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Financial Models & Due Diligence

Garry Stephensen

Article Author: Garry Stephensen
Position: Managing Director
Read time: 4 mins

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Financial models are absolute game-changers when it comes to buying or selling an Aussie business in 2024.

Picture this: you're in the midst of negotiating, crunching numbers, and trying to figure out the best deal possible. Enter financial models – your trusty sidekick in helping you make data-driven decisions every step of the way.

So, why should you bother with financial models? The 3 key reasons are:

  1. Negotiating Power
  2. Due Diligence Facilitators
  3. Financing and Structuring Deals


Using Financial Models To Help You Buy an Australian Business

But first, what is a financial model?

Financial models are essentially mathematical representations of a business's financial performance, often created using spreadsheet software like Excel or specialized financial modeling tools. These models use historical financial data, along with assumptions about future conditions, to forecast future revenues, expenses, cash flows, and overall financial health of a company.

Think of a financial model as a blueprint for understanding and predicting how a business will perform financially under different scenarios and circumstances. They're like virtual simulations that allow you to explore various 'what-if' scenarios, such as changes in sales volume, pricing, costs, or market conditions, and see how these factors might impact the company's financial outcomes.

Financial models are used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Valuation: Estimating the value of a business or an investment opportunity based on its projected future cash flows and earnings.
  • Decision Making: Assisting in strategic decision-making processes by providing insights into the financial implications of different options or courses of action.
  • Planning and Budgeting: Helping businesses to plan and budget for the future by forecasting financial performance and setting targets.
  • Investment Analysis: Evaluating the financial viability and potential return on investment of projects, acquisitions, or other business opportunities.
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing financial risks associated with various business activities or investments.

In essence, financial models are powerful tools that enable businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions about their finances, investments, and strategic direction. They provide a structured framework for analyzing and understanding complex financial situations, ultimately helping businesses to achieve their goals and objectives.

View our track record of business sales.


Negotiating power

Financial models are your negotiation wingman when conducting a business valuation. With a solid financial model in hand, sellers can back up their valuation with hard data, while buyers get a clear view of the business's financial health. It's like having a transparent window into the company's performance, making negotiations smoother and more fruitful for everyone involved.  If you need someone experienced in your corner, contact Lloyds' business brokers in Sydney to assist with your transaction.

Facilitators of Due Diligence

Financial models also streamline the due diligence process. Any experienced broker knows that time can kill a business deal.  So the faster the due diligence process can occur without sacrificing accuracy and thoroughness, generally the better the deal goes through.  Buyers need to dot their i's and cross their t's before making a big purchase, and a well-constructed model makes it easier to sift through mountains of financial data. Think of it as a shortcut to identifying potential risks or red flags, so you can make informed decisions without breaking a sweat.

And let's not forget about valuation accuracy – a crucial piece of the puzzle. These models crunch numbers from past performance and future projections to give you a clear picture of the business's true value. It's like having a crystal ball (minus the mystical vibes) to guide you through the valuation maze.

Financing and structuring the deal

Now, onto obtaining business financing within Australia. If you're looking to fund your acquisition, a killer financial model is your golden ticket. It shows lenders that you mean business, demonstrating the company's ability to generate cash flow and pay off debts. Translation: more confidence from lenders, more chances of getting that sweet financing.

Oh, and did I mention deal structures? Yeah, financial models can help with that too. Whether you're weighing up cash versus stock transactions or considering earn-outs, these models let you peek into the future to see how different structures will affect your bottom line.

View our track record of business sales.


So, there you have it – the power of financial models in a nutshell. They're not just fancy spreadsheets; they're your secret weapon for making savvy business decisions. So, go ahead, crunch those numbers, and watch your business dreams turn into reality!

Business Broker - Garry Stephensen

Garry
Managing Director
Business Broker - Karen Dado

Karen
Director NSW
Business Broker - Geoffrey Tulett

Geoffrey
Lloyds Corporate Partner - Mergers & Acquisition Specialist
Business Broker - Jack Phillips

Jack
Corporate Advisory
Business Broker - Edward Alder

Edward
Director Victoria
Business Broker - Dianne Reynolds

Dianne
Research Director and Corporate Broker

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