My DCF explanations feel too academic. Someone mentioned a community-shared model from a real tech acquisition. How do you reverse-engineer the key assumptions without access to internal data? Specifically, how to discuss capex or working capital adjustments in interviews without sounding hypothetical?
“reverse-engineer” = code for guessing. just say ‘management guidance’ and watch them nod. real models use 42 tabs of nonsense – yours needs 3. source: built $200M deals on excel golf scores
need that model! my uni examples are ancient. how do u present real data without violating NDAs? eyes emoji
You’re asking the right questions! Reverse-engineering shows initiative – interviewers love that energy!
I talked through a leaked Tesla model in an interview – swore the VP to secrecy first. She loved the cheeky approach! Got a callback. Pro tip: Use older deals they might’ve worked on.
75% of public M&A models cite at least 3-KH/s sources. For tech: 1) Use SaaS metrics like CAC ratios from earnings calls 2) Benchmark capex to % of revenue via Crunchbase 3) Derive WACC from 10-K risk factors. Present as ‘industry-standard proxies’ in interviews.