Magnimetrics Library

Financial Analysis

Practical guides that help finance professionals turn financial data into better decisions. Explore cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, working capital, valuation, reporting, financial modeling, and downloadable examples.

122 articles
Financial Analysis

Time Value of Money Explained

Introduction To understand the Time Value of Money, imagine you were offered 100 euros now or 100 euros in three years, what would you prefer? If you are like me, you’d probably prefer the money now. But why is that, when a 100 euros has the same value now and in the future? Having it […]

Financial Analysis

Performing Contribution Margin Analysis

Introduction The Contribution Margin is a significant financial metric that is sometimes neglected by managers. While profit margin is one we usually hold very important, it gives information only on the amount with which revenues exceed costs. On the other hand, Contribution Margin provides us with a way to see how exactly each separate product […]

Financial Analysis

Materiality in Financial Analysis and Modeling

What is Materiality The materiality of a transaction amount or a financial statement line item is determined based on the impact of a misstatement of information on the intended users of that information. If the stakeholder is most likely to alter their actions if we presented the information correctly, the mistake is considered material. And, […]

Financial Analysis

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) in Financial Analysis

Introduction to Internal Rate of Return Companies undertake various projects with the end goal to either increase earnings or cut down costs. These projects often require that the entities make significant investments. In capital budgeting, the management of the business wants to have an estimation of the returns on such investments. The Internal Rate of […]

Financial Analysis

Sales Trend Analysis and Forecasting in Excel

Introduction to Sales Trend Analysis Sales Trend Analysis looks at historical revenue data to identify patterns, used extensively in budgeting and forecasting. It is a useful method to detect short-term changes in revenue growth and performance. Trends A Trend is an upwards or downwards shift in the development of a metric over time. It’s useful […]

Financial Analysis

Decision Trees in Financial Analysis

Introduction to Decision Trees We use Decision Trees to clarify the expected value of capital investment opportunities. Decision Trees can also be helpful in business operations, where companies continuously struggle with big decisions on product development, operations management, human resources, and others. With Decision Tree analysis, we can better evaluate the alternative options. However, we […]

Financial Analysis

Applying the Pareto Principle in Financial Analysis

Introduction The Pareto Analysis is a statistical technique employed in decision-making to identify a limited set of tasks to produce the most significant effect. We base it on the Pareto Principle, which stipulates that 20% of the work on a project generates 80% of the outputs. The technique is also known as the 80/20 rule, […]

Financial Analysis

Scenario Analysis of Financial Models

Introduction to Scenario Analysis Scenario Analysis represents the process of calculating an estimation model under a variety of scenarios for the future. The idea behind this analysis method is to assess the effect of risk on values in a financial model. Scenario Analysis helps us outline how realistic are the assumptions in our model and […]

Financial Analysis

Sensitivity Analysis in Financial Modeling

Introduction to Sensitivity Analysis We apply Sensitivity Analysis to a financial model to determine how different values of an independent variable affect a specific dependent variable under a given set of assumptions. We also refer to it as ‘what-if’ or simulation analysis. Performing such analysis helps us predict better the outcome of a decision, based […]

Financial Analysis

Cash Conversion Cycle Analysis

What is the Cash Conversion Cycle The Cash Conversion Cycle is a metric that tells us how long it takes the company to convert capital invested in inventory back to cash. Here’s a cool-looking process diagram to illustrate the cash conversion cycle: Elements of the Cash Conversion Cycle The Cash Conversion Cycle is a combination […]