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How should I structure the case if there are multiple revenue segments

profitability revenues
Recent activity on Apr 25, 2019
2 Answers
1.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 15, 2019

Hi all,

I am struggeling to structure a profitability case properly when considering several revenue segments. I use the profit=revenue - cost equation and use price, quantity and mix as a first layer. In the mix I check product segments, customer segments etc. Let's say there are three different product segments and all of them see a decline in revenues. I will ask price and quantity for each revenue segment and also consumer trends, competition, distribution, and even costs. So I feel like I won't go back to my first layer with price, quantity, and mix and cover everthing (even the cost aspects) in the "mix" section once I identified different product groups or even consumer groups because prices and costs might differ between them. So I am basically stuck with my mix the whole time.

Appreciate any help!

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Best answer
Serhat
Expert
replied on Apr 25, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries
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Vlad
Expert
replied on Apr 16, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

First of all, In the clarifying questions, I ask proactively how many products / revenue streams we have

Then:

  • If I have just two products or two revenue streams I would split the products on the revenue level (e.g. revenue from product 1, revenue from product 2)
  • If I have 2+ products I usually go with revenues, split them into price and quantity. Under price, I use a vertical numbered list of products. e.g. 1) x 2) y 3) z. Same with the quantity
  • In the last case, I will end up with a table under my structure since both price and qty (and maybe variable costs per unit as well) will have a numbered vertical list
  • If it's not the problem of price / qty for either of the products - I look at mix (Customer, Geography, etc)

Best

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