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Glossary/Sensitivity analysis

What is Sensitivity analysis?

In short

Sensitivity analysis shows how a result, such as projected profit or net present value, changes when one assumption changes while the others stay the same. It shows which assumptions matter most.

Key takeaways

  • Scenario analysis changes several assumptions at once, for example best, base and worst cases.
  • Monte Carlo simulation runs many trials using probability distributions for the inputs.
  • Assumptions the result is most sensitive to deserve the most support.

Where it's tested

BAR: Financial Forecasting, Budgeting & Valuation — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

In a sensitivity analysis of a financial model, the analyst:

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