Intelligence for Informed Financial Modeling and Decision Making.

In this report, you will find:

A breakdown of how industry data strengthens forecasting and valuation accuracy.
A practical case study showcasing improved modeling outcomes.
Tips on using IBISWorld data within CFI’s Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) Certification for corporate finance, investment banking, and strategic planning.

The Power of Combining Financial Modeling Training with Industry Intelligence

This report outlines how the right combination of practical training and industry research leads to clear advantages at every stage of modeling, including:

Stronger revenue forecasting: Industry growth rates and demand trends set a realistic foundation for developing model assumptions.
Improved financial benchmarking: Profitability and cost structures are compared to sector norms for added credibility.
Enhanced valuation analysis: Competitive analysis and industry-specific multiples allow for more precise business valuations.
Deeper risk analysis: Risk-related data on market volatility, barriers to entry, and external threats are incorporated into scenario planning and stress-testing.

The result? Financial models that accurately reflect real market conditions and business challenges, equipping finance professionals for informed decision making.

CFI IBISWorld White Paper - Life Cycle — Source: CFI & IBISWorld Whitepaper: *Leveraging Industry Intelligence for Informed Financial Modeling and Decision Making*

Access the Full Report

Explore how CFI’s FMVA Certification program and IBISWorld’s industry data turn financial models into robust decision-making tools.

Download the full whitepaper now!

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Ready to build world-class financial modeling skills? CFI’s industry-recognized Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) Certification prepares you for a career as a financial analyst in corporate finance, investment banking, private equity, and more. Master financial modeling, valuation, and Excel with expert training used by teams at Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and PwC!

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