Preface

Financial modeling is an essential tool for financial decision-making. Today, as professional disciplines continue to overlap, the discipline of financial modeling continues to take center stage. Anyone who works with data needs a structured way to capture, analyze, and display information in order to assist the decision-making process.

Financial modeling meets these requirements by creating integrated mathematical models that can be modified and updated with just a few keystrokes.

Virtually all decisions converge to monetary considerations that will ultimately benefit from mathematical representation in a financial model. This is why financial modeling is so popular with students and seasoned professionals alike.

In this book, with the benefit of years of feedback from students across the globe, I have tried to present concepts and methods in a clear and uncluttered fashion using several illustrations that will take you step by step through various procedures. I have also introduced different case studies and examples of financial models to illustrate the diversity of the subject.

After reading this book, you will be able to approach any financial decision-making situation with confidence. You will understand the importance of preparing a template, isolating assumptions, growth drivers, and integrating your model to facilitate modification and analysis.