Re: Interview Question - What would Hamilton or Dave Do?
The approach would be the same to all companies - identify the revenue growth. break down where the revenue comes from, who's the customers, # units, sales price, etc. So with TiVo, same thing - how many customers, average price, growth rates, etc. Then, break down the costs that TiVo has. A retail ... The approach would be the same to all companies - identify the revenue growth. break down where the revenue comes from, who's the customers, # units, sales price, etc. So with TiVo, same thing - how many customers, average price, growth rates, etc. Then, break down the costs that TiVo has. A retail business like TiVo (consumer oriented in particular) is always easier to approach in an interview (or on the job) since chances are, you've heard of them or even use the product. It's really no different than asking how many Gillette razor blades would be sold, etc.

Even though you may never have used the product (TiVo in this case), the approach wouldn't actually vary too much. So since you indicated that your cable box does the same thing, then that is a detriment to TiVo and would limit TiVo's growth. So, one could take the market share approach and figure out % of TV watches that use cable and DVR-functions, etc.

Partly, this comes from experience and realizing that all companies essentially are approached the same way. Take our segment build-up class which goes into 4 different ways of analyzing 4 different businesses.
http://www.wstselfstudy.com/package3.html Read More

RE: Accessing the file location for auto-starting macro toolbar
You may not see this directory because it is a hidden system folder that you need to unhide. Follow the directions for unhiding system folders - in Windows Explorer, go to TOOLS => FOLDER OPTIONS => VIEW => Hidden Files and folders => Show hidden files and folders. You should be able to ... You may not see this directory because it is a hidden system folder that you need to unhide. Follow the directions for unhiding system folders - in Windows Explorer, go to TOOLS => FOLDER OPTIONS => VIEW => Hidden Files and folders => Show hidden files and folders. You should be able to locate that folder now. You can also access our FREE RESOURCES section for a detailed tutorial with screen captures.

As an alternative, you can right click on the START MENU button your Windows taskbar and click on Explore and then scroll up to Application Data, etc. - a bit faster. Read More

Re: PIK interest and P&L/Cashflow
In our model, the PIK interst is actually adjusted thru the Debt Sweep which runs thru CFF debt repayment line. If you wanted to, yes you could separate the logic and have as a separate line item on CFF but we chose to run it thru the Debt Sweep since all the information is already there. On the deb... In our model, the PIK interst is actually adjusted thru the Debt Sweep which runs thru CFF debt repayment line. If you wanted to, yes you could separate the logic and have as a separate line item on CFF but we chose to run it thru the Debt Sweep since all the information is already there. On the debt sweep, we increase debt borrowings to account for the PIK interest borrowing. Read More

Re: a question about the certificat?ion
For purposes of the WST Certification process, use ending balance as we did in the training.
Normally one should use Average balance for working capital ratios that mix BS and IS, but for simplicity, use ending. When in doubt, do what was done in the training for the certification.

Re: Insurance financial modeling
This would get modified on the Sweep tab. Whatever row 37 on CF references on Sweep, should be the change in LTD which is a formula that acts as ultimate balancer. Insert a new row either above or below that row on Sweep sheet where you hard code any desired changes. Make sure your Ending Balance i... This would get modified on the Sweep tab.
Whatever row 37 on CF references on Sweep, should be the change in LTD which is a formula that acts as ultimate balancer.
Insert a new row either above or below that row on Sweep sheet where you hard code any desired changes. Make sure your Ending Balance includes this new row.

Then go back to CF statement and add a NEW row 37 ON TOP of the existing row 37 (which now becomes row 38) and reference that new row you added on the Sweep tab. Finally, in row 40 (Total Cash Available/Required), include this new row 37. This row 40 feeds the Sweep first line.

Make sure you have no circular references after you do this and test it out and it should work fine! Read More