3-Statement Modeling (2024)

Understanding the right way to construct and balance a 3-Statement Financial Model is a critical skill that is needed for many finance and accounting roles.

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Corporate Finance Institute

3-Statement Modeling

  • Overview
  • What You'll Learn
  • Career Programs
  • What Students Say
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Overview

3-Statement Modeling Course Overview

Being able to construct and balance a 3-Statement Modeling is a critical skill for many roles in accounting and finance. Including an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet helps to assess the financial health of a business. Connecting the balance sheet correctly can also help by adding an error detection system to highlight issues with the financial model.3-Statement Modeling (1)This course discusses model circularity in detail beginning with the advantages and disadvantages of building circular models. We review the two circular loops in the model and walk through the necessary steps to install a circularity switch. Important figures from the financial statements are summarized on an attractive model dashboard. We also review important print settings used to format the model as a polished financial presentation.3-Statement Modeling (2)

3-Statement Modeling Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Review the best way to design 3-Statement Modeling, which have been prioritized for presentation and printing.
  • Use separate corkscrews to build debt and equity schedules, including detailed instructions for installing a dynamic revolving line of credit.
  • Understand the correct linkages between the three financial statements and how to use the balance sheet as an error detection system for the model.
  • Discuss the two circular loops in the financial model and how to connect them to a circularity switch to reset the model when needed.
  • Pull important figures from the financial statements into a rich dashboard with graphs highlighting critical model insights.
  • Summarize model checks on the cover page with conditional formatting to alert the user to any areas of concern in the model.

3-Statement Modeling (3)

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is most suitable for anyone working in investment banking, equity research, and private equity. The content may also be relevant for other financial modeling roles such as corporate development.3-Statement Modeling (4)

Courses we recommend you take in advance

These prerequisite courses are optional, but we recommend you complete the stated prep course(s) or possess the equivalent knowledge prior to enrolling in this course:

  1. Financial Analysis Fundamentals
  2. Excel Crash Course
  3. Accounting Principles and Standards
  4. Operational Modeling

3-Statement Modeling

Led by Duncan McKeen

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Level 4

Approx 6.5h to complete

100% online and self-paced

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What you'll learn

Lesson

Multimedia

Exams

Files

Model Theory

Company Health Check Free Preview Overview of Financial Statements Free Preview Role of Finance Professionals Free Preview

Compact 3 Statement Model

Download Compact Model Template Free Preview Income Statement Free Preview Cash Flow Statement Free Preview Balance Sheet Assets Free Preview Balance Sheet Liabilities Free Preview Balance Sheet Equity Free Preview Download Complete Compact Model Interactive Exercises 1 Check-in 1

Model Design

The Importance of Design Reverse Model Design Designing For The Audience Interactive Exercises 2

Model Drivers

Defining Model Drivers Download Full Model Template Model Tour Tips for Building Choose Function Index Function Combo Box Check-in 2

Operational Schedules

Overview of Schedules Model Tour Model Solution Check-in 3

Capital Structure

Overview of Capital Stucture Using Corkscrews Model Tour Debt Schedule Part 1 Equity Structure Interactive Exercises 3 Check-in 4

Financial Statements

Tour of Statements Income Statement Cash Flow Statement Balance Sheet Revolver Overview Revolver Model Tour Revolver Solution Complete the Statements Cash Available for Revolver Revolver Movements Finding Hardcodes Row Differences Go to Precedent Cell Missing Line Items Incorrect Balance Sheet Wiring Interactive Exercises 4 Check-in 5

Circularity

Circularity Financial Model Circularity Switch Overview Switch Installation Crashing the Model Interactive Exercises 5 Check-in 6

Dashboard

Importance of Dashboards Tour of Dashboard Dashboard Solution Interactive Exercises 6 Check-in 7

Checks

Using Model Checks Installing the Alerts Check-in 8

Printing

Print Preview Detailed Settings Quick Access Toolbar Interactive Exercises 7

Summary

Download Complete Full Model Course Summary

Qualified Assessment

Qualified assessment

This Course is Part of the Following Programs

Why stop here? Expand your skills and show your expertise with the professional certifications, specializations, and CPE credits you’re already on your way to earning.

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) Certification

3-Statement Modeling is part of the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) certification, which includes 55 courses.

  • Skills Learned Financial modeling and valuation, sensitivity analysis, strategy
  • Career Prep Investment banking and equity research, FP&A, corporate development

Learn More

Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA®) Certification

3-Statement Modeling is part of the Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA®) certification, which includes 59 courses.

  • Skills Learned Financial Analysis, Credit Structuring, Risk Management
  • Career Prep Commercial Banking, Credit Analyst, Private Lending

Learn More

Learner Reviews

Probably the best finance courses in the internet today
LBO, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Modeling & Venture Debt - although very complex matter - these courses are explained in an easy to digest form. Well done CFI!

Adam Bilski

It was really educative
I really learnt a lot during this course. I appreciate the facilitators for their wealth of knowledge and the ability to share them so well. Thank you.

Samuel Olunaike

Great learning platform!
Suitable for those willing to improve their Excel and financial modeling skills.

Suraj Parekh

Building a 3 statement financial model
It's an amazing experience being taught by seasoned facilitators

James Oyesiji

See more

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to take the courses?

All of our certification programs are open to students and professionals in various industries and levels of experience. Our curriculum is designed to teach what you need to know from basic fundamentals to advanced practical case studies. To take the courses and complete the exercises, students will only need access to a PC and/or Mac, Microsoft Suite (2016 or newer), and a stable internet connection. Click here to view the Technical Requirements

Can I download the Excel files and financial modeling templates for the course?

Absolutely! All the files and templates needed in a course are available for download. Just look for a module that shows Downloadable Files within the course dashboard. See here for a visual guide on how to do this.

How long do I have to complete the courses?

You will have yearly access to the courses as long as you maintain an active subscription. All the courses are self-paced as well so you can take your time in learning without worrying about any deadlines. Click here to compare our available enrollment options.

Are CFI courses officially accredited?

Yes, CFI is accredited by the Better Business Bureau® (BBB) to maintain training standards, the CPA Institutions in Canada, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) in the USA. Most of our courses qualify for verified CPE credits for CPA charter holders. Please refer to this page to view all available CPE credits.

Are there any additional fees or costs?

None! The bundle price includes everything and there are no additional fees or charges to earn your digital certification. You can see our enrollment fees listed here.

What currency are your courses priced in?

All our online courses are priced in USD. As this is a recurring payment, we accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

How do I earn my certificates?

Students must complete all the video lessons, quizzes, and final assessments in each course. You can retake the assessments as many times as necessary until you reach an 80% passing grade. For more information on how to earn a course certificate, click HERE.

How are the exams conducted?

Students are required to complete an online assessment (Multiple choice questions, Fill-in-the-Blanks, and Excel Questions) at the end of each course. You can take the exams on your own schedule and will need to earn at least 80% to pass the course and earn your certificate of course completion. Please note that course exams can be repeated as many times as you need. Students are also required to complete the FMVA® final exam to earn their certification. How to Take a Qualified Assessment

Can I email the instructor if I have questions?

While the courses are designed mainly for self-study, we are happy to provide email assistance for general or technical support inquiries. The Full Immersion bundles include a premium email support function that allows you to communicate directly with in-house experts regarding course content. This is one of the key features that sets the Full Immersion bundle apart and makes it a worthwhile upgrade over the more affordable self-study bundle. You can compare more features in our bundles here.

Will these courses help me advance my career?

Based on hundreds of reviews from thousands of students we know how CFI courses have helped so many people advance their finance careers. Our courses are designed to be extremely practical and simulate the experience of being trained as a professional financial analyst…the ultimate way to advance your career. For real-world examples and to help delve even deeper into the course concepts, please look into our free career resources library.

More Questions?

You can view more detailed information through our Help Center or Email us and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions

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3-Statement Modeling (2024)

FAQs

3-Statement Modeling? ›

A three-statement financial model is an integrated model that forecasts an organization's income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements. The three core elements (income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements) require that you gather data ahead of performing any financial modeling.

What is the difference between DCF and 3-statement model? ›

In a DCF model, similar to the 3-statement models above, you start by projecting the company's revenue, expenses, and cash flow line items. Unlike 3-statement models, however, you do not need the full Income Statement, Balance Sheet, or Cash Flow Statement.

What is 3 way forecast Modelling? ›

A three-way forecast, also known as the 3 financial statements is a financial model combining three key reports into one consolidated forecast. It links your Profit & Loss (income statement), balance sheet and cashflow projections together so you can forecast your future cash position and financial health.

What is the three statement model of SAAS? ›

The three-statement model combines your balance sheet, cash flow statement, and income statement. It's a foundational model that provides a quick snapshot of your business, and makes it possible to build more complicated models (like DCF or IPO models).

What are the three main financial statements? ›

The income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows are required financial statements. These three statements are informative tools that traders can use to analyze a company's financial strength and provide a quick picture of a company's financial health and underlying value.

How does a 3 statement model work? ›

A 3-statement model usually starts with the income statement, then the balance sheet, and finally the cash flow statement. The cash flow statement helps forecast cash and short-term borrowings and is an important step in linking the three statements.

What are the 3 major approaches for forecasting? ›

There are three basic types—qualitative techniques, time series analysis and projection, and causal models. The first uses qualitative data (expert opinion, for example) and information about special events of the kind already mentioned, and may or may not take the past into consideration.

Which forecast model is most accurate? ›

ECMWF. The European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model is another global numerical weather prediction model that is highly regarded for its accuracy. It employs advanced data assimilation techniques and sophisticated numerical algorithms to simulate atmospheric processes.

What are the three types of forecasting models? ›

5 common types of forecasting models
  • Time Series Model: good for analyzing historical data to predict future trends.
  • Econometric Model: uses economic indicators and relationships to forecast outcomes.
  • Judgmental Forecasting Model: leverages human intuition and expertise.
Jan 19, 2024

How are three statements linked? ›

Net income from the bottom of the income statement links to the balance sheet and cash flow statement. On the balance sheet, it feeds into retained earnings and on the cash flow statement, it is the starting point for the cash from operations section.

How are these 3 core statements used in financial modeling? ›

The 3-statement financial model integrates three financial statements: the income statement, the balance sheet, and the statement of cash flows. The statements are used to forecast business performance using various assumptions.

Which is the best method for calculating interest expense? ›

The simplest way to calculate interest expense is to multiply a company's total debt by the average interest rate on its debts. If a company has $100 million in debt with an average interest rate of 5%, then its interest expense is $100 million multiplied by 0.05, or $5 million.

Why do you need all 3 financial statements? ›

The balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement each offer unique details with information that is all interconnected. Together the three statements give a comprehensive portrayal of the company's operating activities.

Who has to follow Gaap? ›

The generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are a set of accounting rules, standards, and procedures issued and frequently revised by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Public companies in the U.S. must follow GAAP when their accountants compile their financial statements.

What is more important P&L or balance sheet? ›

To stay on top of your company's financial performance, it's important to use both the P&L and the balance sheet. What's the relevant time frame? If you want to know how your company is doing right now, then use the balance sheet. If you want to see how your company has performed over the past year, use the P&L.

What are the two types of DCF models? ›

The most common variations of the DCF model are the dividend discount model (DDM) and the free cash flow (FCF) model, which, in turn, has two forms: free cash flow to equity (FCFE) and free cash flow to firm (FCFF) models.

What is the difference between DCF and NAV method? ›

Net asset valuation models are a nice alternative to traditional discounted cash flow, or DCF, models because energy companies cannot assume perpetual growth. The amount of reserves an oil or gas company currently has, for example, can significantly affect its net asset value per share, or NAVPS.

What is the difference between DCF and market approach? ›

A Discounted Cash Flow or DCF valuation is often used to assess whether an investment is worthwhile based on forecasted future earnings. A DCF valuation for investment purposes is often called the 'market approach' because an expert will make a market-based assessment of future growth.

What is the difference between DCF and non DCF? ›

Discounted vs Undiscounted Cash Flows

Discounted cash flows are cash flows adjusted to incorporate the time value of money. Undiscounted cash flows are not adjusted to incorporate the time value of money. The time value of money is considered in discounted cash flows and thus is highly accurate.

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