Financial Modeling Definition

Definition of Financial Modeling

Financial modeling is the process of building a projection of a company’s operating and financial performanceThree Financial StatementsThe three financial statements are the income statement, the balance sheet, and the statement of cash flows. These three core statements are intricately linked to each other and this guide will explain how they all fit together. By following the steps below you'll be able to connect the three statements on your own. into the future in the form of a ‘model’ using Excel. The model can then be used for budgetingBudgetingBudgeting is the tactical implementation of a business plan. To achieve the goals in a business’ strategic plan, we need some type of budget that finances the business plan, sets measures and indicators of performance, and then make changes along the way to ensure that we arrive at the company’s goals. Translating, planning, operations, valuation, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and almost any other corporate activity. The models are built by financial analysts and require a strong understanding of accounting, financeFinanceCFI's Finance Articles are designed as self-study guides to learn important finance concepts online at your own pace. Browse hundreds of finance articles and guides to learn about the cost of capital, financial analysis, ratios, multiples, rates of return, profitability metics, and how to evaluate the overall, Excel, strategy, and logic.

Additional Questions and Answers

CFI is the official global provider of financial modeling and valuation analyst FMVA DesignationFinancial Modeling CertificationFinancial Modeling Certification - earn your certificate as a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® for careers in investment banking, FP&A,. CFI’s mission is to help anyone become a world-class financial analyst and has a wide range of resources to help you along the way.

In order to become a great financial analyst, below are some additional questions and answersKnowledgeCFI self-study guides are a great way to improve technical knowledge of finance, accounting, financial modeling, valuation, trading, economics, and other areas. These resources give you the technical skills you need to advance your career in investment banking, equity research, corporate development, and other areas of for you to explore further:

What is are the types of financial models?Types of Financial ModelsThe most common types of financial models include: 3 statement model, DCF model, M&A model, LBO model, budget model. Discover the top 10 types of Excel models in this detailed guide, including images and examples of each. Financial modeling is performed for many reasons including to value a business, raise money
What is sensitivity analysis?What is Sensitivity Analysis?Sensitivity Analysis is a tool used in financial modeling to analyze how the different values for a set of independent variables affect a dependent variable under certain specific conditions. Sensitivity Analysis is performed in Excel to asses risks, measure potential outcomes, and plan for an uncertain future
What is bookkeeping?AccountingOur Accounting guides and resources are designed as self-study guides to learn accounting and finance at your own pace. Browse hundreds of articles on important topics such as the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, depreciation methods, how to link the 3 statements, debits & credits, journal entries
What are the most common valuation methods?Valuation MethodsWhen valuing a company as a going concern there are three main valuation methods used: DCF analysis, comparable companies, and precedent transactions. These methods of valuation are used in investment banking, equity research, private equity, corporate development, mergers & acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and finance

Example Excel Model

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To learn How to Build an Excel Model step-by-step, click on the image below.

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Financial Modeling Definition

Definition of Financial Modeling

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Example Excel Model

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