Investment banking’s focus on financial analysis fascinates me. As an online investment banking intern with J.P. Morgan, I completed a DCF financial model for a proposed international acquisition in the FMCG sector. Through assessing the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, I recognised the prospective acquisition target’s profitable operations and strong future cash flows.
This allowed me to see that M&A investment banking would truly allow me to understand what drives a company’s financial health, for instance, its business model, market position, and revenue streams - factors which also led to Laredo Petroleum’s acquisition of Sabalo Energy Assets for $718 million which Citi advised on in May 2021. As such, a career in investment banking uniquely appeals to me.
Alongside seeing these insights - and with each M&A deal being unique with its own strategic drivers and sector dynamics - I would intrinsically understand businesses’ financial, operational, and overall value drivers.