Orbis models tell your deal’s story efficiently

Orbis Consulting builds financial models for deals that get done
quickly and efficiently
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"Why outsource building a financial model?"

For decades, banks and private equity firms have viewed financial model construction as a key skill set for their analysts and associates. But just because a 22 year old analyst can string together fifteen IF statements and use a plug to make the balance sheet balance, does that mean the resulting financial model works for everyone in the ecosystem of that deal?​

How does one think through the model’s construction step-by-step? If that model’s cash flows are set up monthly, how will it report annual summaries? What statistics will debt providers require? How do I run sensitivities?​

Orbis models cut away the clutter and help answer key questions from all deal stakeholders.

"What makes Orbis models so special?"

Orbis modelers have over 10 years of experience. We’ve seen energy and infrastructure technologies and financing structures, as well as the models that support them, come and go. We have experience coding models using any of the various financial modeling standards. And our team of experts can operationalize whatever financing mechanisms your team needs to achieve its funding goals.

"What kind of models can you build?"

Our deep experience in project and corporate finance means we’re really good at handling complex modeling assignments that would stymie the most organized and diligent team of bankers. Here are some specific areas where Orbis models shine:

Tax equity

Tax equity, specifically the most prominent form (partnership flips) is a financing structure used primarily in the renewable energy space, and involves the sharing of cash, tax credits, and losses between two partners in a partnership, which itself is something pretty complicated. Orbis has built lots of dynamic and flexible models for partnership flips and sale leasebacks. We have also worked extensively with inverted leases and lease pass through structures.

Portfolio models

Modeling one asset well can be pretty tricky. But what about modeling multiple assets in a portfolio? What’s the best way to aggregate the cash flows? How do you run sensitivities on key statistics like XIRR and DSCR? Can you lever up the HoldCo cash flows? Orbis models use streamlined calculation blocks to help your team get answers from a variety of perspectives.

Models using actuals

Famous statistician George Box once said that, “all models are wrong; some are useful.” The places where most financial models go from wrong to useful is the conversion between projections and actuals. Orbis consultants use a flexible but fastidious method for making this conversion so your team can answer questions like:

  • What’s my actual DSCR?
  • What’s my actual XIRR?
  • When can I refinance my debt?

LBO models

An infrastructure financial model seeks to answer the basic question, “what is the one rate I must charge my offtaker in order to pay off my debts and make a return for equity?” At its core, a leveraged buyout model seeks to answer the same question with slightly different mechanics. Orbis consultants have deep experience advising teams through corporate acquisitions and integrations.

Our approach

Each Orbis financial model is custom tailored to the needs of our clients.
However, we use a consistent process that we’ve found gets our clients the best results in the shortest time.

Scoping

Have a model already? How about a set of contracts? Let’s take a look. Then, tell us about what you need the model to do. Specifically, who will use it? How will they use it? Let’s build in flexibility for all stakeholders in your deal ecosystem.

Coding

We take your specifications and start to assemble your model using Orbis calculation blocks.

Initial review

After we’ve coded about 80-85% of your initial scope, we share the results and solicit your feedback. Kick the tires, and go line-by-line; tell us where our ideas need to be amended or expanded. After this point, we generally share updated model versions on a regular basis.

Advanced review

Once we’ve worked through all your team’s questions and concerns inside the model, we provide you the training to take over your new tool. And then we turn you loose to use your model to affect the outcomes you require.

Continuous updating

Seeing as deal conditions are always changing, we never call any model “final.” We’re always available to help your team get the most out of the tool we’ve built together.

Best practices

Here are some financial modeling best practices that Orbis consultants employ everyday as we code models for our clients.

Organize the model upfront, keep it simple and transparent

Think about the end user(s)

Separate inputs, outputs, and calculations

Format consistently

One unique formula per row

Avoid high risk formulas

Use calculation blocks to speed the work and reduce errors

Use one unified timing strip for all calculation tabs

Make extensive use of error checks

Create tables for links to external files

Case studies

Frequently asked questions

We love getting questions along the way to helping clients achieve their goals.

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    FAQs

    Accordion Content
    We generally work on a fixed fee basis, but work with our clients to arrive at that number based on our estimate of the number of hours it will take to accomplish your scope. Drop us a line and we’d love to talk this through.
    We work hard to ensure our models move as fast as your working group can make decisions. If speed is a high priority for your group, there’s no one better suited to accommodate than Orbis.
    Orbis modelers have 10 years of experience on average and have worked across a variety of complex modeling assignments in arcane sectors like tax equity, portfolio modeling, infrastructure, real estate, and others. Chances are high that we have the right experience for your sensitive projects.
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