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Case Interview PwC (Financial Services - Transaction Services)

Hey all, 

My name is Marco and I am currently appyling for an internship (6 months) at PwC in Financial Services (within Transaction Services). I already had an online assessment and I have now been invited for an interview (Frankfurt) in about a weeks time. On the phone the recruiter told me, that I had to expect a case study and a "regular" interview with partners/senior managers of the team I am applying to. 

It's my first interview of this type and I wanted to ask you: What kind of case study could I expect? What could it be about and how do I approach (suggestions or links very much appreciated). 

Thanks a lot 

Best, 

Marco

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Top answer
Vlad
Coach
on Jul 04, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Originally answered question: PwC Corporate Finance Technical Case

Hi,

Corporate finance interviews are different from consulting and are usually much more technical and detailed in financial part. Usually, they give you much more time to prepare and do the model on paper. Depending on the company you'll need to:

  • Find the relevant information in P&L, Balance sheet, CF statement
  • Do the simplified valuation using NPV: calculate cash flows and make assumptions about growth rate and discount rate
  • Do the valuation using comps - you'll have to explain which comps you will use and why
  • Do the valuation of the synergies
  • Play with different scenarios (e.g. how the stock-price will change if the deal terms leak into media, or how should the companies behave in a bidding process)

There are two types of frameworks you may use:

  1. Commercial due-diligence of the target company
  2. Synergies calculation of two merging companies

Note also that it can be a mix of both.

1. For Due Diligence you can use the following structure:

Market

  • Size
  • Growth rates
  • Profitability
  • Segments
  • Distribution channels

Competition

  • Market shares of competitors and their segments (see the next point)
  • Concentration / fragmentation (Fragmented market with lots of small players is less mature and easier to enter from a scratch. Concentrated market is hard to enter but has potential acquisition targets)
  • Unit economics of the players (Margins, relative cost position)
  • Key capabilities of the players (e.g. suppliers, assets, IP, etc)

Company 

  • Unit economics (Margins, costs) in current or target markets
  • Brand
  • Product mix
  • Key capabilities

Feasibility of exit (in case of a PE company):

  • Exit multiples
  • Exit time
  • Existence of buyers
  • Risks

2. For Synergies Calculation you can use the following structure:

  1. Revenue synergies - here you calculate the synergies in price and quantity (depending on the case it may be new geographies, new products, new distribution channels, bigger share on shelves crosselling opportunities, etc.)
  2. Cost synergies - typically you use a value chain structure tailored to the industry (e.g. supply-production-distribution-marketing-after sales support)
  3. Financial synergies - working capital, capital structure, tax
  4. Risks - major risks that can decrease the synergies (tip: don't underestimate the merging companies culture factor)
  5. Total synergies potential in $, adjusted by risk (probability of failure)

Good luck!

on Nov 10, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Hi Marco,

Congratulations on reaching the interview stage with PwC! Having been there myself I am happy to share some insights. In a case study for an internship in Transaction Services, you might encounter a scenario related to financial analysis, valuation, or due diligence. Warm regards, Frederic 

Understand the Basics:

  • Brush up on fundamental financial concepts: financial statements, valuation methods, and accounting principles.

Case Study Format:

  • The case might involve analyzing financial statements, assessing investment opportunities, or conducting due diligence on a company.

Industry Research:

  • Familiarize yourself with the financial services industry, especially transaction-related activities.

Practice Financial Modeling:

  • Practice creating a simple financial model. Focus on forecasting, valuation, and cash flow analysis.

Review Previous Transactions:

  • Look into recent mergers or acquisitions in the financial services sector. Understand the financial implications and rationales behind these transactions.

Problem-Solving Approach:

  • Break down the case into manageable components.
  • Clearly articulate your thought process and assumptions.
  • Be ready to discuss the implications of your analysis.

Communication Skills:

  • Practice presenting your findings in a clear and concise manner.
  • Be prepared to discuss your reasoning with the interviewers.
on May 31, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Marco, 

it can really be anything. 

To be more targeted with the scope of your preparation, it's worth reaching out to the recruiter and discussing with them whether you should expect the case to be from a specific industry or topic. 

Otherwise, you can literally expect the case to be from any topic.

Best,

Cristian

Vlad
Coach
edited on Jun 05, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

While the basic consulting services have mainly classic cases (Market sizing, profitability, market situation, etc), financial consulting may have specialized cases as well. For example, Transaction has M&A cases (Basic accounting, Due diligence, calculating NPV on paper, calculating Stock basis and earnings & profits, etc).

The cases will be much more detailed in financial part. Depending on the company you'll need to:

  • Find the relevant information in P&L and Balance sheet
  • Do the simplified valuation using NPV: calculate cash flows and make assumptions about growth rate and discount rate
  • Do the valuation using comps - you'll have to explain which comps you will use and why
  • Calculate the share splits and price per share

I recommend finding someone from that practice and check the details of the interview in the particular department

Here are some good frameworks you may use:

1. For commercial DD you can use the following structure:

Market

  • Size
  • Growth rates
  • Profitability
  • Segments
  • Distribution channels

Competition

  • Market shares of competitors and their segments (see the next point)
  • Concentration / fragmentation (Fragmented market with lots of small players is less mature and easier to enter from a scratch. Concentrated market is hard to enter but has potential acquisition targets)
  • Unit economics of the players (Margins, relative cost position)
  • Key capabilities of the players (e.g. suppliers, assets, IP, etc)

Company 

  • Unit economics (Margins, costs) in current or target markets
  • Brand
  • Product mix
  • Key capabilities

Feasibility of exit:

  • Exit multiples
  • Exit time
  • Existence of buyers

2. For Synergies Calculation you can use the following structure:

  1. Revenue synergies - here you calculate the synergies in price and quantity (depending on the case it may be new geographies, new products, new distribution channels, bigger share on shelves crosselling opportunities, etc.)
  2. Cost synergies - typically you use a value chain structure tailored to the industry (e.g. supply-production-distribution-marketing-after sales support)
  3. Financial synergies - access to capital, restructuring, etc
  4. Risks - major risks that can decrease the synergies (tip: don't underestimate the merging companies culture factor)
  5. Total synergies potential in $, adjusted by risk (probability of failure)

Good luck!

Gaurav
Coach
on Feb 28, 2021
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi Marco!

There are a few set of questions, which you might be asked:

CV questions. Walk me through your resume OR tell me about yourself.

Why did you choose your university?

Why did you choose your faculty?

How you showed your social activity, and why this exactly?

Why do you have these hobbies?

2. Motivational questions are designed to understand your internal drivers to be a consultant

Why consulting?

Why this region?

Why X firm?

3. Behavioral questions

by being prepared for this kind of questions, you can crack similar questions in any other company:

The Entrepreneurial Drive / Drive and Achieving Question

The Personal Impact / Persuasion / Conflict Resolution Question

The Leadership / Teamwork Question

Regarding the case-solving, Here is a good preplounge article:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/bootcamp.php/interview-first-aid/crack-the-case-interview/approaching-a-case

Start by studying this one but don't waste your time studying plain theory because case solving is all about PRACTICE.

Here are some cases you might want to check out:

For Beginner level: 

Laundry Chain - Revenue Increase 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/beginner/laundry-chain-revenue-increase-215

Launching Caskets in North Africa

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/beginner/launching-caskets-in-north-africa-1st-round-bain-case-225

For Intermediate level:

Grain Co-operative – Brand Launch

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/interviewer-led-mckinsey-style/intermediate/grain-co-operative-brand-launch-217

Case with a twist: Chinese Alloy Wheels – US Market Entry

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/case-with-a-twist-chinese-alloy-wheels-us-market-entry-226

I suggest you start with the intermediate level after you are confident with the beginner ones.

Hope it was helpful,

GB

Anonymous C
on Feb 24, 2019

Hey 

i came across your post and i just want to know what Kind of  questions did you had at the online test and how do you prepare for it 

0
Anonymous C
on Feb 24, 2019

Hey 

i came across your post and i just want to know what Kind of  questions did you had at the online test and how do you prepare for it 

0
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