You will lose points if you only repeat the facts without your analysis.
Point Allocation for Written Analysis
Asterisked Cases: 500 words (one page); Bullet points preferred
Evaluate the business from an investment banker’s (consultant’s) perspective for your financier clients who you hope to retain as clients for future assignments
(give pros and cons since most deals have both; and your analysis – don’t assume).
1. Opportunity Evaluation 4
1. Product/ Service strengths; weakness
1. Analyze market segment; potential
1. How attractive (or not) is the industry: Direct/ Indirect Competitors
1. Analyze trends; regulations; other issues
1. What is the stage: Risk? Proof? (secondary; primary; real)
1. Analyze pricing, including value added and margins
1. Your analysis: How good is the opportunity and long-term sustainability
2. Business & Marketing Strategy 4
1. Analyze goals, competitive positioning, and fit with long-term advantage
1. What is the strategy
1. Analyze the sales and marketing strategy
1. Analyze operations
1. Analyze key finance issues; risks; risk-reduction
3. Management 4
1. What are the management needs for the business to achieve its goals?
1. Evaluate management/ team v. needs: Education; expertise; industry; track record; motivation
4. Analysis and Recommendations? 3
1. Key pros
1. Key negatives
1. What is your recommendation – invest, more study or reject. Study costs
Total 15
Paper Analysis: Analyze the key points from the paper in 500 words.
Investment Banker’s Analysis of the Business Opportunity
Opportunity Evaluation
Product/Service Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Market Segment Analysis and Potential
The target market for this business is large and growing. The product is aimed at a specific niche within the market, which gives the business the potential to become a leader in this niche.
Industry Attractiveness: Direct and Indirect Competitors
The industry is attractive due to its high growth potential. However, there is a significant amount of competition, both direct and indirect. The business will need to differentiate itself from its competitors in order to succeed.
Trends, Regulations, and Other Issues
There are a number of trends that are affecting the industry, including increasing consumer demand for healthy products and growing interest in online shopping. The business will need to adapt to these trends in order to stay competitive.
Stage of Development: Risk and Proof
The business is still in the early stages of development. There is a significant amount of risk associated with this stage of development, as the business has not yet proven its ability to generate revenue or profits.
Pricing Analysis
The business’s pricing strategy is competitive. The product is priced at a point that is attractive to consumers while still allowing the business to generate a profit.
Value Added
The product offers a number of value-added features that differentiate it from competitors. These features include its unique formulation, competitive price point, and convenience.
Margins
The business’s margins are currently low. However, there is potential for these margins to improve as the business scales and becomes more efficient.
Overall Opportunity Assessment
The overall opportunity for this business is promising. The product is strong, the market is large and growing, and the industry is attractive. However, there are a number of risks associated with the business, given its early stage of development.
Business and Marketing Strategy
Goals and Competitive Positioning
The business’s goal is to become a leader in the niche market for healthy products. The business will achieve this goal by differentiating itself from its competitors through its unique product, competitive price point, and focus on convenience.
Sales and Marketing Strategy
The business’s sales and marketing strategy is focused on online marketing and direct-to-consumer sales. This strategy will allow the business to reach its target market efficiently and cost-effectively.
Operations
The business’s operations are currently outsourced. However, the business plans to bring operations in-house in the future. This will allow the business to gain greater control over its supply chain and reduce costs.
Key Finance Issues, Risks, and Risk Reduction
The key finance issues for the business are its current low margins and its need for funding to support its growth plans. The business will need to find ways to improve its margins and secure funding in order to achieve its goals.
Management
Management Needs
The business needs to hire a team of experienced professionals with a track record of success in the consumer goods industry. The team should include expertise in marketing, sales, operations, and finance.
Evaluation of Management/Team
The current management team has a strong track record of success in the consumer goods industry. The team has a deep understanding of the target market and a proven ability to execute on marketing and sales strategies.
Overall Assessment of the Business and Marketing Strategy
The business’s business and marketing strategy is well-conceived and has the potential to be successful. The strategy is focused on the right goals, the right competitors, and the right target market. The business also has a strong management team in place.
Investment Recommendation
Based on the analysis of the business opportunity, the business and marketing strategy, and the management team, I would recommend that my financier clients invest in this business. The business has a strong potential for success, and the investment has the potential to generate a high return on investment.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, my financier clients should also consider the following factors before making an investment decision:
Conclusion
The business opportunity being considered is a promising one. The product is strong, the market is large and growing, and the industry is attractive. The business has a well-conceived business and marketing strategy, and it has a strong management team in place. I would recommend that my financier clients invest in this business.