Dataford
Interview QuestionsInterview GuidesExperiencesMock InterviewsPricing
Get started
Dataford
Popular roles
Software EngineerData AnalystData ScientistData EngineerBusiness AnalystAI EngineerMachine Learning EngineerProduct Manager
Browse
Browse All RolesEvery role hub, from analyst to MLBrowse All CompaniesCompany-specific interview loopsAll Interview GuidesThe full guide library
Top questions by role
Software EngineerData AnalystData ScientistData EngineerBusiness AnalystAI EngineerMachine Learning EngineerProduct Manager
Top questions by skill
SQLPythonStatisticsMachine LearningA/B TestingSystem DesignGenerative AIProduct SenseMetricsBehavioral
Browse all questions →Try a mock interview
Experiences
Practice
Mock InterviewsTimed interview simulations with feedbackSuccess PathYour 6-week structured planModulesCurated lessons by topicWebinarsTalks from ex-Big Tech data leadsPlaygroundA free-form scratch editor
Learn
BlogInterview strategy and career adviceTech Job Market ReportHiring trends across data and AI rolesFor UniversitiesDataford for career centersAbout DatafordWho we are and how we build
Pricing
Build my plan

Paper LBO with Exit Multiple

HardFinance & Accounting00:00
Practice interviewer
In session
5 left
00:00

Your question is Paper LBO with Exit Multiple. Take a moment with it on the right.

Talk me through your thinking if you like. When you're confident, submit your answer and I'll grade it like a real screen (7/10 or better passes).

You need to log in / sign up to chat or submit.

Problem

Walk through a paper LBO with an exit multiple assumption.

Asked in the Superday: associate rounds (2 x 30 min) stage. LBO technical test during the Superday associate block.

Using the illustrative inputs below, build the transaction from entry valuation through sponsor returns. State the assumptions, show the sources and uses, calculate debt paydown, and test sensitivity to the exit multiple.

  1. Calculate entry enterprise value, sources and uses, and sponsor equity.
  2. Project EBITDA, debt paydown, and exit enterprise value over five years.
  3. Calculate exit equity value, MOIC, and IRR.
  4. Show sensitivity to 7.0x, 8.0x, and 9.0x exit multiples.

Assume USD, no transaction fees, no dividends, no refinancing, and that 50% of cumulative projected EBITDA is available for mandatory debt paydown.