Financial conference: Analysis, Modelling & Forecasting

Course details

A thorough grasp of the principles of financial analysis is a key competency needed for effective management of a business. This 5 day interactive program goes far beyond the typical financial analysis program. It uses both the principles of analysis and the power of Excel  to identify the strategic drivers that can dramatically enhance the shareholder value of your organization. Using Excel , delegates will:

• Develop the basics of strategic financial planning
• Apply the latest financial analysis techniques
• Use the tools of finance, such as the time value of money
• Determine key performance indicators in order to manage the drivers of business success
• Create tools to use within their own business

Objectives

On completion of this module delegates will be able to:

• Identify the key steps in developing a financial model
• Analyse a company's annual report identifying key performance indicators in order to understand what the numbers are really saying and make projections of future performance
• Understand the theory of interest and the time value of money and their applications
• Develop an Economic Value-Added model to see the organization from the shareholders' perspective
• Project the benefit of Capital Investment
• Learn how to use Excel  tools such as Solver, Goal Seeker, and Scenario

Training Methodology

The training comprises teaching sessions covering each topic with demonstrations of the applications on each of the topics. Delegates then use the templates prepared in order to apply the knowledge gained on each section to short case studies, using Excel . Additional practice cases are available for delegates who may develop the proficiencies more swiftly.

Organisational Impact

Delegates will be confronted with the issues in financial management and analysis which are needed in order to be effective financial managers. They will emerge with:

• A thorough understanding of the objectives of profitability and efficiency, essential for companies to succeed in a competitive environment
• The skill to use Excel  as a tool to assist in resolving issues
• Skills in basic modelling techniques which will enable them to build models appropriate to their company and industry.
• A greater understanding of the financial drivers of an organisation
• The ability to create "what if?" scenarios
• The skills to impact upon return on investment

Personal Impact

By attending the course each person will:

• Develop an improved understanding of financial drivers
• Recognise the necessity of return on investment as an imperative for the company by which they are employed
• Improve their knowledge of the many applications of Excel  and their confidence in using this package
• Improve their career prospects
• Impact upon shareholder value
• Develop greater confidence in discussing financial strategy

SEMINAR OUTLINE 

DAY 1

Introduction and overview of Financial Modelling and the International Business Environment

• Define the Terms Model and Financial Model
• Learn the 10 steps to create good Financial Models
• Use Flowcharting Techniques to improve your model
• Overview of the strategic and operational aspects of a global business entity
• The Organizational Planning Model
• The Product/Decision/Information Cycle
• The Objectives of Financial Analysis
• Creating wealth by adding value
• Basic metrics of wealth creation and financial performance

DAY 2

Analysing the Annual Report and Creating Shareholder Value

• Ratio Analysis - The heart of Financial Analysis
• Use Excel  templates to calculate and interpret liquidity, leverage and profitability ratios
• Interpret the results of ratio analysis from an accrual accounting perspective
• The inter-relationship between the DuPont Formula and EVA 
• How to use the Altman Z-Score
• Use various investment surveys to benchmark the results of financial analysis
• What constitutes "Shareholder Value?"
• Finding the cost of equity
• Determine the Cost of Debt, Preferred Equity and Common Equity
• Calculate Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
• Develop the EVA  Model
• Impact of Acquisitions on WACC

DAY 3

The Time Value of Money and the Steps in Building Financial Models

• The impact time has on the value of money
• Understand the various interest calculations
• Using WACC and ROIC as benchmarks
• Use Excel , to determine Present Value, Future Value, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Modified Internal Rate of Return
• Using IRR as a basis for capital project evaluation
• Situations that require models
• Models and Shareholder Value (EVA )
• Identification of Forecast Validation Criterion
• Determination of Model and Forecast Horizons
• The recognition of risk in forecasts
• The Role of Assumptions in Financial Forecasting