Modular Models
Plug and play according to the needs of the output
What is a Modular Model?
A modular model splits out the core statements into smaller schedules and conducts the calculations outside of the core statements. This allows the focus to remain on the core statements, which can now be kept cleaner. Supporting schedules do all the calculations and dirty work. In a horizontal model, these supporting schedules may be placed on separate tabs from the core statements.
When calculations are completed, the resulting output can be referenced back to the core statements. As such, most line items within the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statements are references to the supporting schedules, as opposed to containing inputs or formulas.
Why use a modular model?
The benefit of the modular model is that it is easier to manipulate small pieces of data, as calculations have been dissected into their individual pieces. Also, because data has now been split, it becomes easier to see where mistakes or errors have arisen. The modularity of the model makes understanding the flow of data easier.
Depending on the information needed, a modular model also allows new data, accounts, or schedules to be added to the core statements easily. As opposed to having to create new lines and formulas within the core statements, the analyst can cleanly create a new schedule to calculate values for the new accounts. Then it becomes as simple as inserting a new line in the relevant core statements and referencing the new schedule.
What schedules are used in modular models?
The following are just some supporting schedules that support the core statements within a modular model:
- Working Capital Schedule
- PP&E and Depreciation Schedule
- Intangibles and Amortization Schedule
- Debt and Interest Schedule
- Stockholders Equity Schedule
- Schedule of other long-term items
Read more!
CFI is the official provider of the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst designation and on a mission to help you advance your career. To learn more, see the following CFI resources:
Additional Resources
CFI is a global provider of financial modeling courses and of the FMVA Certification. CFI’s mission is to help all professionals improve their technical skills. If you are a student or looking for a career change, the CFI website has many free resources to help you jumpstart your Career in Finance. If you are seeking to improve your technical skills, check out some of our most popular courses. Below are some additional resources for you to further explore:
The Financial Modeling Certification
Analyst Certification FMVA® Program
CFI is a global provider of financial modeling courses and of the FMVA Certification. CFI’s mission is to help all professionals improve their technical skills. If you are a student or looking for a career change, the CFI website has many free resources to help you jumpstart your Career in Finance. If you are seeking to improve your technical skills, check out some of our most popular courses. Below are some additional resources for you to further explore:
The Financial Modeling Certification
Below is a break down of subject weightings in the FMVA® financial analyst program. As you can see there is a heavy focus on financial modeling, finance, Excel, business valuation, budgeting/forecasting, PowerPoint presentations, accounting and business strategy.
A well rounded financial analyst possesses all of the above skills!
Additional Questions & Answers
CFI is the global institution behind the financial modeling and valuation analyst FMVA® Designation. CFI is on a mission to enable anyone to be a great financial analyst and have a great career path. In order to help you advance your career, CFI has compiled many resources to assist you along the path.
In order to become a great financial analyst, here are some more questions and answers for you to discover:
- What is Financial Modeling?
- How Do You Build a DCF Model?
- What is Sensitivity Analysis?
- How Do You Value a Business?
Excel Tutorial
CFI is a global provider of financial modeling courses and of the FMVA Certification. CFI’s mission is to help all professionals improve their technical skills. If you are a student or looking for a career change, the CFI website has many free resources to help you jumpstart your Career in Finance. If you are seeking to improve your technical skills, check out some of our most popular courses. Below are some additional resources for you to further explore:
The Financial Modeling Certification
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