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Three Statement Financial Model: Explained

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Anshika

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Explore Operational Scalability to understand how well an organisation can expand its output, improve efficiency, and manage costs as demand increases.

Operational scalability refers to a company’s ability to increase output, serve more customers, or expand operations without a proportional rise in costs or a decline in efficiency. It plays an important role in business growth, long-term competitiveness, and resource optimisation. Organisations with scalable operations often experience more efficient growth patterns, maintain margins, and respond to market opportunities more efficiently.

What Is a Three Statement Financial Model

A three statement financial model is a structured spreadsheet that forecasts a company’s financial performance by projecting:

  • Profitability

  • Cash generation

  • Assets and liabilities

  • Equity and leverage

It connects all three core statements using logical formulas. When one assumption changes—like revenue growth or cost levels—the impact flows through the entire model. This makes the model commonly used for decision-making, budgeting, and evaluating investment opportunities.

Components of the 3 Statement Model

A complete model includes three main financial statements. Each one captures a different part of the business.

Income Statement

The Income Statement tracks:

  • Revenue

  • Operating expenses

  • Interest and tax

  • Net profit

It shows how much earnings the company generates over a specific period.

Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet summarises:

  • Assets (such as cash, inventory, property)

  • Liabilities (short-term and long-term obligations)

  • Shareholders’ equity

It provides a snapshot of the company’s financial position at a point in time.

Cash Flow Statement

The Cash Flow Statement records cash movements in three categories:

  • Operating activities

  • Investing activities

  • Financing activities

It helps assess liquidity, capital needs, and cash sustainability

How to Build a Three Statement Model

Building this model involves connecting the statements through a series of logical steps. Analysts typically follow a clear process:

Step 1: Input historical data

  • Import past Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow data

  • Standardise line items for consistency

Step 2: Create assumptions

These usually include:

  • Revenue growth

  • Operating margins

  • Working capital changes

  • Capital expenditure

  • Financing costs

Step 3: Forecast the Income Statement

  • Project revenue based on assumptions

  • Forecast expenses and taxes

  • Arrive at net profit

Step 4: Build the Balance Sheet

  • Forecast assets such as inventory and receivables

  • Estimate liabilities including payables and debt

  • Calculate changes in equity

Step 5: Build the Cash Flow Statement

  • Start with net profit

  • Adjust for non-cash items

  • Factor in working capital changes

  • Include capital expenditure and financing flows

Step 6: Link the statements

The three statements must reflect each other. For example:

  • Net income feeds into retained earnings

  • Depreciation links Income Statement and Cash Flow Statement

  • Ending cash appears on both the Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet

Step 7: Check for balance

The Balance Sheet must balance:

Assets = Liabilities + Equity.

Linking the Statements

Linking ensures the model behaves like a financial system. Some of the core relationships include:

  • Net profit increases equity on the Balance Sheet

  • Working capital movements affect both cash flow and current assets/liabilities

  • Capital expenditure reduces cash but increases fixed assets

  • Debt repayments reduce cash and liabilities simultaneously

Consistency in these links is important for an accurate and reliable model.

Key Assumptions in the Model

Assumptions form the backbone of the three statement model. Common ones include:

  • Revenue growth rate

  • Gross and operating profit margins

  • Interest rates and tax rates

  • Working capital cycles (inventory, receivables, payables)

  • Capital expenditure and depreciation

  • Dividend payout policies

Consistent assumptions help generate structured projections and allow the business to be assessed under different scenarios.

Example of a Three Statement Financial Model

Imagine a company with:

  • Revenue growth of 8%

  • Operating margin of 15%

  • Annual capital expenditure of ₹200,000

  • Depreciation of ₹120,000

  • Stable working capital ratios

By applying these assumptions, the model produces:

  • A forecast Income Statement showing rising net profit

  • A Balance Sheet with growing assets supported by retained earnings

  • A Cash Flow Statement showing steady operating cash flows

This type of structure is typical of an illustrative model used in corporate finance and investment analysis.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

A three statement financial model is essential for understanding how a company’s financials interact. It helps forecast results, assess risks, and support strategic decisions. When built correctly, the model becomes a widely used framework for evaluating performance, planning ahead, and testing different business scenarios.

Key points to remember:

  • The model links the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement

  • Assumptions drive the forecast

  • Linking ensures accuracy and consistency

  • It is the foundation for advanced financial modelling

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

FAQs

What is a three-statement financial model?

A three-statement financial model is an integrated forecasting framework that links the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. It shows how operational, investment, and financing activities interact to shape future financial performance.

A three-statement model is important because it demonstrates how changes in revenue, costs, funding, or capital expenditure influence profitability, liquidity, and overall financial position. It forms the basis for valuation, budgeting, scenario analysis, and strategic planning.

The statements are linked by connecting key items such as net income, depreciation, working-capital changes, capital expenditure, interest, and financing flows. These linkages ensure that each statement updates consistently and that the model remains balanced.

Common errors include incorrect or incomplete linking, unrealistic or inconsistent assumptions, circular references, unbalanced Balance Sheets, and forecasts that do not align with operational realities. These issues can distort outputs and reduce model reliability.

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Hi! I’m Anshika
Financial Content Specialist

Anshika brings 7+ years of experience in stock market operations, project management, and investment banking processes. She has led cross-functional initiatives and managed the delivery of digital investment portals. Backed by industry certifications, she holds a strong foundation in financial operations. With deep expertise in capital markets, she connects strategy with execution, ensuring compliance to deliver impact. 

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