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Modeling
Structured Finance
Cash Flows with


Microsoft Excel
A Step-by-Step Guide

KEITH A. ALLMAN

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Modeling
Structured Finance
Cash Flows with


Microsoft Excel

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Modeling
Structured Finance
Cash Flows with


Microsoft Excel
A Step-by-Step Guide

KEITH A. ALLMAN

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

c 2007 by Keith A. Allman. All rights reserved.
Copyright
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Published simultaneously in Canada.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Allman, Keith A., 1977Modeling structured finance cash flows with Microsoft Excel : a step-by-step guide /
Keith A. Allman.
p. cm.—(Wiley finance series)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-470-04290-8 (paper/cd-rom)
1. Cash management—Mathematical models. 2. Cash flow—Mathematical models. 3. Microsoft
Excel (Computer file) 4. Corporations—Finance—Mathematical models. I. Title.
HG4028.C45A454 2007
658.15 50285554--dc22
2006025757
Printed in the United States of America.
10

8 7

5 4

2 1

Contents
Preface

Acknowledgments

xiii

About the Author

Introduction
The Three Basic Elements of a Cash Flow Model
Inputs
Cash Flow Structure
Outputs
The Process of Building a Cash Flow Model
Plan and Design
Obtain All Necessary Information
Construct Basic Framework
Develop Advanced Structure
Validate Assumptions
Test Model
How This Book Is Designed

CHAPTER 1
Dates and Timing
Time Progression
Dates and Timing on the Inputs Sheet
Day-Count Systems: 30/360 versus Actual/360 versus Actual/365
Model Builder 1.1: Inputs Sheet—Dates and Timing
Dates and Timing on the Cash Flow Sheet
Model Builder 1.2: Cash Flow Sheet—Dates and Timing
Toolbox
Naming Cells and Ranges
Data Validation Lists
EDATE

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 2
Asset Cash Flow Generation
Loan Level versus Representative Line Amortization
How Asset Generation Is Demonstrated in Model Builder
Asset Generation on the Inputs Sheet
Fixed Rate Amortization Inputs
Floating Rate Amortization Inputs
Model Builder 2.1: Inputs Sheet Asset Assumptions and the Vectors Sheet
Asset Generation on the Cash Flow Sheet
Model Builder 2.2: Notional Asset Amortization on the Cash Flow Sheet
Toolbox
OFFSET
MATCH
MOD
PMT

CHAPTER 3
Prepayments
How Prepayments Are Tracked
SMM: Single Monthly Mortality
CPR: Conditional Prepayment Rate
PSA: Public Securities Association
ABS: Absolute Prepayment Speed
Historical Prepayment Data Formats
Building Prepayment Curves
Prepayment Curves in Project Model Builder
The Effect of Prepayments on Structured Transactions
Model Builder 3.1: Historical Prepayment Analysis and Creating a Projected
Prepayment Curve
Model Builder 3.2: Integrating Projected Prepayments in Asset Amortization
Toolbox
Weighted Averages Using SUMPRODUCT and SUM

CHAPTER 4
Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis
Delinquencies versus Defaults versus Loss
The Importance of Analyzing Delinquency
Model Builder 4.1: Building Historical Delinquency Curves
Deriving Historical Loss Curves
Model Builder 4.2: Building Historical and Projected Loss Curves
Analyzing Historical Loss Curves
Model Builder 4.2 Continued

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Contents

Projecting Loss Curves
Model Builder 4.2 Continued
Integrating Loss Projections
The Effects of Seasoning and Default Timing
Model Builder 4.3: Integrating Defaults in Asset Amortization

CHAPTER 5
Recoveries
Model Builder 5.1: Historical Recovery Analysis
Projecting Recoveries in a Cash Flow Model
Model Builder 5.2: Integrating Recoveries into Project Model Builder
Final Points Regarding Recoveries

CHAPTER 6
Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall
Priority of Payments and the Cash Flow Waterfall
The Movement of Cash for an Individual Liability
Types of Liabilities
Fees
Model Builder 6.1: Calculating Fees in the Waterfall
Interest
Model Builder 6.2: Calculating Interest in the Waterfall
Principal
Model Builder 6.3: Calculating Principal in the Waterfall
Understanding Basic Asset and Liability Interactions

CHAPTER 7
Advanced Liability Structures: Triggers, Interest Rate Swaps, and Reserve Accounts
Triggers and Their Affect on the Liability Structure
Model Builder 7.1: Incorporating Triggers
Swaps
Model Builder 7.2: Incorporating a Basic Interest Rate Swap
Final Notes on Swaps
Reserve Accounts
Model Builder 7.3: Incorporating a Cash-Funded Reserve Account
Conclusion of the Cash Flow Waterfall
Toolbox
AND and OR

CHAPTER 8
Analytics and Output Reporting
Internal Testing
Cash In versus Cash Out

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viii

CONTENTS

Model Builder 8.1: Cash In versus Cash Out Test
Balances at Maturity
Model Builder 8.2: Balances at Maturity Tests
Asset Principal Check
Model Builder 8.3: Asset Principal Check Test
Performance Analytics
Monthly Yield
Model Builder 8.4: Calculating Monthly Yield
Calculating the Monthly Yield
Bond-Equivalent Yield
Model Builder 8.5: Calculating Bond-Equivalent Yield
Modified Duration
Model Builder 8.6: Calculating Modified Duration
Output Reporting
Model Builder 8.7: Creating the Output Report
The Importance of Testing and Output
Toolbox
Conditional Formatting
Goal Seek
Array Formulas

CHAPTER 9
Understanding the Model
The Complete Model in Review
Understanding the Effects of Increased Loss
Varying Principal Allocation Methodologies
Varying Prepayment Rates
Varying Loss Timing
Varying Recovery Rate and Lag
The Value of a Swap
Additional Testing

CHAPTER 10
Automation Using Visual Basic Applications (VBA)
Conventions of This Chapter
The Visual Basic Editor
The Menu Bar
The Project Explorer and the Properties Window
VBA Code
Simple Automation for Printing and Goal Seek
Model Builder 10.1: Automating Print Procedures
Model Builder 10.2: Automating Goal Seek to Optimize Advance Rates

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Contents

Understanding Looping to Automate the Analytics Sheet
Model Builder 10.3: Automating Goal Seek to Perform Transaction Analytics
Automated Scenario Generation
Model Builder 10.4: Creating a Transaction Scenario Generator
Working with Macros in Excel

CHAPTER 11
Conclusion
The Investment Banker’s Perspective
The Investor’s Perspective
The Issuer’s Perspective
The Financial Guarantor’s Perspective
The Big Picture Perspective

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Appendix: Using This Book with Excel 2007

179

About the CD-ROM

189

Index

193

Preface
uring my first analytics position after graduate school, I asked a vice president
at our company what the best way was to learn how his group modeled
transactions. He answered with a grin: ‘‘Trial by fire.’’ From that point on, I could
not have counted the gray hairs that I developed trying to figure out the most precise
and efficient method of modeling a transaction. I am pleased to say those days are
behind me and it no longer takes me hours to construct a powerful, accurate model.
Nevertheless I am dismayed when I speak with finance peers who convey their desire
to learn better financial modeling and are intimidated by the task or simply at a
loss for where to begin. At those moments, I often think how I came to acquire the
knowledge and skills necessary to model a diverse array of financial transactions.
I recalled hours spent poring over ‘‘how-to’’ books about Excel that were filled
with hundreds of functions and formulas and left me feeling like I didn’t have any
idea where to start modeling a transaction. The how-to books provide excellent
basics of application operation yet they do not offer any context for applying those
skills. My next thought was graduate school, where many courses such as Statistics,
Economics, Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, and Decision Making utilize Excel
for assignments and examinations. Unfortunately, for everyday application, the
graduate school classes provide context, but typically on very specialized subjects
that still left me with no framework to build a financial model. The next step I took
was to purchase more advanced books with the words ‘‘Financial Modeling’’ in the
title. With these, I found the topics highly theoretical or applicable to extremely
focused fields that do not translate into a practical model oriented towards cash flow
analysis.
I realized that most of my knowledge, expertise, and fluidity in financial modeling
came from working in analytics groups. There I focused on interpreting structures
from documents and benefited by learning from others about how to convert the
deal structure into a working model. Between the insurance and banking industries,
I’ve seen and built numerous models—from the very basic that are little more than
a balance sheet with formulas to incredibly complex models involving stochastic
simulations. With every model on which I have worked, I have tried to take away
what I have felt to be the best attributes and incorporate those features into my
current modeling.
As my experience with financial models continues to grow, I definitely feel
that I am at a point where I have worked with enough models to distinguish
trends, common practices, and characteristics of exceptional financial modeling.
My personal experience has been with cash-flow-based models seen in most fixed
income, structured, asset-based, or project finance transactions. To avoid trial by

xii

PREFACE

fire, this book teaches the framework and specifics of cash-flow-based modeling
using structured finance as a context. If examples are followed from beginning to
end, the result will be a fully operating cash flow model that the reader built step
by step.
Aside from being able to create a model from the ground up, understanding how
each component is built and interacts will aid a reader who needs to work with other
peoples’ models. I often find working with another person’s model more difficult
than building a new one from scratch. It takes time to discern the core components
and functionality of the model. However, most well-thought-out models have similar
basic elements that can be understood and manipulated. This book intends to cover
each of those elements and provide the reader with enough depth to proficiently
work with existing models.
Looking back at the moment when I had that trial-by-fire response, I certainly do
not feel that has to be the standard that anyone should have to rely on. Regardless
if the reader is a new finance professional who wants to learn how to build a
model, a seasoned professional who works with others’ models, a structured finance
professional looking for analyses specific to the field, or simply anyone interested in
understanding financial modeling better, I feel that passing on my experience in the
form of a book with practical examples can help make the learning process easier
and more efficient.
Keith A. Allman
New York, New York
December 2006

Acknowledgments

y career in finance began at MBIA, Inc., a leading financial guarantor and
provider of specialized financial services. There three individuals provided an
excellent introduction to financial modeling, namely Henry Wilson, William Devane,
and Melissa Brice-Johnson. In particular, I would like to thank Henry for giving me
the opportunity to work on a variety of transactions and William for showing me
many fundamental techniques. After leaving MBIA, I wrote the first three chapters
of this book as part of a proposal to John Wiley & Sons, where I would like to thank
my peer editors Maria Costa for her in-depth review as well as Lionel Beehner for
his editorial suggestions. Further editorial suggestions were made by Omar Haneef
and Matthew Niedermaier as the book developed, both whom I would like to thank
especially for their work on the text and Model Builder exercises. Also, this book
could not possibly have been brought to market without the amazing support of
William Preinitz, who read through, approved, and was a driving force in receiving
Citigroup’s compliance approval. Lastly, I am very grateful for Siobhan Devine,
whose patience and encouragement kept me centered throughout everything.
Also at Wiley, I would like to thank Bill Falloon for working with me from taking
the proposal to a signed contract, Emilie Herman for her consistent involvement
in every aspect, Laura Walsh and her team for the cover and marketing work, and
Mary Daniello and her team for copyediting such a detail-oriented book.

K. A. A.

xiii

About the Author
eith Allman is currently a vice president in the Global Special Situations Group
at Citigroup, where he focuses on emerging market analysis. He has created,
audited, and used hundreds of cash flow models for mortgages, autos, equipment
leases, credit cards, project finance, and multiple esoterics. Prior to his current role,
he worked in the Structured Finance group at Citigroup modeling transactions for
their conduits. Mr. Allman began his career in finance at MBIA, Inc., a leading
financial guarantor, where he was a senior analyst in its quantitative analytics
group. Outside of corporate work, Mr. Allman has written computer curriculum
and provides instruction for low-income individuals through Streetwise Partners.
His education includes a master’s degree in international affairs with a concentration
in finance and banking from Columbia University and bachelor degrees in political
science and psychology from UCLA.

Modeling
Structured Finance
Cash Flows with


Microsoft Excel

Introduction
he basic idea behind any financial model is to bring order and understanding
to the numerous variables and complex information that financial transactions
present. Learning to build one from a blank spreadsheet is often a daunting task
to newcomers because of the sheer amount of information and nearly infinite
methods of manipulating data. This book seeks to bring a systematic, well-explained
method to constructing a particularly popular and adaptable type of model—the
cash flow model. Through the use of thorough explanation, graphical examples,
and the simultaneous application of learned methods featured in the Model Builder
exercises, anyone with a background in finance and basic spreadsheet understanding
can develop and understand a fully functioning financial model.
The most significant aspect of the model that will be created is that it is
constructed within a real-world context focusing on the structured finance industry.
Many other financial modeling books explain either application functions or specific
theoretical concepts. These books are good for learning a program or understanding
an academic topic, yet they are difficult to translate into a functioning financial
model. By combining specific application instruction with theory, this book teaches
skills that can be applied instantly to professional level modeling.
While the book focuses on structured finance analysis, the model created here
can be adapted for use in other fields. A fundamental question is whether a cash
flow model is the appropriate choice for the transaction under consideration. With
cheap memory, powerful processors, and constant evolutions in financial analytics,
a multitude of models are available ranging from real-time market value models to
code-intensive Monte Carlo simulations. The cash flow model is primarily used for
transactions that involve assets generating cash flow, which is applied against a set of
liabilities. These transaction types are often encountered in structured, asset-based,
and project finance and typically include the following asset classes:

■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■

Automobile loans and leases
Residential mortgages
Commercial mortgages
Equipment leases
Credit card receivables
Insurance/annuity arbitrage
Emerging market remittances
CBO/CLO/CDO
Small business loans
Timeshares

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL
■
■

Infrastructure (toll road, airport, etc.)
Resources (oil, timber, etc.)

Naturally this list is not exhaustive. It covers a majority of asset classes that
use a cash flow based model. It is possible to merge types of models such as using
a Monte Carlo model to determine defaults and then running the results through
a cash flow model. The key to deciding on whether a cash flow model is necessary
depends on the desired result.
A cash flow model takes in asset assumptions, runs the generated cash through
a series of liability assumptions, and determines where and how much cash was
allocated over time. This type of modeling is used from many different perspectives,
with many different results in mind.
One of the most common uses is an issuer that needs to fund the generation
of assets. A company such as Toyota, which has a finance division, may want to
fund leases for their own vehicles. Toyota needs to raise money to provide the
leases. It could do so in the capital markets by asking a bank to loan funds against
the leases by either having a bank directly issue money or sell debt in the term
market. Toyota’s cash flow analysis would have to focus on how much cash its
leases would generate over time to determine the amount of debt that can be issued.
A Toyota analyst would want to build a cash flow model to project the expected
cash being generated by the leases over time and how that cash would be allocated
in a structured financing. The purpose of his or her analysis would be to understand
the cash flow well enough to make sure they are receiving as much money as possible
for the lowest cost.
The bank would do a similar analysis in more detail. It would want to know
how typical Toyota leases perform over time in terms of delinquency, default, and
prepayment. No bank would want to issue a billion dollars only to find that the
assets will pay back anything less. Also, transactions typically have to be structured
to a certain credit rating level set by the three primary credit rating agencies
(Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch). To do this, a transaction has to withstand
a certain amount of stress as dictated by the rating agency. The only way to do this
is to build a dynamic model and stress it according to rating agency standards. In
the bank’s cash flow model, it would want to see how much cash the assets generate
under stressful situations and whether that is enough to cover the financing costs
imposed either by the market or by the bank itself.
In addition, a surety provider might provide insurance on the issuance. It would
be extremely analytical in its decision because, if an interest or principal payment is
missed on the financing, it would have to pay an insurance claim. A surety would
use a cash flow model to ensure that, when variables are stressed, the interest and
principal of the debt they insured is paid.
Finally, there are many other related parties that need to know what the issuers
and the banks are doing. Credit rating agencies need to model the transactions to
make sure that they support certain ratings that the bank and issuer desire. An
auditor may want to make sure all the data in a prospectus is correct by modeling

Introduction

the deal on his or her own. A law firm may want to know if a certain legal structure
works in practice. All of these parties need to build a cash flow model to complete
such analyses.

THE THREE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A CASH FLOW MODEL
The cash flow model presented in this book can be parsed into three basic elements:
inputs, cash flow structure, and outputs. A useful way to think about the three basic
elements of financial modeling is to compare them to the elements of cooking. When
preparing food, a chef has three basic elements: ingredients, method of preparation,
and finished result. The ingredients all have different characteristics such as taste,
smell, and texture. The chef then takes certain quantities of ingredients, mixes them
in a particular way, and cooks them at a certain temperature for a set amount of
time. The appearance, scent, and flavor of the finished food are entirely dependent
on the ingredients and cooking process. Any alteration results in different qualities.
Likewise, in financial modeling, there are a number of inputs to start with, a
cash flow structure that manipulates the inputs, and a final set of outputs that is
reflective of both the selected inputs and structure. The simple pattern that should
be realized from this comparison is that the first two elements are interconnected
and integral in producing the defining characteristics of the third element.

Inputs
The general idea of an input is that it is any piece of data related to the transaction
being modeled, factual or assumed, that is necessary to produce accurate results.
Inputs can range from simple interest rate assumptions to more difficult concepts
such as loss timing and severity. This book takes a model builder through the
following inputs:

FIGURE I.1 Multiple inputs are passed through a structure
to generate results.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

1. Basic global inputs such as dates and timing.
2. Common asset inputs that cause and affect cash flow generation.
3. Common liability inputs that include interest rate vectors, fees, and basic liability
structures.
Some of these inputs, such as prepayment and loss curves require additional
explanation. Two chapters in the book explain the information and methodologies
required to properly extrapolate and predict prepayment and loss curves. If questions
arise regarding these two very important components, it may be worthwhile to jump
to Chapters 3 and 4.

Cash Flow Structure
While inputs are the most familiar part to a model operator who is constantly
changing them for different scenarios, the true heart of a cash flow model resides in
the actual cash flow structure. This structure is created by using formulas, functions,
and function/formula combinations to manipulate the inputs in a way that mirrors
the transaction’s agreed upon structure. The exact structure is dictated by the deal
documents, but the cash flow section has a conventional flow.
Usually contained on one sheet, the cash flow structure ‘‘moves’’ cash in one
direction for each period. Moving cash refers to the idea that as cash comes into
a transaction from the asset inputs it is typically used in a very specific order that
is determined by a term sheet, trust agreement, or indenture. The cash moves from
one use to the next until the end of the priority of payments that designates where
leftover cash, if any remains, should be distributed. Once this process is complete
for an individual period, the process begins again for the next period until all cash
is exhausted or the final term of the transaction is realized.
Some basic examples of uses of cash include:
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Transaction fees
Taxes
Senior interest and principal
Subordinated interest and principal
Equity payments due
Reimbursements

Also, an interesting nuance in many transactions is that frequently the cash
flow structure changes with differing assumptions. Using a basic mortgage-backed
securities transaction as an example, often times the priority of payments will change
if defaults increase to a certain level, breaching a preestablished limit—known as
a trigger—set in the deal documents. The typical order may be to pay senior
interest and principal then subordinated interest and principal. But if defaults breach
the trigger, then all remaining cash may be directed to senior payments and the
subordinated payments cutoff. This will be explained in much more detail in later

Introduction

cash flow structure chapters. The idea to understand is that the model being created
often has a dynamic cash flow structure.

Outputs
The final element, outputs, is equally important to the first two because it is what
most likely is seen by people unfamiliar to the model. Most of us do not have the time
to pick through the minutiae of a model, but we want to read about the assumptions
and results quickly and detailed enough to make a decision. Even printing out the
cash flows period by period is ineffective because a majority of managers want to
look at a single piece of paper in a format that they are used to and garner enough
information from the single sheet to make a decision. It would be highly inefficient
to develop a sophisticated financial model if it is overlooked because the results it
presents are not clear and easy to read.

THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A CASH FLOW MODEL
Although the primary purpose of this book is to guide a reader through the mechanics
of constructing a cash flow model, there are some steps that should be taken before
and after the model is created in Excel. In particular for readers new to financial
modeling, it is important to go through each of these steps to save time. As one
becomes more fluent in financial modeling, the steps can be combined, such as
building both the basic and advanced framework at the same time rather than in
two separate steps. However, it should be noted that a flaw, which even seasoned
financial modelers make, is skipping the plan-and-design and testing steps. A major
design problem encountered halfway through building a new model may have been
prevented by investing even a minimal amount of time planning. Even worse is not
realizing that the model has a problem before using it for final results.

Plan and Design
The first step, planning and design, is what good financial modelers and computer
programmers spend most of their time doing. This is best accomplished by writing
or drawing out the necessary inputs, the expected flow of cash, and the type of
results that are necessary. Each sheet should be thought of with memory, space, cell,
and function limitations in mind. For instance, it would be extremely frustrating to
build a model only to realize that the inputs require more than 65,556 rows (Excel’s
row constraint). Since this book uses a preplanned model as the basis for discussion,
not much time is spent on this topic; but the importance of planning a new model
should not be understated.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

Obtain All Necessary Information
The more information available to determine inputs and base assumptions, the
more accurate the model. Inputs are typically determined from historical data and
studies or current market information. Many databases track common inputs such as
interest rates. Asset-specific data such as historical losses, prepayments, and recovery
rates are normally provided by the asset owners. If there is a lack of adequate
historical data, proxy information or simulations can be used to estimate the input.
For the cash flow structure, every financial transaction will be unique in terms of the
documentation available, but important documents that detail how cash moves in
the deal may include credit memos, term sheets, indentures, and trust documents.

Construct Basic Framework
The next step, which is the focus of this book, is to create the basic framework
for the model by entering input data fields and cash flow formulas. The inputs and
formulas should be entered in a logical order so that they build off of each other and
leave off where the next one begins. The most fundamental concepts are covered in
the basic framework such as dates and timing, asset amortization, transaction fees,
liability principal and interest, reserve accounts, action buttons, and tests. As each
concept is covered, the inputs and cash flow sheets will grow to where all of the
basic information is entered and more advanced concepts outlined by the exact deal
structure can be created. The basic framework is what should be saved as a template
for future models.

Develop Advanced Structure
Once a basic structure is in place, the next step is to add advanced concepts that
are unique to the transaction. Such concepts are typically ones that affect the cash
flow structure and change how cash flows through the model. These concepts are
mostly defined as triggers that are either in the process of being negotiated as the
model is being built or are explicitly outlined in the deal documentation. The reason
advanced structures are left to be added later is because they are typically unique to
a transaction and if their remnants are carried over to future models there could be
errors in the cash flow.

Validate Assumptions
There goes a saying in the financial modeling world, ‘‘A model is only as good as
the assumptions that are put into it.’’ There is general consensus for this statement
because an incredibly sophisticated model can be built—but if the assumptions are
wrong, the results will be wrong. Once the framework and advanced structure of
the model is complete, each assumption should be verified for accuracy and justified.
Historical studies that produce prepayment, default, and interest rates should be
reviewed for accuracy of data and methodology.

Introduction

Test Model
The final step is to test the model. This goes beyond the tests that were set up in
the basic framework. Those tests are intended to assess the rationality and logic
of individual calculations. This last step is to test the rationality and logic of the
model as a whole. Questions should be posed such as, ‘‘If the asset rate is increased
how does that affect the liability amortization?’’, ‘‘If defaults increase how does
that affect the liabilities?’’, and so on. The best way to answer these questions is
to run extreme examples. Setting interest rates to 30 percent or 0 percent should
produce vastly different effects in the model. In addition, if there is data available to
benchmark the model against, those scenarios should be run.1 Finally, if there is a
back of the envelope calculation method possible, the model should be tested to see
if the results are within a reasonable range.

HOW THIS BOOK IS DESIGNED
Since the primary purpose of this book is model construction, the first two steps
mentioned in this introduction— plan and design and obtaining all necessary
information— are assumed to be completed. The task at hand is to construct a
basic framework for the model with a blank Excel workbook. The basic framework
will consist of the most fundamental pieces of data and structure that are required
for many further more detailed concepts to be developed.
The process of creating this framework is concept based rather than by each
element in order. This means that instead of starting with inputs, then moving on
to cash flow structure, and finishing up with outputs, the progression of the book
covers concepts such as assets and work through the various inputs and structural
building techniques. This methodology is preferred because the model builder will
understand that each input interacts with the cash flow structure to a better degree
rather than typing in a page of inputs and then having to go back and figure out what
each one does. Also, to ease understanding, the concepts are introduced starting
with the most fundamental and gradually becoming more complex.
Copying formulas into cells produces a financial model; but it is unlikely that
such a process allows for understanding. Explaining everything from the overall
process to the specific formulas is necessary. That is why each section in this text
will begin with an explanation of the purpose of the section, followed by a Model
Builder exercise where the theory is turned into practice.
The Model Builder exercises should be completed in Excel after reading the
section’s text. If something is unclear in the Model Builder exercises, the CD-ROM
that comes with this book contains each Model Builder exercise saved as a separate
Excel file in individual chapter folders (e.g., MB1-1.xls in the Ch01 folder). The final
1

Looking at prior public transactions and obtaining reports from the credit rating agencies
are excellent sources of data to benchmark models.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

working Project Model Builder—Project Model Builder Complete Model.xls—is
also on the CD-ROM so that the reader can see how each section comes together at
the end. There are also data files used in certain Model Builder exercises as well as
supplementary files for reference. These are located in the Additional Files subfolders
provided for some chapters. The About the CD-ROM section at the end of this book
provides information on system requirements and the like.
Additionally, a typical problem in teaching any application is that students are
often at different levels and become quickly uninterested when material is too basic
or very intimidated when the material is too advanced. This book is focused at the
intermediate Excel user. It can, however, be used by a beginner with the help of the
Toolboxes found at the end of each section. The Toolboxes explain the Microsoft
Excel features and functionality used in this book and can refresh your knowledge
of this computer application or skipped over depending on your skill level.
One final note regards the upcoming release of Microsoft Excel 2007. The
primary value of this book lies in the integration of finance theory with Excel’s
formula’s and functions. Since the formulas and functions have not changed in Excel
2007, the model created from this book will go unchanged and will work perfectly.
However, there are a few technical and instructional details that an Excel 2007 user
may notice while going through the book. These details have been addressed in an
appendix at the end of this book.

CHAPTER

Dates and Timing

he importance of dates and timing could not resonate more strongly than in the
field of finance. From simple present value equations to more complex concepts
such as yields and duration, time is an essential variable. Not surprisingly, dates and
timing are also extremely important to cash flow modeling. Both dictate the core
format of the model and permeate throughout many formulas and analyses.
For Excel-based modeling, dates and timing can be separated into their own
individual categories. Dates are often in calendar format and widely used to initiate
or terminate preplanned events such as rate step-ups, final maturity, and the like.
Timing is typically represented in numerical format or a vector of numbers to control
payment frequency and most analytics involving periodicity.

TIME PROGRESSION
Before jumping right to specific methods and examples, it is worth a few minutes to
think about the structure of the transaction and whether to have time ‘‘progress’’
horizontally or vertically. The key to this decision is understanding Excel’s constraints within the context of the necessary payment frequency and overall length
of the analysis. The designers of Excel limited the number of rows to 65,556 and
columns to 256. If a transaction required modeling quarterly over a period of 25
years, it would not matter whether the payments move horizontally or vertically
because only 100 (4 payments per year * 25 years = 100) columns or rows would be
needed. However, if for some reason the frequency had to be switched to monthly,
the payments would have to move vertically because 300 columns (12 payments per
year * 25 years = 300) would exceed Excel’s column constraint (see Figure 1.1).1
While it is generally recommended to have time progressing in the same direction
through all sections of the model, a sheet will be required to have time progressing in

1 Some

modelers attempt to overcome the constraints by using additional sheets to continue
the same section. While a viable option, it unnecessarily complicates the model flow and
allows more opportunity for error.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 1.1 Notice that there are only 256 columns on
a sheet, ending with column IV.

an alternate direction in some instances. There are a number of methods to transpose
data in Excel, but many can be problematic when it comes time to refresh data or
time consuming to implement. The best method is to use Excel’s OFFSET function,
which is described in Chapter 2’s Toolbox.

DATES AND TIMING ON THE INPUTS SHEET
Regardless of the type of transaction, the dates and timing section of the Inputs
sheet at bare minimum consist of two dates and two timing inputs. The first of the
two minimum dates is the closing date. This date is the day that the deal closes
and funds have been issued. Many timing factors initiate off this date such as fees
and interest charges, asset lives, and so on. The second date that is close in time to
the closing date is the first payment date. This is the date that the first payments
of fees, interest, and principal are due. It is important to distinguish between these
two dates as many transactions have first payment dates that are irregularly spaced
between closing. This means that the initial period could have a partial month’s
payment requirement, which can only be calculated if both the closing date and the
first payment date are inputted.
The two absolute necessities for timing are actually one concept, payment frequency. Payment frequency is an integer or fraction representing the time difference
between payment dates. There are many possibilities for representing how often
a transaction pays, but conventionally time is ‘‘represented’’ in years, which can
be parsed into 2 for semiannual pay, 4 for quarterly pay, and 12 for monthly
pay. However, it is extremely important to understand that time can sometimes
be ‘‘measured’’ more accurately on a daily basis for the purpose of calculating
payment amounts. This difference occurs because in finance the same months do not
always have the same number of days in them depending on the day-count system
used.

Dates and Timing

DAY-COUNT SYSTEMS: 30/360 VERSUS ACTUAL/360
VERSUS ACTUAL/365
Day-count systems evolved due to the nuances of the Gregorian calendar (i.e.,
different numbers of days in certain months and leap years). The 30/360-day-count
system simplifies the annual calendar by assuming there are 12 months with 30 days
each, for a total of 360 days. Payment frequency is then every 30 days per month,
90 days per quarter, 180 days per semiannual, and so on. The 30/360 system is the
most common in the United States because it is used for most municipal, corporate,
and agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and many other types of notes and
certificates.
Working with the 30/360-day-count system is made very easy in Excel, thanks
to the DAYS360 function. This function requires three inputs: a start date, an end
date, and a method.
= DAYS360(start date, end date, method)
The start date is the first date to begin counting the days in between, the end
date is the date to count the days up to, and finally the method is FALSE if the day
count system desired is the U.S./National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
system or TRUE if the system is European. The subtle difference between the two
systems is that the U.S. system’s starting date becomes equal to the 30th of the start
month if the starting date is actually the 31st of that month. For the ending date, if
it lands on the 31st of a month and the starting date is before the 30th of a month,
the ending date become the 1st of the next month. However, if the start date is the
31st of a month, the ending date becomes equal to the 30th of the same ending
date month. The European system is much simpler. If the starting or ending date
lands on the 31st, the date just becomes the 30th of that month. The more common
of the two is the U.S. system, which is the default method if a TRUE or FALSE is
omitted.
Another popular day-count system is actual/360, which is primarily used for
money market securities and U.S. Treasury bills. This system calculates an interest
period as the actual number of days between two dates. It is important to note that
to represent the day difference as a fraction of a year, the denominator uses 360
days, rather than 365. Since the natural format for dates in Excel are serial numbers,
beginning with 1 for January 1, 1900, the actual difference between two dates can
be calculated by subtracting the beginning date from the end date.
The final day-count system used is actual/365 or actual/actual. Created to be as
realistic to a year as possible, the calculation is virtually identical to actual/360, but
instead of a year having 360 days it has 365.
An example of the differing date-count systems and their respective fractions of
a year can be seen in Figure 1.2. While a few hundredths of a percent does not seem
like much of a difference, this can be tens of thousands of dollars on deals in the
hundred millions or billions of dollars.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 1.2 A different fraction of time exists for
the period January 1, 2007 to February 1, 2007
depending on the day-count system used.

MODEL BUILDER 1.1: INPUTS SHEET — DATES AND TIMING
As this book suggested, the reader can develop a cash flow model from an entirely
blank workbook. This Model Builder section begins with the assumption that the
reader is staring at Sheet1 of a blank workbook in Excel. This first Model Builder
exercise introduces basic labels and the fundamental date and timing inputs.
Keep in mind two minor details while trying to follow the Model Builder section.
The first detail is formatting. The most important formatting concept to remember is
to format a cell with the correct data format. Many cells have different data formats
such as dates, numerical values, text, and the like. If a number is appearing instead
of a date, it could mean that the format for that cell is set to number and should be
changed to date. Be mindful of cell data formats.
Another detail is the color scheme that has been used. Not only does it make the
model more professional looking, but grouping related sections together by color
makes it easier to read. There are no specific instructions on formatting, but it is
very useful to have a well-formatted model.
If there is any question as to what a completed section or formula should look
like, each Model Builder section (along with a completed Project Model) can be
found on the CD-ROM that comes with this book. Otherwise the first Model Builder
begins with:
1. When Microsoft Excel is first opened most systems’ default layout is to begin with
three worksheets labeled Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3. The first Model Builder
exercise requires two worksheets. The worksheet tabs should be renamed from
Sheet1 and Sheet2 to Inputs and Hidden, respectively.
2. Instead of beginning on column A, this column should be adjusted to a width
of 1.0. The reason for this is readability, since some formatting can be cut off
by the edge of the screen. With column A adjusted, move to cell B1 and enter,
Project Model Builder. Make sure to change the font to blue and bold. In most
financial models assumptions that are variables to be altered are denoted in bold
blue font. This cell should be named ProjName. If naming cells is unclear, jump
ahead to the Toolbox section at the end of this chapter.

Dates and Timing

FIGURE 1.3 Basic inputs for dates and timing.

3. Moving under the transaction name in cell B3, input the title Dates & Timing.
Now starting in cell B4 and continuing through to cell B7, enter the following
text into the cells respectively: Closing Date, First Payment Date, Day-Count
System, and Pmt Frequency. Highlight cells B3:C8 and format the area with a
border. At this point, aside from stylistic preference, the upper corner of the
Inputs sheet should look like Figure 1.3.
4. Before filling in starting values for the dates and timing inputs, switch over to the
Hidden sheet to create data validation lists. The first one that will be needed is
the day-count system. Input Day-Count System into cell A5 as a header. The list
will start in cell A6 with the first type of day-count system that can be activated,
cell A7 with the second, and so on. For this model input 30 / 360 into cell A6,
Actual / 360 into cell A7, and Actual / 365 into cell A8. Highlight A6:A8 and
name the range lstDayCountSys.
5. Similarly, it is inefficient to constantly enter what type of payment frequency
there is. So, in cell A10, enter the heading Payment Frequency. Starting in cell
A11 and continuing down a cell for each label, enter the following: Monthly,
Quarterly, Semiannual, Annual. Highlight the cells that were just entered
(A11:A14) and name them lstPaymentFreq.
6. Switching back to the Inputs sheet, cells C4 and C5 contain date-formatted
values, for now enter 02/01/07 for the closing date and 3/01/07 for the First
Payment Date. Name these cells ClosingDate and FirstPayDate, respectively.
7. The two named ranges that were created from the Hidden sheet are used
for the Column C values corresponding to cells B6 and B7. In C6 use the
data validation function to create a list using = lstDayCountSys as the source.
Repeat for cell C7 using = lstPaymentFreq as the source. Name these two cells
DayCountSys and PmtFreq, respectively. Similar to naming ranges and cells, if
creating data validation lists is new jump to the Toolbox section at the end of this
chapter.
8. Finally, switch back to the Hidden sheet. A formula cell needs to be created
to represent the payment frequency numerically, depending on which payment
frequency was selected. It is important to keep the payment frequency in monthly

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

terms because there are many functions in Excel that can adjust dates on a
monthly basis (e.g., EDATE). In C11 input the following formula:
= IF(PmtFreq="Monthly",1,IF(PmtFreq="Quarterly",3,
IF(PmtFreq="Semi-Annual",6,12)))
The last step for this section is to name C11 PmtFreqAdd. For a complete
example of Model Builder 1.1, review the Excel file named MB1-1.xls on the
CD-ROM.

DATES AND TIMING ON THE CASH FLOW SHEET
As a first introduction to the cash flow sheet, a general overview is helpful. The cash
flow sheet is the section that will ‘‘move’’ the cash created by the asset amortization
engine through the transaction’s priority of payments according to the user defined
inputs and assumptions. Dates and timing are typically the first three columns or
rows seen on this sheet because the entire concept of cash flow modeling relies
on time.
While many finance professionals are familiar with a balance sheet type model,
where time progresses horizontally across rows, cash flow modeling is more flexible
if time progresses vertically, up and down columns. The examples in this book are
based off a vertical progression of time (see Figure 1.4).
The first of the three columns, usually the A column, should be for tracking
the period. The period is a numeric representation of time as it progresses. There
is usually a period 0 that represents the closing date, with period 1 being the first
payment date. Thereafter, the period simply grows in an ordinal fashion, increasing
by one. Even if the model is switched to quarterly or semiannual frequency, the
periods should not change. For example, in a monthly model, period 1 will be a
month and period 2 will be the next month. When switched to a quarterly model,
period 1 is a quarter and period 2 is the next quarter.
The second column is where the dates corresponding to the period are tracked.
As mentioned, period 0 is the closing date and period 1 is the first payment date.
Dates after that are determined by the desired frequency of payment. That is, if it
is a monthly model, the next date after the first payment date is the next month; if
it is a quarterly model, the next date is three months from the first payment date,
and so on.
The third column is termed the day factor and is a precise calculation of the
number of days between each period, represented as a fraction of the year. The
calculation is quite simple: the number of days between the last period date and the
current period date over the number of days in the year. This factor will provide a
more precise breakdown of annual rates if an Actual/360 or Actual/365 day count
system is selected. Refer to Figure 1.4, columns A, B, and C as an example.

Dates and Timing

FIGURE 1.4 Time will progress vertically in
this model.

FIGURE 1.5 The beginning of the
dates and timing section on the Cash
Flow sheet.

MODEL BUILDER 1.2: CASH FLOW SHEET — DATES AND TIMING

1. The Cash Flow sheet is the third sheet in the model. Rename the third sheet
from Sheet3 to Cash Flow.
2. In the Cash Flow sheet, Row 4 will be dedicated to headers. Input Period in cell
A4, Date in cell B4, and Day Factor in cell C4.
3. The first column to work on is where the periods are tracked. In cell A6
input 0, followed by inputting 1 in the cell directly below, A7. Highlight both

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

of these cells, left click and hold down the small square on the bottom right
cube of the highlighted cells, and drag the numbers down. As the cells are being
dragged a box should appear with an increasing value. By dragging down, Excel
automatically inputs increasing numbers in the cells. The increase is based on
the difference between the two numbers that were originally highlighted. Since
the model will only go out 30 years and the smallest periodicity option is a
month, there is only a need for 360 periods. Stop dragging when the number
reaches 360; all of the numbers between 0 and 360 should have populated into
the cell range A6:A366.
4. The next column to work on is the Date column. Because it would be inefficient
to constantly have to change this column every time the dates are changed for a
transaction, the cells in this column are a formula. Looking back to the Inputs
sheet, the first date that was created was the closing date, which is the initial
date the transaction begins. This date always corresponds to the start of period
0. Similarly, the second important date on the Inputs sheet, the first payment
date, always corresponds to period 1. The formula for the correct date must
differentiate between periods 1 and 2. The use of an IF statement is the simplest
method to make sure that the date for period 0 is always the closing date and
that the date for period 1 is the first payment date.2 The first part of the formula
should look like this:
=IF(A6=0,ClosingDate,IF(A6=1,FirstPayDate
The rest of the periods grow by the increments that are set by the payment
frequency cell (PMTFreq) on the Inputs sheet. The payment frequency cell is
mainly set up for a model user and will only offer word values.
Recall that on the Hidden sheet a cell named PMTFreqAdd was created
that returns numeric values depending on the word value in PMTFreq. With a
numeric value for the frequency between payments, the EDATE function can be
used to grow the dates after period 1. The completed formula should look as
follows:
=IF(A6=0,ClosingDate,IF(A6=1,FirstPayDate,EDATE(B5,PmtFreqAdd)))
The completed formula will return the Closing Date for period 0, the First
Pay Date for period 1, and will then return a date that is PmtFreqAdd number
of months from the First Pay Date. Copy this formula down to the final period.
5. The final column affecting dates and timing on the Cash Flow sheet is the day
factor, which quantifies the time difference between periods as a fraction of the
2

In general a high-quality financial model uses one consistent formula for every column in
a section that involves timing. Often a model builder uses a different formula for period 0
versus the remaining periods because the remaining period calculations are based on period 0.
The use of IF statements allows for consistent formulas that make a model easier to audit,
faster to build, and less prone to errors.

Dates and Timing

year. As mentioned earlier, depending on the type of day count system that is
selected there can be varying amounts of time between dates.
6. Recall that a cell specifically for selecting the day count was created on the
Inputs sheet (DayCountSys). This cell has three options: 30/360, Actual/360,
and Actual/365. The functionality needed in the model is to have all of the
calculations based on the day count system switch when the cell DayCountSys
is changed on the Inputs sheet.
7. The actual formula for C6 is composed of many different parts. The first part
is due to the fact that period 0 will always have a zero value between dates,
since there is no date prior to 0. An IF statement for period 0 takes care of this
problem:
=IF(A6=0,0
8. The next part of the formula is written to calculate the time difference for the
30/360 system. As explained earlier, the DAYS360 function is perfect for this
task:
=IF(A6=0,0,IF(DayCountSys="30 / 360",DAYS360(B5,B6)/360,
First, notice that in order to handle the possible changing value of DayCountSys, a second IF statement was inserted. Next, the DAYS360 function
is used if 30/360 is selected. This function takes the date from the previous
period (B5) and calculates the difference in days between the current period
(B6). Because the return value for the DAYS360 function is in days and all of the
calculations relying on the Day Factor are annual rates, the return value needs
to be divided by 360 to produce a fraction value (assuming a 360 day year as
the 30/360 system does).
9. The next part of the formula is when Actual/360 is used. Another IF statement
is required to identify when DayCountSys is set to Actual/360. If the statement
is true the Actual/360 calculation is very simple; it is the difference between the
current date and the date the period before.
= IF(A6=0,0,IF(DayCountSys="30 / 360",DAYS360(B5,B6)/360,
IF(DayCountSys="Actual / 360",(B6−B5)/360,
Remember that the return value will also be in days and needs to be divided
by 360 for Actual/360.
10. The final step is when Actual/365 is selected. Because there are only three
possible values for DayCountSys and if the first two IF statements are false,
the setting must be Actual/365. This means that the calculation for Actual/365,
which is virtually the same as Actual/360 except that the divisor is 365, can be
set as the final FALSE value for the last IF statement. The complete formula
should read:
= IF(A6=0,0, IF(DayCountSys="30 / 360", DAYS360(B5,B6)/360,
IF(DayCountSys="Actual / 360",(B6−B5)/360,(B6−B5)/365)))

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 1.6 The completed dates and timing
section on the Cash Flow sheet.

Finally, copy this formula down to the final period. See Excel file MB1-2.xls in
the Ch01 folder on the CD-ROM for complete Excel examples.

TOOLBOX
Naming Cells and Ranges
Naming cells and ranges is a technique that saves time, improves clarity, and reduces
errors when working with financial models. At the most basic level, naming a cell
or range changes how the cell or range is referred to in formulas and functions. For
example, if cell A1 were named Input1, and cell A2 had the value 5 in it, a formula
in cell A3 that added cells A1 and A2 would appear as:
=Input1+A2
Also, a named cell or range changes any reference to that cell or range from a
relative reference to an absolute reference. This change reduces errors when named
cells are used in formulas that are copied down over multiple cells. Normally the
referenced cell would have to be ‘‘locked’’ using dollar signs (F4 shortcut), but a
named range does not change as it is copied down.
Naming a cell or range can be accomplished in one of two ways. The formal
method is:
1. Select a cell or a range of cells.

Dates and Timing

FIGURE 1.7 The active cell is C4 which shows
the value in the Formula Bar and the cell name
in the Name Box.
2. From the menu bar, click Insert, Name, and Define.
3. Enter the name of the cell or range in the field titled Names in Workbook. Then
click Add or OK. Add would be used if multiple names were to be added from
the Define Name dialogue box. Also note the Refers to textbox at the bottom
of the Define Name dialogue box. This is where the reference is established and
edited if changes need to be made.
The simpler solution to naming a range is to select the cell or range of cells
on the active sheet and enter the desired name directly in the Name Box and press
Enter. The Name Box is in the upper left corner of the Excel window, to the left of
the Formula Bar. If a cell or range is already named, the name appears in the Name
Box when the cell or range is selected. See the named cell ClosingDate (cell C4) in
Figure 1.7.
It is a good habit to name all inputs and important ranges because they help
the model builder and any operators understand formulas faster. This is particularly
important if the model uses Visual Basic for Applications to a high degree. The named
cells and ranges can be understood and accessed faster than with the conventional
Column/Row reference.

Data Validation Lists
Using data validation lists for inputs that can have a value from a set list saves time
and reduces errors for model operators. Data validation lists essentially take a list
of values in the workbook and offer them for selection in a combo box format for a
specific cell.
Creating a data validation list is very easy since it is a prebuilt Excel operation:
1. The first step is creating the list that will be the possible values. In the
case of Figure 1.8 the list would be a range of four cells with the first cell

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 1.8 An example of a data validation
list.

FIGURE 1.9 Create a data validation list in the Data Validation dialogue box.

Dates and Timing

having the label Monthly, the second cell Quarterly, and so on. For organizational purposes, this list should be stored on a separate sheet. (In the Model
Builder, this sheet is known as Hidden because it will be hidden from view
later.)
2. Once the range is created it has to be named. A good convention for lists is to
begin the name with lst so it can be identified when searching through a list of
names.
3. The last step is to select the cell where the list will be active (cell C7 in
Figure 1.8). Once the cell is selected, in the menu bar click Data and then
Validation. The Data Validation dialogue box appears. Click the Allow arrow
and select List. The Source textbox appears. This is where the range name that
references the list should be entered as a formula as shown in Figure 1.9.

EDATE
An extremely useful function to increase the date in an orderly manner over time is
EDATE. EDATE has two inputs: a date and a numeric value.
=EDATE(starting date, numeric value)
The function treats the numeric value in terms of number of months. EDATE
returns the date that is the number of months away from the numeric value. For
example, if the cell containing the date had a value of 07/15/05 and the numeric
value was 1, EDATE would return 08/15/05. Similarly, if the 1 had been a 2 it would
return 09/15/05. EDATE also works with negatives and would return 06/15/05 if
−1 were used as the numeric cell reference.
For EDATE to work, the Analysis ToolPak must be installed—otherwise the
workbook will be full of NAME errors. To install the Analysis ToolPak, in the
menu bar click Tools and Add-Ins. In the Add-Ins dialogue box, select the Analysis
ToolPak checkbox and click OK.

CHAPTER

Asset Cash Flow Generation

he first calculations to do are related to cash flowing into the structure, which
is known as asset cash flow generation. Depending on the type of transaction,
there can be wide variability as to how cash is generated. For most structured
finance transactions, the asset cash flow generation is usually in the form of
principal and interest from the assets. Some transactions, particularly those involving
infrastructure, rely on consultant studies or simulations that project future cash flow.
Regardless of the type of transaction, a cash flow model must have some type of
assumption for the periodic inflow of cash.
With a structured framework, there are many intricate and distinct parts to
creating the cash flows that assets produce such as interest calculations, default and
prepayment assumptions, recoveries, and the like. Explaining in detail how each of
these parts work is fundamental to accurate modeling and also beneficial to building
a financial modeler’s skill. Explaining the most basic concepts first, this chapter
then focuses on creating a notional asset cash flow—that is, cash flows without
giving affect to prepayments and defaults. Once this is complete, each detail will be
introduced one at a time to create the actual asset cash flow.
Prior to explaining exactly how to model structured asset cash flows, the answers
to two questions need to be taken into account: (1) How will the assets exist over
time? (2) And what and how much data on the assets are there? Depending on
the answers to those two questions two methodologies can be employed: loan level
generation and representative line generation. Both methods produce a set of cash
flows that can be used for modeling purposes, but each method used on the same
assets can produce remarkably different results.

LOAN LEVEL VERSUS REPRESENTATIVE LINE AMORTIZATION
The answers to those questions asked in the previous section—about how assets
exist over time and the amount and quality of data—determine which methodology
to use for generating cash flow. So, how do assets exist over time? This concept can
be a little cryptic to people new to structured finance. At the most basic level, the
assets in a structured finance transaction can either remain the same in a definitive
pool or they can revolve. A definitive pool means that the assets that the transaction

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

starts with are the only assets available to the transaction. If there were 10,000
mortgages in a pool, those specific mortgages would remain in the transaction
through the deal’s life. As the mortgages pay off, refinance, or default, no new
mortgages are added. This is usually seen in buy and hold transactions or deals
where investors buy into a specific pool.
With a definitive pool, the most preferred method of asset amortization is a loan
level analysis where each individual asset is amortized based on the asset’s individual
characteristics. Each one of the 10,000 mortgages would have its own amortization
schedule that would be aggregated to form one transaction amortization schedule.
That aggregated amortization schedule would provide the cash flow generation for
the transaction.
Whether a loan level analysis is possible depends on the answer to the second
question: What type of information is available for the assets? Detailed data for
each asset is required to complete a loan level analysis. At minimum, information
for each loan’s term, balances, and interest rate would be required. This is why it
is extremely important for companies to track extensive data on their assets and be
able to access and transmit such data.
If no such data exists, the other option is to use a representative line analysis. A
representative line can be thought of as an aggregation of similar loan’s attributes as
a single loan or line of information. For instance, if there were only five similar loans
in a pool and each loan’s specific balance, term, and rate was unknown, a loan level
analysis could not be completed. However, if information on the aggregate pool of
the five loans was available, such as the sum of all the balances, the weighted average
terms, and the weighted average rate, an amortization schedule using those figures
could be created. In such a case enough information exists to create and amortize a
fictitious loan that is representative of the five actual loans in the pool.
Many people find representative lines a difficult concept to grasp, so a basic
example of taking a number of loans and making one representative line is the best
way to get a feel for the concept. Assume the following loans shown in Figure 2.1.

FIGURE 2.1 Each individual loan has a principal balance, rate, and term.

Asset Cash Flow Generation

FIGURE 2.2 A representative line can be created from the individual loans by summing the
principal balances and calculating the weighted average rate and term.

FIGURE 2.3 The five loans presented here have diverse principal balances, rates, and terms.

By summing the balances and calculating the weighted average rate and term,
a single representative line could be made. This would create a single line of
information that provides a relatively good summary of the pool of loans as shown
in Figure 2.2.
This single line is much easier to create cash flows from then having to create
five separate cash flows for each loan in the pool. However, subjective analysis is
required when making representative lines because the more diverse a pool of assets
is, the more distorted the cash flows are when making a single representative line.
Imagine having the data tape shown in Figure 2.3.
In this example, the rates and terms between assets are very different, which
means that the aggregate interest and periodic cash flows are distinctly different than

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 2.4 Notice the slight differences in payment, interest, and principal when using a
representative line versus aggregating individual loan schedules.

the cash flows generated by a representative line. Figure 2.4 presents the periodic
cash flows of each method.
In the example, the two cash flows are different on a periodic basis and in
aggregate. The periodic differences can be problematic for the upcoming liability
structure in the transaction. There could be periods of liquidity shortfall or triggers
tripped when using one of the methodologies versus the other. Also, the aggregate
interest sum of the individual loans comes to $2,926,259, while the interest sum
of the representative line is $3,233,736. The balance difference is small in this
example, but if the principal balance were $1 billion then the difference between
the two methods could be in the tens of millions! For a detailed example of representative lines in Excel, see Rep Lines.xls in Ch 02’s Additional Files folder on the
CD-ROM.
While it appears that loan level asset generation is ideal if the information is
available, a representative line methodology is more appropriate when assets are
revolving. A revolving structure is the other form in which assets can be financed.
This means that assets can be added to a pool as the transaction continues throughout
time. The deal might start with 10,000 mortgages; but some of those mortgages
might pay off, refinance, or default over time and others can be added. There is no
guarantee that the assets started with will be the assets in the transaction any time
in the future. The key to this state of existence for assets is that there are eligibility
criteria for the assets in the pool.
Eligibility criteria are a fixed set of rules that dictate what assets can be added
to a revolving structure and are essential to modeling such a transaction. Typically
transactions with revolving assets are modeled assuming the pool of assets is filled to
the deal size limit with the absolute worst set of assets the eligibility criteria allows.
For example, if the minimum asset yield the eligibility criteria allows is 7 percent,
then a representative line created for this transaction should use 7 percent as the
asset yield. The reason this is important is that there is no guarantee, other than the
eligibility criteria, on the composition of the asset pool. It is also important because
stress testing often involves creating a worst-case scenario and, in the case of a
revolving transaction, the worst possible pool are the adverse limits of the eligibility

Asset Cash Flow Generation

FIGURE 2.5 The type of analysis used to create cash flows depends on a number of factors.

criteria. See Figure 2.5 for a decision tree that summarizes whether loan level or
representative line asset generation should be used.

HOW ASSET GENERATION IS DEMONSTRATED IN MODEL BUILDER
The easiest asset amortization to learn is a single loan or representative line created
within Excel sheet formulas. This is a useful level at which to start because, as a
more detailed asset generation tool is created, the basics can all be found in a single
loan. This is why Project Model Builder that you started to create in Chapter 1
uses a single asset or single representative line. To create a more robust model that
can handle multiple representative lines or tens of thousands of loans some type of
computer code is required. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is perfect for such
a task and is used frequently in more advanced models. A highly developed asset
generation tool has the flexibility to accept any type of loan or amortize loans in
groups based on many different criteria.

ASSET GENERATION ON THE INPUTS SHEET
Whether a loan level or representative line methodology is used, the asset generation
should be easily manipulated from the Inputs sheet. In a loan level type approach
there would need to be a sensitivity selector that changes calculation variables or
switches between cash flows calculated and imported from another model. For
Project Model Builder, a single representative line methodology will be used and
controlled from the Inputs sheet.
The single representative line input for Project Model Builder is based on a
pool of assets that pay principal and interest and therefore needs to include, at
minimum, the following information: the original balance, the current balance, the
interest rate, the original term, and the remaining term. Additional information is
required, particularly if the assets are generating yield off of a floating rate. Since

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

floating rate assets are certainly a possibility in many structured transactions, this
text will explain and implement the option of floating rate asset amortization in
Project Model Builder.

Fixed Rate Amortization Inputs
A fixed rate amortization with a level payment is very straightforward. The periodic
cash flows are created by first calculating the level payment using the PMT function,
next calculating the interest for the period depending on the period’s beginning
balance, then subtracting the interest from the payment to get the periodic principal,
and finally subtracting the periodic principal from the beginning balance to get the
end balance. Doing this process for each period until the balance is 0 produces a
series of principal and interest cash flows.

Floating Rate Amortization Inputs
While most deals are modeled with a fixed rate, there are a number of deals that
have floating rate assets, which are more complex to model correctly. A floating rate
asset can have a number of additional attributes that could alter the cash flow:
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■

Rate index
Rate margin
Lifetime rate cap
Lifetime rate floor
Periodic rate cap
Periodic rate floor
Rate reset frequency
First reset date

The forward projecting assumption for the underlying index primarily drives
the interest calculation. This assumption is typically a vector such as a forward curve
or rating agency stressed curve. The margin is added to the periodic rate. A lifetime
cap is a hedge that prevents the index rate from exceeding a defined level over the
lifetime of the deal. Conversely, a lifetime floor is a hedge that prevents the index
rate from decreasing below a defined level over the lifetime of the deal. Closely
related is a periodic rate cap and floor. Instead of preventing the index rate from
going beyond a defined level over the lifetime of the deal, a periodic cap prevents
breaching certain levels during any given period. Lastly, the rate reset frequency is
how often the rate resets and changes.
A more general concept to consider when working with a floating rate amortization is how the cash flow is affected as the rate changes. One of two things can
happen when the rate changes: the payment changes or the term of the loan changes.
Many assets have payments that change as interest rates change. This is the source
of payment shock that is often witnessed with variable rate products. Other assets

Asset Cash Flow Generation

are set up to keep a fixed payment, so when the rate changes the same payment
is made, but the term is affected. If rates increase beyond expectations then less
principal will be paid each period and the term will have to be extended. Likewise,
if rates decrease below expectations, more principal will be paid each period and the
term will have to be decreased.
Another point to consider when working with floating rate assets is that the
index the assets are based off of becomes yet another attribute that could cause the
need for multiple representative lines. Some pools may have floating rate assets based
off of different indexes, which would require the use of a separate representative line
for each index.
Organizing the different indexes is the final point to take into account. Each
index is a projected vector of rates that is as long as the number of periods. In the
example model, there is a possibility of 360 periods, so a single projected interest
rate vector such as one-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), will take up
360 cells. Storing the indexes on the Inputs sheet would be inefficient since there will
be other rate vectors encountered later in the model (e.g., default rates, prepayment
rates, etc.) all taking up a large amount of cells. For this reason, a separate sheet for
the vectors is created.

MODEL BUILDER 2.1: INPUTS SHEET ASSET ASSUMPTIONS
AND THE VECTORS SHEET
This section starts at the Inputs sheet, where the relevant data for a representative
line is entered and stored. The inputs used for asset generation create the notional
amortization schedule. After this is complete, the asset generation is further developed to account for prepayment, default, and recovery assumptions. Figure 2.6
glimpses at the Inputs assumptions that are created.
To create the inputs necessary for a notional amortization, perform the following
steps:
1. In cell B10 create a label for this section of the Inputs sheet by entering ASSET
INPUTS.

FIGURE 2.6 The section of the Inputs sheet that controls the asset assumptions.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

2. Range B11:O11 contains the labels for the variables that will be entered below
on row 12. Enter the following text into each labeled cell:
B11: Description
C11: Original Principal Balance
D11: Current Principal Balance
E11: Asset Amort Type
F11: WA Fixed Rate
G11: Original Term
H11: Remaining Term
I11: Seasoning
J11: Floating Rate Curve
K11: Margin
L11: Periodic Cap/Floor
M11: Lifetime Cap
N11: Lifetime Floor
O11: Rate Reset Freq
3. It is much easier to work with values for the assumptions, even if they will
be changed later. Beginning with cell B12, enter the label Asset Pool 1. This
variable is self-explanatory; it is a description of the asset representative pool.
For this cell and all of the following, make sure that the font format is blue and
bold because they are variables that may change. Also, name this cell AssetDes1.
4. In cell C12, enter the value 100,000,000. This is the original principal balance
of the pool. It is important to know the original principal balance because the
payments are calculated off of it. Name this cell AssetOrgBal1.
5. In cell D12, enter the value 100,000,000. This is the current principal balance
of the pool and can be different from the original balance because some loans in
the pool may have been partially amortized. For simplicity, it is easier to assume
that all of the assets are new and the current balance is the same as the original
balance. Name this cell AssetCurBal1.
6. Cell E12 contains the amortization type (whether it is fixed interest, floating
interest, or custom) and has a value from a data validation list. To do this,
go back to the Hidden sheet and enter Asset Amortization Type in cell A16,
Fixed in cell A17, Floating in cell A18, and Custom in cell A19. While still on
the Hidden sheet, name the range A17:A19 lstIntType. Go back to the Inputs
sheet and create a data validation list for cell E12 using lstIntType as the name
reference. Cell E12 will be a reference for cells that depend on the type of
amortization. Finally, name cell E12 AssetIntType1.
7. If the asset pool is going to be amortized on a fixed rate basis, an assumption
is needed for that fixed rate. In cell F12 enter 9.00% for now as a placeholder.
Name this cell AssetFxdRate1.
8. Cell G12 contains the original term assumption of the pool. Remember that the
maximum number of periods the model has been designed for is 360, so this
value needs to be less than or equal to that. For now, assume that the original
term is 360 and enter 360 in cell G12. Name this cell OrgTerm1.

Asset Cash Flow Generation

9. Cell H12 is for the remaining term of the pool. This value can be equal to the
original term if all of the assets are new but is typically less than the original
term. As a starting variable assume that the remaining term is 360 and enter
360 in cell H12. Name this cell RemTerm1.
10. The next cell, seasoning (I12), is actually a calculation derived from the original
term and the remaining term. The formula that should be entered is:
= OrgTerm1−RemTerm1

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

While extremely easy, the seasoning should not be underestimated in terms of
importance. Prepayment and loss amounts will heavily rely on the seasoning to
determine accurate projections. Name this cell Age1.
Cell J12 contains the name of the curve (synonymous with vector) that will be
used to calculate interest if the asset is based on a floating rate. This value will
be a validation list similar to those done before, but with a twist. The names of
the rates make up the range that is being referenced for the list, but they will
not be contained on the Hidden sheet. Instead, the names of the curves will be
created on a new sheet named Vectors.
To create the Vectors sheet, insert a new worksheet and name the sheet Vectors.
The vectors will be over time, so time labels are needed. In cell A4 on the Vectors
sheet, reference cell A4 of the Cash Flow sheet by entering = and then clicking
on cell A4 of the Cash Flow sheet. Copy the reference over the range A4:C366.
The formatting is most likely incorrect, so copy and paste special the formatting
for those three columns from the Cash Flow sheet. Also, there will probably
be zero values for cells A5, B5, and C5, which can be deleted since they are
unnecessary.
In cell E4 enter the first vector name which is 1-month LIBOR, in cell F4 enter
3-month LIBOR, in cell G4 enter 6-month LIBOR, in cell H4 enter Prime, in
cell I4 enter Custom 1, in cell J4 enter Custom 2, in cell K4 enter Custom
3. Now name the range E4:K4 lstInterestRates. The area should look like
Figure 2.7.
Back on the Inputs sheet, create the data validation list using lstInterestRates
as the named range reference. Name cell J12 AssetFltIndx1. The full utility of
creating the data validation list in this manner will become clear later, when the
formulas that need to select between the floating rates are explained.
The amount that is earned in addition to the floating rate, the margin, is
stored in cell K12. For now assume this amount is 1.50 percent. Name this cell
AssetMarg1.
The Periodic Rate Cap/Floor is the amount that the rate can go up or down
each period and will be stored in cell L12. For now assume that there is
essentially no Cap/Floor by entering 100%. (It would be extraordinarily rare to
have a rate increase or decrease by 100 percent in one month.) Name this cell
AssetPdCapFl1.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 2.7 The new Vectors sheet should include basic timing and rate
information at this point.

FIGURE 2.8 The Notional Amortization schedule is created on
the Cash Flow sheet.

16. Cell M12 contains the Lifetime Cap, which is the absolute maximum that the
interest rate can increase to. Just as the Periodic Rate Cap/Floor enter 100% for
now so it is basically deactivated. Name this cellAssetLifeCap1.
17. Cell N12 contains the Lifetime Floor, which is the absolute maximum that the
interest rate can decrease to. This will be deactivated now by entering 0%.
Name this cell AssetLifeFloor1.
18. The last cell of this section, cell O12, contains a numeric value that represents
the frequency that the rate changes or resets. Depending on the type of rate, there

Asset Cash Flow Generation

can be any frequency of rate reset. If the rate resets every period, then this value
is one. If it resets every three periods, then it is three, etc. For now assume that
the rate can reset every period by entering 1. Name this cell AssetRateReset1.

ASSET GENERATION ON THE CASH FLOW SHEET
As the name suggests, the Cash Flow sheet is where the calculations for the asset
cash flow generation take place. When using a representative line methodology,
a notional schedule of amortization needs to be created. The schedule is called
notional because it is a hypothetical amortization that does not take into account
prepayments, defaults, and recoveries. Later, prepayments, defaults, and recoveries
will use the notional schedule to calculate the actual amortization schedule.
The notional asset amortization schedule uses six columns, one for each of the
following: Beginning Balance, Payment, Periodic Interest Rate, Interest, Principal,
and Ending Balance. Most models, including Project Model Builder, assume a level
(mortgage style) payment system, making the calculations very straightforward. The
only confusing part can be interest, particularly if a floating rate is desired; otherwise
the periodic rate is fixed every period.

MODEL BUILDER 2.2: NOTIONAL ASSET AMORTIZATION
ON THE CASH FLOW SHEET

1. As in prior Model Builder sections, the first step is to create labels for the
calculations. On the Cash Flow sheet, in cell E3, enter Notional Amort Schedule.
This will be a title for the next six columns that make up the schedule.
2. In cell E4 enter Beginning Balance, in cell F4 enter Interest Rate, in cell G4 enter
Payment, in cell H4 enter Interest, in cell I4 enter Principal, and finally, in cell
J4, enter Ending Balance.
3. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but the next step is to start creating the
calculations for the ending balance in column J. This is due to the fact that
period 0 does not have a beginning balance. The purpose of having a period 0
is to track when the deal closed and funded. Period 0 has no beginning, it is
merely a reference point to begin the deal and any values that correspond to
period 0 are considered to be at the end of the period. As will be seen later,
period 1 will begin where period 0 leaves off. When working with other models
it is important to see whether calculations are based off of end of period (EOP)
or beginning of period (BOP). Often times the difference can have a noticeable
impact on results.
4. Since period 0 is an exception, an IF statement that inputs the initial asset
balance is needed in column J. Otherwise the ending balance is just the beginning

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

balance minus the principal that has been paid in that period. In cell J6, enter
the following formula and copy it down to cell J366:
= IF(A6=0,AssetCurBal1,E6−I6)
This formula reads: If the period is 0 then the value of cell J6 is the asset current
balance off the Inputs sheet, otherwise it is the asset balance at the beginning of
the period, minus the principal paid during that period.
5. The next calculation to complete is the beginning balance. This is extraordinarily
easy because the beginning balance of any period is always the ending balance
of the period prior. In cell E7 enter:
= J6
Copy the cell down to row 366. If there is confusion to why this calculation and
the next few begin on row 7 recall that period 0 starts with an ending balance
only.
6. The next calculation is the periodic interest rate, which is the most intricate
formula in this section and possibly the entire model. The numeric value of the
interest rate is what needs to be returned in this section, and depends on many
factors. The foremost factor is what interest rate vector the user selects on the
Inputs sheet. Therefore the formula needs to reference the Inputs sheet to see
the vector selection and the Vectors sheet to reference the projected periodic
rate. Also, if the rate is a floating rate there is the possibility of caps, floors, and
reset periodicity. All of these factors need to be taken into account to return an
accurate interest rate for the period.
7. Before the rate formula is constructed, placeholder vectors should be entered
on the Vectors sheet. The typical interest rate vector will be a projected curve
of some type and can be obtained a number of ways. Usually a forward
curve analysis from Bloomberg or any other financial information program is
sufficient. To meet ratings criteria, a stressed curve constructed by the ratings
agencies should be used. To be able to precisely follow the example calculations
going forward, go to the completed Model Builder 2.2 example and in the
Vectors sheet copy the curve for 1-month LIBOR (E6:E366). Paste that curve
into the same location in the model in progress.
8. With placeholder rates stored, return to the Cash Flow sheet. Cell F7 is where
the formula will be entered. The first part of the formula focuses on selecting a
rate depending if the assets are paying fixed or floating. This calls for a simple IF
statement referencing cell E12 of the Inputs sheet. If cell E12 is set to fixed, then
the periodic rate will be the WA Fixed rate in cell F12 of the Inputs sheet, if not
then it must be a floating rate and should be the interest rate from the Vectors
sheet that corresponds to the correct period and curve selected. The fixed rate
selection of the IF statement is simple:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,

Asset Cash Flow Generation

9. Getting the false value of the formula, in this case the floating rate, requires
referencing two pieces of information: the period and the curve selected. A
glance at the Vectors sheet reveals that both of those pieces of information
are there. All that needs to be made is a connection between the period that
the cell corresponds to and the rate curve that the user selected on the Inputs
sheet. This can be accomplished using a powerful lookup combination of the
OFFSET and MATCH functions. Using these functions in tandem is better than
using specific lookup functions such as VLOOKUP because the specific lookup
functions typically require lookup values to be in order. OFFSET and MATCH
have no such requirements. If you are unfamiliar with either of these functions,
refer to the Toolbox section at the end of this chapter.
To help understand how this method works, it is useful to think about the
Vector sheet as a table with curve names on the x axis and the periods on the
y axis. The OFFSET function is going to locate the correct cell on that table
depending on the curve selected and the period. Since OFFSET is essentially a
grid lookup tool that starts with a reference point and uses numerical values to
find a cell, it starts to become clearer that there needs to be numerical values to
represent the period and the curve. Given that the period is already in numeric
format, the only difficult variable to conceive of as a number is the curve that is
selected. However, since there is a list of the curves on the Vectors sheet (recall
that the range E4:K4 was named lstInterestRates), there is an implied ordering
to the list. Specifically in the named range 1-Month LIBOR (E4) comes first,
3-Month LIBOR (F4) comes second, etc. See Figure 2.9 for more detail.
Looking at Figure 2.9 it makes sense then that a grid reference using D6 as
a starting point, to 1-Month LIBOR, one period out (2.60 percent) should be
(1,1). This method of grid referencing can be used within the context of the

FIGURE 2.9 The Vectors sheet contains the list for the interest rate, which can be
referenced to determine the correct periodic interest rate.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

OFFSET function. If cell D6 was offset one cell to the right and one cell down,
the active cell would be cell E6. This is synonymous with the formula:
= OFFSET($D$6,1,1)
That formula reads: offset cell D6 one cell to the right and one cell down.
It would return the value in cell E7, 2.60 percent. Note that cell D6 is an
absolute—or fixed—cell reference with $, so the reference never changes. Once
it is clear that cell $D$6 is the focal point of the OFFSET, a function needs to
be implemented to translate the text variable that selects the interest rate curve
into a numerical value.
The function that accomplishes this for the interest rate curve variable is
the MATCH function. The MATCH function works very well for lists with
any value and any order. Conveniently, a list for the interest rate curve was
created (lstInterestRates). If one were given the interest rate curve text variable
of 1-Month LIBOR, it could be matched exactly against the list lstInterestRate.
The MATCH function returns a numerical value for the placement of the
matching value in the list. In this case, the label 1-Month LIBOR is the first
value in lstInterestRate, and therefore a MATCH of the text 1-Month LIBOR
returns a 1.
Since the periods are already in a numeric value, they do not need to be looked
up using the MATCH function. If the offset originates in the cell above the first
period, offsetting that cell one period down would require a numeric value of
one. Notice that the period value for that corresponding cell is 1. Likewise to
offset the cell two periods down, the corresponding period value is 2, and so on.
If all of this seems confusing do not worry, the combined formula should start
to make sense:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,
OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,A7,MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0))
This addition to the formula reads, offset cell D6 on the Vectors sheet by one
cell down and by one cell to the right. Determining that the offset should go
one cell down is done by the period value. Determining that the offset should
go one cell to the right is done by matching the selected interest rate curve from
the inputs sheet with the list of interest rates. Since 1-Month LIBOR is the first
value on the list, the offset goes one cell to the right. Notice that if 3-Month
LIBOR was selected on the Inputs sheet, this is second on the list and the offset
would go two cells over to cell F7.
10. The next step in constructing the formula is to take care of instances when there
is a cap. A cap is a hedge that is purchased to prevent the rate from going above
a desired limit. With floating rate financing, there can be either a periodic cap
that prevents the rate from going above a fixed amount each period or a lifetime
cap that prevents the rate from going above a fixed amount over the lifetime of

Asset Cash Flow Generation

the deal. The perfect function to take care of this is MIN. If a floating rate is
being used the rate each period should be the minimum of the projected rate or
the capped rate. The MIN statement (shown in bold) should be inserted into the
formula as shown:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,MIN(OFFSET
(Vectors!$D$6,A7, MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),
(F6−AssetMarg1)+ AssetPdCapFl1,AssetLifeCap1)
The new section of the formula reads: return the minimum of the projected rate
on the Vectors sheet or the previous rate plus the periodic cap or the lifetime cap.
Notice that the margin is subtracted out of the previous month’s rate. This is
because at the end of the formula the margin will be added and any comparison
for a cap must be of solely the projected rate. The previous month’s rate already
has the margin added. So, for comparison purposes, it must be subtracted out.
11. An opposite approach must be taken for floors. Floors are the opposite of caps
and are hedges that prevent the rate from going below a certain amount. Given
that the hedge is the opposite it makes sense that an opposite function should be
used; the MAX function. The MAX function (shown in bold) should be added
right before the MIN function. The periodic floor should be included, but the
floor should be subtracted instead of added:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,MAX(MIN(OFFSET
(Vectors!$D$6,A7,MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),
(F6−AssetMarg1)+AssetPdCapFl1, AssetLifeCap1),
(F6−AssetMarg1)−AssetPdCapFl1,AssetLifeFloor1)
12. The next part of the formula must figure out if the floating rate should be
changed depending on the reset frequency. Some floating rates only change
quarterly or semiannually. The Inputs sheet anticipated this with cell M12
(AssetRateReset). The ideal function for determining when to do something
according to timing is the MOD function. If unfamiliar with MOD, consult the
Toolbox section for detail. Essentially MOD (shown in bold) is used to see if
the current period is perfectly divisible with the rate reset frequency established
on the Inputs sheet.1 If it is then the rate needs to be looked up, otherwise the
rate remains the same as last month. The wording of the last sentence should be
a sign that an IF statement should also be used:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,IF(MOD($A7,
AssetRateReset1)=0,MAX(MIN(OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,A7,
1

Public Securities Association, Standard Formulas for the Analysis of Mortgage-Backed
Securities and Other Related Securities, 1 June 1990, p. SF-5.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),(F6−AssetMarg1)
+AssetPdCapFl1,AssetLifeCap1),(F6−AssetMarg1)−AssetPdCapFl1,
AssetLifeFloor1),F6)
This addition to the formula reads, if the current period divides by the given
reset frequency perfectly then look up the rate on the Vectors sheet, otherwise
use the previous month’s rate (F6).
13. The last section is primarily clean up to take into account the first period not
having a previous month’s rate. If the first period is a floating rate, it should
simply reference the starting floating rate. This can easily be done with an IF
statement referencing the current period and the TRUE value being the same rate
lookup method we used earlier (i.e., the OFFSET MATCH combination). Insert
the IF statement (shown in bold) and copy and paste the OFFSET MATCH
combination (shown in bold) to produce the following:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,IF(A7=1,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,
A7,MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),IF(MOD($A7,
AssetRateReset1)=0,MAX(MIN(OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,A7,
MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),(F6−AssetMarg1)
+AssetPdCapFl1, AssetLifeCap1),(F6−AssetMarg1)
−AssetPdCapFl1,AssetLifeFloor1),F6)))
14. The final bit to add is the margin. No matter what rate is returned, fixed or
floating, the margin needs to be added at the end. The only caveat is that the
lifetime floor and cap can be exceeded by the margin. To take this into account
the margin (shown in bold) needs to be subtracted from the lifetime cap and
floor. The final formula should look as follows:
= IF(AssetIntType1= "Fixed",AssetFxdRate1,IF(A7=1,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,
A7,MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),IF(MOD($A7,
AssetRateReset1)=0,MAX(MIN(OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,A7,
MATCH(AssetFltIndx1,lstInterestRates,0)),(F6−AssetMarg1)
+AssetPdCapFl1, AssetLifeCap1−AssetMarg1),(F6−AssetMarg1)
−AssetPdCapFl1,AssetLifeFloor1−AssetMarg1), F6)))
+AssetMarg1
15. The next formula calculates the total payment that is due each period. The PMT
function in Excel is specifically designed for this purpose. The PMT function

Asset Cash Flow Generation

uses balance, term, and rate information to provide a periodic payment. In
Project Model Builder, the payment is level in fixed rate scenarios and variable
when the rate is floating. This is accomplished by making sure the payment
formula references the rate vector, which will be the same rate for each period
in a fixed rate system and a differing rate each period for a floating rate system.
Another consideration for the payment formula is that in a floating rate
system the payment can be higher than the balance of the assets. To take care
of this, an IF statement needs to be inserted to check whether the balance is less
than the payment and, if so, calculate the payment as the sum of the balance and
the interest due that period. In cell G7 enter the following formula and copy it
down to cell G366:
= IF(J6<=G6,H7+E7,−PMT($F$7*$C$7,AssetTerm1,AssetOrgBal1))
One final note on the formula is that there is a negative sign in front of the PMT
function. This is because PMT will return a payment as a negative value and for
consistency all numbers in the model will be positive.
16. Once the payment formula is done, the next formula to create is the interest
calculation. This is very simple since the periodic interest rate is available in
column F. The interest per period is the beginning balance multiplied by the
interest rate. Remember that the periodic interest rate is still an annual rate and
must be calculated as a periodic rate by multiplying by the day factor. The final
formula to enter in cell H7 (and copy down to cell H366) is:
= F7*C7*E7
17. The last column in this section is the principal payment. Given that the total
payment and the current period’s interest have already been calculated, the
principal for that period is the subtraction of the interest from the total
payment. In cell I7 enter and copy down to cell I366 the following formula:
= G7−H7
18. The notional amortization schedule is now complete. Try changing the variables
on the Inputs sheet to see how the amortization schedule is affected. Make
sure this section is well understood since the cash that will flow through
the rest of the model is completely dependent on the notional amortization
schedule.

TOOLBOX
OFFSET
Perhaps one of the most useful types of functions in financial modeling is one that
can reference other cells. The OFFSET function takes a selected cell and references

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

a different cell depending on the parameters given. The OFFSET function needs the
following information:
= OFFSET(starting point cell, number of rows to move up or down,
number of columns to move back or forth)
For example, if the following cells and values were used with the function
= OFFSET(A1,1,1)
the return value would be the value in cell B2 since the OFFSET function started
with cell A1 and offset the cell by 1 row and 1 column.

MATCH
The MATCH function is often overlooked, but it is an incredibly powerful function.
The concept is to compare a given value against an array or list of values that may
contain the given value. If there is a match, the function returns a numerical value
that represents the order that the matched value is in the array or list. MATCH
takes the following parameters:
= MATCH(selected cell for matching, array to be matched against,
accuracy of search)
In Figure 2.10, there is a list of groceries in range C5:C7. If the location of the
word ‘‘Pear’’ on the list was required the MATCH function could be used to find
it. The last parameter, 0 in this example, is how accurate the search should be. A
0 indicates that the word ‘‘Pear’’ needs to be found exactly, if not a #N/A error
will be returned. The other two options, 1 and -1, are mainly for matches involving
numbers. A 1 indicates that MATCH should find the largest value that is less than
or equal to the given value. A -1 indicates that MATCH should find the smallest

FIGURE 2.10 An example of MATCH using a grocery
list and an item from it.

Asset Cash Flow Generation

value that is greater than or equal to the lookup value. Using 1 or −1 requires the
array or list to be placed in order, so try to use 0 if possible.

MOD
The MOD function is a mathematical function that returns the remainder after a
number has been divided by a divisor. There are only two parameters for MOD, the
number that is to be divided and the divisor.

PMT
A useful function for finance is the PMT function. This function takes a rate, a term,
and a principal amount and returns the payment necessary to amortize the principal
amount within the term given. The specific parameters include:
= PMT(rate, term, principal balance)
Always be certain that the rate corresponds to the term. For example, if the term
is on a monthly basis the rate needs to be adjusted so that it is a monthly rate. Also,
the PMT function’s default setting is to return the payment as a negative value, so
either a negative needs to be put in front of the formula or other formulas have
to work with a negative payment value. Project Model Builder assumes all positive
values and requires the negative to be in front of the function.

CHAPTER

Prepayments

n Chapter 2, a notional amortization schedule was created that provided a basis
for cash flowing into a transaction. This cash flow assumes that every loan in the
pool will make payments exactly as they are scheduled. If it were that simple many
finance professionals would be out of a job. In reality, cash flow becomes irregular
when obligors choose to pay more than the scheduled amount, a prepayment, or
when they do not pay at all, a delinquency, which sometimes becomes a default.
This chapter focuses on prepayments, how they are tracked, how they are
projected, and how they are used in a cash flow model. First, it should be clear
exactly what is considered a prepayment. A prepayment can either be ‘‘complete,’’
where the outstanding balance is paid off in full, or ‘‘partial,’’ where only a portion
of the outstanding balance is paid. For example, an individual mortgage obligor
might have extra money one month and decide to pay $2,000 towards her mortgage
when the scheduled payment is $1,800. Since the periodic principal and interest is
calculated in the $1,800 due, the only use of the additional $200 is to reduce the
outstanding balance of the loan. This would be considered a partial prepayment. The
other type of prepayment is where the entire balance is paid off. This can be the result
of refinancing, credit-related events, and, on occasion, calculated due to foreclosure.
The latter part of this chapter features Model Builder exercises; but some of
these exercises are not directly involved in building the example model. One exercise
demonstrates how to take a file of raw historical prepayment information and create
a projected prepayment curve. This projected prepayment curve then is used for
prepayments in Project Model Builder. The purpose of this is to show a reader three
important parts of structured finance modeling:

1. The ideal format for prepayment data.
2. How to convert the prepayment data into projections.
3. How to apply and integrate the projections in a working financial model.

HOW PREPAYMENTS ARE TRACKED
While the concept of a prepayment is relatively simple, there are numerous methods
of tracking prepayments and calculating prepayment rates. Prepayment terminology

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

cannot only differ between asset classes, but even between companies within the
same industry. It is important to understand what each prepayment expression
means and the underlying calculation involved so historical data can be interpreted
and used to make projections. Prior to exploring how to work with prepayment
data, it would be useful to define some of the primary terms.

SMM: Single Monthly Mortality
The most basic measurement of prepayment is known as single monthly mortality
(SMM). The name sounds a bit morbid, but it comes from the idea that the
prepayment is actually getting rid of or killing off the asset. In most modeling,
whether it is a mortgage or auto model, the prepayment rate is typically converted
to SMM for calculating prepayments. This is done because most models are done
on a monthly basis and as the name implies SMM is a monthly calculation. It
is calculated by taking the dollar amount of the prepayment over the previous
month’s outstanding balance (less the scheduled principal payment). The formula
for SMM is:
SMM = Dollar amount of period n prepayment/(Beginning of period n current
balance–Period n scheduled principal payment)

CPR: Conditional Prepayment Rate
Since most transactions are monthly, SMM is appropriate for calculations. However,
for mortgage models and other long-term assets the prepayment rate is often
expressed as an annual rate known as the conditional prepayment rate (CPR).
CPR is an often misunderstood term with incorrect acronym explanations such as
Cumulative Prepayment Rate or confusion between CDR, which is a default term
that will be described in Chapter 4. The most basic definition of CPR is that it
is an annualized calculation of SMM. To convert SMM to CPR use the following
formula:
CPR = 1 − (1 − SMM)12
This calculation can be set up in a spreadsheet or is referenced in numerous
books in a table format (i.e., SMM to CPR conversion tables).

PSA: Public Securities Association
With many years of historical prepayment data on mortgages, standardized prepayment amounts have been developed by the Public Securities Association (PSA).
These curves or multiples of these curves are often used to model mortgage transactions. One-hundred percent PSA assumes prepayment rates of 0.2 percent CPR in
the first month following origination of the mortgage loans (not the pool) and an
additional 0.2 percent CPR in each succeeding month until the 30th month. In the

Prepayments

FIGURE 3.1 100 percent PSA expressed as a line graph.

30th month and beyond, 100 percent PSA assumes a fixed annual prepayment rate
of 6.0 percent CPR. See Figure 3.1 for a graph of the standard PSA curve.
To calculate the prepayment rate for any specific multiple of PSA, adjust the
annual rate at 100 percent PSA by that multiple. For example, 200 percent PSA
assumes prepayment rates equal to twice the CPRs from the 100 percent PSA model,
on a pool-by-pool basis.1 Specifically, 0.2 percent CPR would instead be 0.4 percent
CPR for the first month, following the origination of the mortgage loans, and grow
by 0.4 percent CPR for each of the successive 29 months and 12.0 percent CPR for
all of the remaining months.

ABS: Absolute Prepayment Speed
For shorter term assets such as auto loans, a more appropriate measure of prepayment
is the absolute prepayment speed (ABS). Due to the short terms of the asset, larger
amounts of principal are paid faster causing an increasing prepayment rate as the
pool seasons. To use ABS in a model it should be converted to SMM. This is done
by the following formula:
ABS = 100∗ SMM/(100 + SMM∗ (n − 1))
In this formula n is the number of periods that have transpired since origination.
For instance, if a pool is known to have an ABS of 1.50 percent, the corresponding
SMM to use in a calculation five months out would be 1.60 percent.

Public Securities Association, Standard Formulas for the Analysis of Mortgage-Backed
Securities and Other Related Securities, 6/01/90, p. SF-5.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

HISTORICAL PREPAYMENT DATA FORMATS
Projecting prepayments can get very complex with interest rate and economic
expectations. The most basic starting point is to analyze how the assets have prepaid
in the past. Obtaining sufficient historical prepayment data (at least three years
worth) on the specific assets that are to be analyzed is the best approach to take.
Depending on the company, this data will come in a variety of formats, but must
include at minimum: a historical account of the asset’s principal balance each period
and the amount of principal that was prepaid each period. Ideally, though, the
company provides a vintage analysis of the prepayments.
As the name implies, a vintage analysis tracks information by the month,
quarter, or year that the assets were originated. For example, assets originated in
August 1998 would have an original pool balance from that month. From August
to September, there are prepayments for just the loans originated in August 1998,
which should be tracked separately from the entire book of assets. Similarly, the
current principal balance of the August 1998 vintage should be tracked separately.
This type of tracking should be done for every month of origination because it
allows for a proper trend analysis.
It should be noted that the data presented in the Model Builder section is an
ideal example of how prepayment data is tracked. Often times this data is part of a
larger analysis and may require manipulation to bring into a usable format.

BUILDING PREPAYMENT CURVES
With suitable prepayment data the next step is to build prepayment curves that
represent each vintage and an aggregated curve that represents the assets as a whole.
The first point to remember is that prepayment amounts used in Project Model
Builder will be calculated off of SMM, which is the prepayment per period over
the current balance of the period. If this is not done, then the rates will have to
be calculated. Once they are calculated there should be a table of rates that have
origination periods on one axis and periods on the other axis. This becomes clearer
as the Model Builder exercise for this chapter is worked. An example for you to
reference now is shown in Figure 3.2.
The table of monthly SMM rates can then be aggregated by each period using a
weighted average methodology. To account for differences in balances, each SMM
should be weighted by the periodic principal balance from the vintage that the SMM
is derived from. The weighted average aggregate curve can then be summed to create
a cumulative curve. Be aware that this is the most fundamental method for creating
prepayment curves and more advanced modeling would include an array of different
factors and sophisticated techniques.
As an introduction the weighted average curve is the most basic representation
of the assets prepayment behavior. Using this curve to project prepayments assumes
the following:

Prepayments

FIGURE 3.2 A standard analysis of prepayment rates is completed by tracking each
origination period separately over time.

1. That the assets requiring prepayment projections are the same as the assets used
to create the projected prepayment curve. This might sound like simple logic,
but if the asset class is for example mortgages and the historical prepayment
data is generated off of fixed rate mortgages, the prepayment curve calculated
should only be used for fixed rate mortgages from that company. This distinction
should even be as granular as the precise type of mortgage, since prepayment
rates for mortgages are very particular to the type of product.
2. That there is no significant trend in the prepayment rates. If a noticeable
increasing or decreasing trend is apparent in the historical prepayment rates
and this trend is expected to maintain, it should be accounted for in the
projected curve. Sometimes a shift in market focus, origination process, or
economic environment causes such a trend, which could affect future prepayment
performance.
3. While more complex than this text will demonstrate in the examples, a consideration for any prepayment curve should be interest rates. Prepayment behavior
is closely linked to interest rates. A simple example is a homeowner with a mortgage, which could be fixed or floating. If the mortgage is fixed rate and it was
originated during a high interest rate environment, the homeowner will be more
inclined to refinance when interest rates decline. Or, if a floating rate mortgage
was originated during a low interest rate environment, the obligor would want
to refinance to a fixed rate if he or she expects interest rates to increase. In more
advanced prepayment analyses, expected interest rate scenarios should be run
using a variety of prepayment curves.

PREPAYMENT CURVES IN PROJECT MODEL BUILDER
Once the projected curve is created it will be stored in the model. For maximum
flexibility the model should have room for multiple custom curves, conversion

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

formulas for the main types of prepayment rates (as described above), and standard
prepayment curves. Also, the model should be developed in a way that it is easy
to select which curve to use, the option to use different curves for specific groups
of assets, and a method of automating scenarios so curves can be selected and run
without much adjustment. All of this will be demonstrated and worked through in
the Model Builder exercises.

THE EFFECT OF PREPAYMENTS ON STRUCTURED TRANSACTIONS
Prior to the step-by-step exercises in the Model Builder sections a moment should
be taken to understand the effects that prepayments have in a structured finance
transaction. Prepayments accelerate the repayment of principal for the assets and,
in pass-through structures, the principal of the notes or certificates. At first thought
an investor might think prepayments are good since they will have their principal
returned to them faster.
This is true if the assets are consistently performing poorly and there is risk that
there will not be enough cash flow to repay the investor. In such a case, one would
want their money as fast as possible. However, when assets are performing as they
are expected, there should be more asset interest than liability cost —also known
as excess spread. This excess spread provides credit protection over the life of a
transaction. Obligors who tend to prepay the fastest are the better credits with high
interest rates that, when, eliminated, reduce excess spread. If those higher interest
obligors prepay quickly, the transaction terminates faster and overall there will be less
excess spread in the deal than if the assets prepaid at a slower rate. This is extremely
important because if a comparison were made between two transactions—A and
B—where everything was the same including default rate but the only difference
was transaction A prepaid faster than transaction B, then transaction A would have
less excess spread.
Another consideration is that the prepayment rate needs to be modeled accurately
to give a correct estimation of the weighted average life of the transaction and the
total return provided to investors. Institutional investors often purchase asset-backed
securities with certain tenors and returns in mind. Prepayments can drastically affect
the weighted average life of a transaction and can reduce the overall interest paid,
thereby reducing the total return of investment.

MODEL BUILDER 3.1: HISTORICAL PREPAYMENT ANALYSIS AND
CREATING A PROJECTED PREPAYMENT CURVE
1. The first step in any prepayment analysis is to review the data that exists. Open
MB3-1 Raw Data.xls from the Ch03 folder on the CD-ROM. There is only
one sheet in this workbook and it contains very pertinent and organized data for

Prepayments

a prepayment analysis. The data included on the sheet is the minimum amount
necessary to complete a prepayment analysis: pool balances and prepayment
amounts.
2. To get started with the analysis, create another sheet and name it Prepay
Analysis. This sheet is where the SMM prepayment rates will be calculated and
aggregated by pool. Since the data will be organized similar to the raw data,
copy cells A5:AA31 from the Raw Data sheet and paste them on A5 of the
Prepay Analysis sheet.
3. Clear the contents of cells A7:AA7 because there will be no prepay rates in
time 0. The formula to calculate the SMM rates is the prepay amount for
the current period divided by the beginning of period balance. In the official
formula, scheduled principal should be deducted from the beginning of period
balance; however, in this case there is no information on how the balance is
reduced each month (that is, what portion is scheduled principal versus default).
The difference should not have a significant impact so using the beginning of
period balance is sufficient. The Excel formula to enter in cell C8 is:
='Raw Data'!C39/'Raw Data'!C7
4. When this is copied from C8:AA31, there is a minor problem with #DIV/0
errors. This can be easily taken care of with an IF statement. Modify cell C8 as
follows:
=IF('Raw Data'!C39="","",'Raw Data'!C39/'Raw Data'!C7)
This will prevent any 0 balances from trying to calculate and stop division by
zero errors from populating across the sheet. At this point, the analysis should
look like an upside down triangle as pictured in Figure 3.3.
5. With each vintage’s prepayment rates laid out over time, the next step is to
create an aggregate curve that represents how the asset’s prepay on average.
Since the vintages have different balances a weighted average should be used for
the rates. The easiest way to calculate a weighted average in Excel is using a
SUMPRODUCT-SUM combination. If this has never been done before, there is
a detailed explanation in the Toolbox section of this chapter. There is a slight
difference when using this combination for curves because there could be zero
values that could skew the average. To eliminate this potential problem, a count
of relevant cells needs to be created.
6. Label cell AC6 WA Count. The cells in AC8 through AC31 will contain a
numeric value that represents the relevant number of cells of data for each
period that should be calculated in the weighted average. For example, row 8
contains data for the first period of each vintage, row 9 the data for the second
vintage, and so on. Notice though that the data is a triangle and the further the
periods out, the less data exists. This is logical because if the current month is
the beginning of January 2006 there should be no data for January 2006 one
month out nor two months of data for loans originated in December 2005. To

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 3.3 The raw prepayment data should be converted into percents and cleaned
up at this point.
help with the SUMPRODUCT-SUM combination a numeric count of the data
that should be included in the calculation is necessary. This can be accomplished
by using the COUNT formula in conjunction with data specific modifications.
7. In cell AC7, use COUNT on the cells C6 through AA6. This produces a value
of 25. Lock this reference down. For the first period in cell AC7, there is one
period of unknown data: January 2006. In the next period there will be two
periods of unknown data: January 2006 and December 2005. To use a single
formula to not count those months, subtract the current period from the count.
Since the numeric periods exist in column B, use those as the reference. The final
formula should look like:
=COUNT($C$6:$AA$6)−B8
Copy and paste this formula into cells AC8 to AC31. The result should be
a vertical row of numbers that decrease as the periods decrease as shown in
Figure 3.4.
8. Next label AD6 WA SMM Curve. This is where the weighted averages (WA)
are calculated. Any weighted average of A data is the sum of the products of
A data and B data divided by the sum of B data. This can be accomplished in
Excel using SUMPRODUCT and SUM. An additional element of complexity is
making sure not to average blank cells. This is done using the OFFSET function
within the other formulas. In cell AD8 enter the following formula:
= SUMPRODUCT(C8:OFFSET($B8,0,$AC8),'Raw Data'!C7:OFFSET
('Raw Data'!B7,0,$AC8))/SUM('Raw Data'!C7:OFFSET('Raw
Data'!B7,0,$AC8))

Prepayments

FIGURE 3.4 Notice the count function and the
WA SMM Curve.

The SUMPRODUCT is taking two rows of data: the monthly SMMs (row 8
of the Prepay Analysis sheet) and the beginning of period balances for each
vintage (row 7 of the Raw Data sheet). Instead of taking the entire row of data
though, the SUMPRODUCT reference uses an OFFSET function to instruct
the SUMPRODUCT to only take a certain amount of cells. This OFFSET
uses the count system of relevant data created in column AC. This way the
SUMPRODUCT only references the relevant data. Similarly, the SUM of the
balances that is used as the divisor only takes in the relevant balances. If this
OFFSET didn’t exist the SUM would be much higher than necessary. Copy and
paste the formula into cells AD8:AD31.
9. Create an additional sheet and name it Summary. This is where the curves that
will be used for the projected modeling will be stored. Copy cells A7:B31 from
the Prepay Analysis sheet and paste them in A7 of the Summary sheet. On the
Summary sheet, label D5 WA SMM Curve. In D8 through D31, reference the

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

WA SMM curve from the Prepay Analysis sheet. Typically this is what will be
used in a model to forecast prepayments. It has been simplified with only two
years of data to keep the example simple, but in models like Project Model
Builder a longer curve or estimation is typically necessary. This can be achieved
by using more data, using a standard curve like PSA, or using rating agency
assumptions that are often given in terms of CPR.
10. To see how SMM translates into CPR and vice versa, label cell E5 CPR. In cell
E8, use the following formula to convert to CPR:
=1−(1−D8) ˆ 12
Copy and paste this formula over the range E8:E31. These are the annualized
rates of the SMMs. Rating agencies often give CPR assumptions for assets, so it
is important to understand how to go back and forth between calculations. The
final prepayment curve should look like Figure 3.5.

FIGURE 3.5 The final prepayment curve is expressed
in SMM and CPR.

Prepayments

MODEL BUILDER 3.2: INTEGRATING PROJECTED PREPAYMENTS IN
ASSET AMORTIZATION
1. The last part that was completed in Project Model Builder was the creation of a
notional amortization schedule. This Model Builder section will begin creating
the actual amortization schedule beginning with prepayments. Go to the Cash
Flow sheet in Project Model Builder and label cell L3 Actual Amortization.
Below this, in row 4, is a series of column headers. Label the following cells as
described:
L4: Beginning Balance
M4: Default Rate
N4: New Defaults
O4: Amort Factor
P4: Prepay Rate
Q4: Voluntary Prepay
R4: Actual Amort
S4: Interest Rate
T4: Actual Interest
U4: Principal Recovery
V4: Ending Balance
Many of these columns are placeholders for chapters to come; but they should
be created now rather than inserting columns later.
2. Two of these columns contain formulas in period 0 (row 6): the Amort Factor
and the Ending Balance, which as mentioned earlier is the starting balance when
it is in time period 0. The Amort Factor is the ratio of the current notional
balance to the original notional balance. This is important because it is an
indication of how the asset balance is reduced on a scheduled basis and will be
used to help determine prepay amounts. In period 0, however, it is always 1 since
no amortization has taken place. Otherwise it is the end of period scheduled
balance over the original scheduled balance. This is the formula that should be
entered in O6 and copied and pasted through O366:
=IF(A6=0,1,J6/$J$6)
The Ending Balance will always be the starting asset current balance for period
0, but will reduce by scheduled amortization, prepayments, and defaults. Even
though the cells are empty right now use the following references in the formula
for cell V6:
=IF(A6=0,AssetCurBal1,L6−N6−Q6−R6)
Copy and paste this formula into the range V6:V366.
3. The next column to work on is column L, the Beginning Balance. As in the
notional schedule, the beginning balance will always be the ending balance from

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

10.

the period prior. In cell L7, enter the reference = V6 and copy and paste it down
through the range L6:L366.
Before proceeding to the Prepay Rate, the Inputs sheet needs to be updated so
Prepayment Inputs can be changed quickly. On the Inputs sheet, merge cells
B16:O16 and use the long cell as a label that states PREPAYMENT/DEFAULTS/
RECOVERY INPUTS. Also add the following labels:
B17: Description
C17: Prepay Curve
D17: Prepay Stress
The Description is a reference to the description of the assets that the prepayment, default, and recovery information will affect. This is Asset Pool
1, which was named AssetDes1. In B18, enter =AssetDes1. Name this cell
pdrDes1.
C18 is where the prepayment curve will be selected from the Vectors sheet. This
is very similar to the asset interest rate curve selection. Like that one there needs
to be a selection of possible curves on the Vectors sheet. Go to the Vectors sheet
and enter the following labels into these cells:
M5: SMM 1
N5: SMM 2
O5: SMM 3
P5: Custom CPR 1 DATA ENTRY ONLY
Q5: Custom CPR 2 DATA ENTRY ONLY
R5: Custom CPR 3 DATA ENTRY ONLY
Select and name the range M5:O5 lstPrepayCurve.
Go back to the Inputs sheet and select C18. Using data validation, make the
possible inputs for this cell the range lstPrepayCurve. There should only be three
possible inputs because the range only included the SMM ranges. The CPR
columns created on the vector sheet, which are labeled DATA ENTRY ONLY,
are used to put CPR curves in, but must be converted to SMM for use in the
model. Name C18 pdrPrepay1.
D18 contains the stressor for prepayments. This is a numeric multiple that is
multiplied against the prepayment curve at each period. For now enter a 1 in
cell D18 and name the cell pdrPrepayStress1.
To follow in the example calculations, copy and paste the existing prepayment
curve, which is present in the completed section of the Vectors sheet in this
MB3-2.xls in the Ch03 folder on the CD-ROM. This curve should be pasted
in the same place, cells M7:M366. (In the Ch03 folder on the CD-ROM, there
is an example in the Additional Files subfolder that contains the PSA curve
calculation.)
The next step is having the correct prepayment rate show up on the Cash
Flow sheet. This is accomplished in a similar manner to the asset interest rate,
using an OFFSET-MATCH combination, but is much simpler since there are
no caps, floors, or rate resets. The numerical value that should show up in P7
depends on the prepay curve selected on the Inputs sheet and the period (in this

Prepayments

case 1). Since the values are stored on the Vectors sheet, the OFFSET will start
there with Vectors L5. To get the correct rate Vectors L5 needs to be offset
by the period that the formula is in (1 in the case of Cash Flow P7) and the
prepay curve (the selected one in this example is SMM 1, which is the first
curve in the list). An additional factor that needs to be taken into consideration
is the seasoning. Seasoned assets need to reference their correct timing on the
prepayment curve, otherwise the wrong historically created prepayment percents
will be applied to the asset balances. The following formula will accomplish this
and change as different curves are selected on the input sheet and as the periods
change:
= OFFSET(Vectors!$L$6,A7+Age1,MATCH(pdrPrepay1,
lstPrepayCurve,0))*pdrPrepayStress1
Copy and paste this formula from P7 through P366.
11. The final formula of this Model Builder exercise is the most critical. It determines
the actual dollar amount of prepayments for the period. The first part of this
formula is an IF function for clean up purposes. If there is a zero balance and
the prepay calculation is attempted then there will be #DIV/0 errors. To prevent
this start the formula in Q7 with:
=IF(L7=0,0,
The next parts of the formula are MAX and MIN formulas. The MAX formula ensures that in cases of high default there is no negative balance that
could skew prepayments. The MIN formula takes the lesser of the balance
less defaults and the calculated prepay amount. The balance less defaults is
the Beginning Balance minus New Defaults (L7–N7). The prepayment calculation is the Beginning Balance multiplied by the percentage asset reduction
in the notional schedule multiplied by the monthly prepayment rate (as measured in SMM). A confusing part of the last statement is what ‘‘the percentage
asset reduction in the notional schedule’’ is and why it is part of the calculation. This is the current amort factor divided by the last month’s amort
factor. This represents the scheduled amortization on a fractional basis and
removes it from the prepayment amount. The final formula should look
like:
=IF(L7=0,0,MAX(MIN((L7−N7),L7*O7/O6*P7),0))
In particular, notice that defaults (N7) are removed from the Beginning Balance
as part of the MIN function. This is important because as loans approach
their final periods they will have to be cleaned up. Defaults take precedence
in calculations since it is assumed that a defaulted loan will not voluntarily
prepay.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

TOOLBOX

Weighted Averages Using SUMPRODUCT and SUM
When doing any analysis in finance on a pool of assets the word ‘‘average’’ comes
up often: What is the average interest rate? How long is the average remaining term?
What is the average age of the loans? The answers to all of these questions must
be provided in terms of the weighted average, otherwise an incorrect estimation
will most likely be made. The reason for this is that financial assets that are pooled
together in a transaction rarely have homogenous principal balances from the start,
with differences being more exacerbated as time progresses.
Principal balances are important because in a pool of assets, those with larger
principal balances will have more influence on the characteristics and performance
of the pool than assets with smaller balances. An easy example is to take a look
at a pool of two loans, their balances, and their remaining terms. In the examples,
the loans are quite different. One is fairly new and has a high principal balance
and a long remaining term while the other is very seasoned and has a low principal
balance and short remaining term. As seen in Figure 3.6 (and in Ch03’s Additional
Files subfolder for the Model Builder files on the CD-ROM), the average remaining
term and rate of this pool is taken by using the AVERAGE function in Microsoft
Excel. This produces a result of 187.50 periods and a rate of 6.00 percent.
This is a misleading result because most of the pool’s money will be outstanding
for much longer than 187.50 periods and at a far higher rate than 6.00 percent. The
correct way to describe the average remaining term is to weight the average by the
current principal balance. By using a weighted average based on current balance,
the remaining term would be nearly 360 periods with a rate of 10 percent. This
is done by multiplying the terms by the balances, summing up those products, and
then dividing that sum by the sum of the principal. The weighted average can be
calculated without using functions, but the calculation is made much easier by using
SUMPRODUCT and SUM.

FIGURE 3.6 There is a noticeable difference between taking
an arithmetic average and a weighted average.

Prepayments

SUMPRODUCT takes two arrays of equal length and multiplies each value in
one array by the corresponding value of the second array, and then sums up all
of those products. In Figure 3.6, for example, the remaining term array (E4:E5)
is multiplied by the corresponding balances (C4:C5). SUMPRODUCT finishes by
calculating the sum of all of these products. The arrays should be referenced in this
manner:
=SUMPRODUCT(Array Reference 1, Array Reference 2)
SUMPRODUCT takes care of the first two parts of calculating a weighted
average, so all that is left is to divide by the sum of the balances using the SUM
function. This function combination can be used for calculating weighted averages
for any loan characteristic and typically uses the current principal balance as the
weighting.
Also, as seen in this chapter, the weighted average should be used for summarizing historical rates. Often, for such purpose, the OFFSET function needs to be used
on the arrays to prevent zeros from skewing the average.

CHAPTER

Delinquency, Default, and
Loss Analysis

early every asset class in structured finance is subject to loan obligors not paying.
This eventually generates losses. While the concept of an obligor defaulting
and causing a loss is not difficult to understand, historical loss reporting, future
loss projection, and how a structured transaction model is constructed to handle
these are often a cause of confusion. Because there is no standardized method
for reporting, projecting, or modeling loss, data is often presented in inconsistent
and sometimes misleading formats. The most favored format of understanding
historical loss information is the static loss report, which tracks losses for each
origination period over time. This format is ideal for building historical loss curves
and producing a projected loss curve with severity and timing that is predicated on
prior asset performance.
Incorporating loss into a model can also be done a number of ways depending
on certain rating agency methodologies and subjective formula techniques. This
chapter lays the groundwork for understanding loss and shows one possible method
for integrating the concept into a functioning model. Later in this book there are
discussions about other methodologies.

DELINQUENCIES VERSUS DEFAULTS VERSUS LOSS
One reason understanding loss can be so confusing is the terminology that is involved
in the process leading up to a loss. To be clear prior to any use, the following related
terms are defined:
■

Delinquency. When a payment is due on a specific date and the obligor fails
to pay the payment by that date the obligor is delinquent. A more granular
analysis of delinquency typically splits delinquency into monthly intervals such
as 1 to 30 days delinquent, 31 to 60 days delinquent, 61 to 90 days delinquent,
and so on. A key point to an obligor being considered delinquent is that there is
an expectation of more payments and the possibility that the obligor will repay
enough to no longer be considered delinquent.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL
■

■

Default. Depending on company and legal definitions, a delinquency eventually
becomes a default. When obligors are considered defaulted, they are no longer
expected to make regular payments and legal action typically begins. It is very
important to realize that the timeframe it takes for an obligor to transition from
delinquency to default is usually set by legal definitions in structured transactions
and that loss expectations can change depending on the time it takes to classify
an obligor as a default.
Loss. When a loan is considered a default, some companies instantly write
the principal balance of the loan off. This is known as a gross loss. As time
progresses, sometimes a recovery is made either through the sale of a repossessed
asset or continued pursuance of credit collection.

The well-known fixed income expert, Frank J. Fabozzi, stresses the importance
of terminology by defining a loss as follows:
A default is essentially a loan that does not get paid back. A loan may
go into the 90-day delinquent category or even into foreclosure, and still
be made current again. So only those loans that are ultimately liquidated
for non-payment are classified as defaulted loans. Losses refer to the dollar
amounts lost on defaulted loans.1
A useful example is to examine one loan in a hypothetical loss situation. Imagine
a mortgage loan that had an original balance of $1,000.00, a current balance of
$586.50, is in its 20th month and stops paying. Figure 4.1 depicts the timeline of
events and classifications that the loan would go through.
As can be seen from Figure 4.1, the loan is considered delinquent until 90 days
have passed by and then it becomes classified as a default. In this case, it is written off
instantly and the legal process begins. After 14 months, a court orders a foreclosure.
The asset takes three months to sell and an asset recovery is realized.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ANALYZING DELINQUENCY
Understanding the asset pool’s tendency to initially stop paying on time is a logical
starting point for a loss analysis. This is done by examining historical delinquency
data on similar assets and is important for two reasons: credit trends and liquidity.
Credit trends are an indication of whether assets will perform better or worse and
whether a greater or lesser amount of loss should be expected in the future. Liquidity
is a transaction-specific consideration that refers to the amount of actual cash in any
given period.

1
Frank J. Fabozzi, Bond Credit Analysis: Framework and Case Studies (New Hope, PA: Frank
J. Fabozzi Associates, 2001), 245.

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.1 A timeline of the events that take place when an asset defaults.

The first concern, credit trends, is important because it could mean that a future
loss projection might have to be increased. Credit trends are noticeable when
a delinquency analysis is performed on existing assets. If, over the course of
origination, assets progressively have increased delinquency, the loss expectation
may be higher. Greater delinquency sometimes means that the company originating
the assets is chasing riskier assets, possibly for greater returns. In this case, the
obligors’ credit scores and interest rates should be examined more closely.
The second concern, liquidity, is extremely important in building a structure
that is sized and risk rated correctly. If assets consistently have a high delinquency,
this needs to be accounted for in a model; otherwise there might not be enough
cash to cover loss, principal, interest, and possibly fees. Delinquency directly affects
cash flow because a delinquent loan does not have any cash flow; but it is also not
considered a default. This means that its balance is not written down, excess spread
does not cover the loss, and no cash is received. After the liability side of the model
is complete, this concept becomes clearer.
Both concerns require the creation of historical delinquency curves. These curves
are useful in determining credit trends and the severity of delinquency. The curves
are not actually used in Project Model Builder, but they are created using a Model
Builder exercise since the analysis is very important.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

MODEL BUILDER 4.1: BUILDING HISTORICAL DELINQUENCY CURVES
1. Ideally a historical delinquency analysis begins with data from assets similar to
those in the transaction. In this exercise, data has been provided in the Ch04
folder on the CD-ROM. Open the file MB4-1 Raw Data to access the raw
data. Save the file as Historical Delinquency Curves.xls.
2. There are two sections of data provided: The top section is the current balance of
loans, grouped by vintage, reported on a periods-out basis. The bottom section
contains the current balance of loans that are in the 30-day delinquency bucket
(that is, they have missed their payment date by 1 to 30 days). The best way to
understand the magnitude and trend of the delinquencies is to calculate them
on a percentage basis. First, to create an area for the rates, copy C37:AA37 and
paste this cell range in C66:AA66. Also copy B38:B62 and paste this cell range
in B67:B91. Labels for the axis of the ranges can also be copied down, but make
sure to leave row 65 blank for now.
3. The proper delinquency calculation is the current month’s delinquency over the
prior month’s ending balance. The formula for this is a simple division equation;
but it needs some cleaning up to prevent #DIV/0 errors. In cell C68 enter:
=IF(C39="","",C39/C7)
This formula cleans up zero-balance periods and divides the delinquency by the
current balance of the prior period.
4. To get a sense for all of the vintages, a weighted average is useful. As seen
in Chapter 3, calculating a weighted average is most simply done using a
SUMPRODUCT-SUM combination and is discussed in more detail in the
Toolbox section of that chapter. Also, to prevent picking up blank cells, an
OFFSET function is needed. Prior to creating the formula, the OFFSET needs a
reference value to determine how many cells of data each vintage contains. Since
January 2004 contains the maximum periods of data (24) and each successive
month has one less period of data, a column of decreasing values is necessary.
Starting in A68, enter 24, and then in B68 enter 23. Highlight both of these cells
and drag the decreasing value down to A91. The worksheet should look like
Figure 4.2 at this point.
5. Cell AC68 will contain the weighted average of the first period, AC69 the second
period, and so on. In cell AC68 enter:
=SUMPRODUCT(C68:OFFSET(B68,0,A68),C7:
OFFSET(B7,0,A68))/SUM(C7:OFFSET(B7,0,A68))
This weighted average formula multiplies each delinquency rate by the respective
vintage’s prior period current balance. This creates the weighting and then
divides the sum of those values by the sum of the balances to get the weighted

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.2 A standard set of delinquency curves organized by periods out.

FIGURE 4.3 Delinquency performance can be quickly
understood from a chart.

average rate. An OFFSET is used to make sure that no blank values are
picked up.
6. Charts are often seen to represent this data as seen in Figure 4.3.
The delinquency data in Model Builder 4.1 is useful because it shows the amount
that is delinquent 1 to 30 days. This is useful knowledge for later if a liquidity reserve

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

needs to be sized in the modeling. Also, notice that there is a slight trend in the
data. Earlier vintages have experienced slightly more delinquency than later vintages,
suggesting an improving trend in credit quality. This could possibly be an argument
for reducing loss projections.
Keep in mind that this is the most basic delinquency analysis that can be
completed. Often the process is repeated for each delinquency interval (i.e., 1 to
30 days, 31 to 60 days, and so on). Delinquency information can also be used to
create transition matrices, which can be used as a proxy for loss if there is a limited
amount of historical data. However, if there is static vintage data, historical loss
curves should be created and analyzed.

DERIVING HISTORICAL LOSS CURVES
Delinquencies that eventually pay only create liquidity issues and negative drag on
the transaction and are not as important as the loans that completely stop paying
and are considered defaults. Similar to delinquency, default expectations for a pool
of assets can be assumed from historical data. In fact, the analysis is very similar,
using a static type analysis.
The importance of a static type analysis should not be understated. To get a
comprehensive understanding of the performance of an asset it must be tracked
from its origination to maturity, without the influence of other loans from different
origination periods. This is the core concept behind a static analysis. The term static
is used because individual vintages are examined independent of other vintages. The
losses for all loans in a vintage are tracked and recorded as time progresses. The
comparison between loss and balance is only within the vintage under analysis. No
other loan’s losses or balances are added at any time. For example, in Figure 4.4,
originations are displayed across row 7. The date of these originations is directly
above in row 6. For each origination period the losses can be seen going vertically
in their respective columns.
A quick example of interpreting Figure 4.4 is looking at loans originated in
March 2004. In that month, there were $272 in losses four periods from origination.
The four periods out corresponds to July 2004, which is cell E11 in Figure 4.4.
It is important to fully understand what the $272 represents. In this example,
that amount is the gross loss reported in that month. Gross loss is the dollar
amount of loan balances that are assumed to remain unpaid. The typical method of
understanding the magnitude of the loss per period is by representing it as a fraction
of origination. Specifically, dividing the historical loss per period associated with a
specific origination by the origination amount results in a percentage of loss that the
loans in the origination pool experienced. Taking the earlier example of the $272 in
July 2004, divide the loss amount by the originations for March 2004 (i.e., 29,266).
This results in 0.93 percent as seen in Figure 4.5.
The rationale for presenting the loss data this way is that it allows for a direct
comparison of losses between origination pools. Also, this method of reporting

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.4 Raw loss data is best presented on a static loss basis.

FIGURE 4.5 The raw loss data should be converted to percentages of original
vintage balance.

prevents inaccurate loss percentages that could occur if the loss percentage was
calculated in a dynamic manner. Standard & Poor’s provides excellent reasoning on
why static loss data is preferred:
An analysis of static pool data is preferred, since it demonstrates loss
performance over the full liquidation period of a pool. Static pool data also
can provide insight into changing portfolio characteristics, underwriting, or
collection policies. Movement in such variables may not be readily apparent
in dynamic portfolio data because of the constantly changing mix in new and
aged receivables. Additionally, data based on annual losses can understate

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

loss performance during periods of rapid portfolio growth. When analyzing
high-growth portfolios, the current period’s losses may be compared against
the prior year’s portfolio. This ‘‘growth adjustment’’ takes into account
that losses on new originations may not happen immediately and, therefore,
occur in the next annual period.2
Tracking the loss history of loans based on origination gives a better estimation
of the asset performance over time.
Once the monthly loss amount is determined, it is very easy to calculate the
cumulative loss percentage, which is the sum of all the monthly loss percentages, up
to the current period. Using the same origination pool as the other examples (March
2004) it is evident that the cumulative loss through March 2006 is 12.99 percent
(see Figure 4.6).

FIGURE 4.6 A cumulative loss curve
sums the periodic loss amounts.

Standard & Poor’s, Structured Finance: Equipment Leasing Criteria (New York:
McGraw-Hill, 1999), 17.

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.7 The difference between organizing data using a
periods-out versus a dates methodology.
As this point, it is worth noting that there can be some confusion as to how
the loss curves progress over time. One part to be mindful of is whether the unit
of time is represented as a period of time or a reference date. The method, used
for the examples thus far, represents time progression using periods and is called
the periods-out method. This method means that loans originated in March 2004
had .93 percent of loss four periods out (July 2004); .79 percent of loss five periods
out (August 2004); and so on. However, loss data can also be provided without the
periods but with dates instead. The dates typically start with the earliest origination
period and continue vertically on a monthly basis. The key difference is that the
dates method sets the time reference for all of the origination periods, while the
periods-out method has an independent time reference for each origination period.
In the dates method loans originated in March 2004 show $272 of loss in July
2004, seven cells down. The same origination period in the periods-out method
shows the $272 of loss four cells down. Essentially, in a periods-out method each
time progression of a cell is based off each origination pool date, while a ‘‘dates’’
method is based off of the very first origination date. To help make this clear, look
at Figure 4.7.

MODEL BUILDER 4.2: BUILDING HISTORICAL AND
PROJECTED LOSS CURVES

1. Open the file MB4-2 Raw Data.xls from the Ch04 folder on the CD-ROM.
This file is similar to the delinquency one, but with changes relevant to loss
analysis. The first noticeable difference is that there are only origination balances
for each of the pools. This is because static loss analysis is done off of the
original balance of the loan. Save this file under a different name so it can be
worked in.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

2. Similar to the delinquency analysis, copy the origination dates and balances
to rows 37 and 38. Also copy the periods in column B so that it starts with
Origination Amt in row 38.
3. Starting in cell C39 enter the following formula:
=IF(C8="","",C8/C$38)
This is similar to the delinquency formula; but it bases all of the loss on original
balance instead of current balance. Copy this formula over the range C39:AA62.
4. So far monthly loss percentages have been created. This data is better analyzed
looking at cumulative percentages to see the ‘‘curve.’’ Copy the vintage dates
and origination amounts to row 65 and 66. Also copy the periods in column B
to start at row 66. The cumulative percentage is the current period’s loss plus
the previous period’s cumulative percentage. Before entering a formula, insert
a blank row in row 67. This should put a row of empty cells between the first
period and the origination amounts so the formula that will be entered does
not add the origination amounts to the cumulative loss percentage. With that
complete enter the following formula in C68:
=IF(C39="","",C39+C67)
Copy this formula over the range C68:AA91. The cumulative curves are often
summarized in a line graph that looks like Figure 4.8.
Before continuing further with Model Builder 4.2, it is important to understand
how to analyze the curves to use them for projections.

FIGURE 4.8 A graph of cumulative loss curves.

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

ANALYZING HISTORICAL LOSS CURVES
Vintage loss curves created using a static methodology have two important characteristics that should be identified: severity and timing. The severity is the final
cumulative loss percent per vintage. This is how much of the original balance of a
particular vintage is assumed to be defaulted and uncollectible. The timing is how
much loss has been taken by a certain point in time, ending at the final maturity
of the assets. If the assets in the Model Builder example had final maturities of 24
months, then the timing of loss for any period can be determined by dividing the
cumulative loss percentage in that period by the final cumulative loss percentage
(period 24).
Loss timing is important to understand because it can have profound effects
on structured transactions. If the loss timing is front loaded, which means that
losses take place quickly the assets will erode quickly. This directly impacts excess
spread in a transaction, which is the first source of protection against loss. A
transaction modeled with a front-loaded curve versus a regular curve will require
more enhancement since there is less time for excess spread to generate. Back-loaded
curves, where losses take place near the end of the tenor of the assets also have
special effects on structured transactions. If loss does not take place until late
in the transaction, enhancement needs to be sized and kept for those periods.
If a transaction was modeled with a regular loss curve and losses were actually
back-loaded, important structural features such as triggers and reserve accounts
might be inadequate to protect against the back-loaded loss.

MODEL BUILDER 4.2 CONTINUED
1. Label cell AC38 Weighted Avg Curve. To get a summary of the severity of the
historical loss curves a weighted average curve needs to be created. This is done
using the following formula starting in AC39:
=SUMPRODUCT(C39:OFFSET(B39,0,A39),$C$38:
OFFSET($B$38,0,A39))/SUM($C$38:OFFSET($B$38,0,A39))
Copy this formula down to AC62. Also, since these are the monthly losses, sum
them up in AC64 to get the weighted average loss.
2. Timing should be analyzed on a monthly basis first and then cumulative. Take
the first period’s monthly loss amount and divide it by the sum of all the monthly
loss. Label cell AD38 Timing, and start the following formula in AD39:
=AC39/$AC$64
Copy this formula down to AD62. A sum of this column in AD64 should equal
100 percent.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

3. A useful way to observe the timing is to make a cumulative timing curve. Do
this by entering the following formula in AE40:
=AE39+AD40
Notice that this started one more row down than the other formulas to avoid
having the label added in a formula. Copy this formula down to AE62. Model
Builder 4.2 will finish up after the next section on projecting loss curves.

PROJECTING LOSS CURVES
If no trend is evident and there are years of data that encompass the tenor of the
asset, then the weighted average curve created in the previous section can be used
as a projected loss curve. However, most of the time industries and companies go
through cycles of increasing and decreasing loss. Also, particularly with assets in
emerging markets, a relatively short time span of data is available. Both of these
issues create the need to project out loss curves.
The first issue, trending, is observed by looking at the same period for each
vintage. In Model Builder 4.2, the monthly losses have a noticeable decreasing trend.
Look at period 5 in Figure 4.9 and notice that in general each successive vintage after
January 2004 has a decreasing loss amount. Most of the periods are experiencing
such a trend. The company could argue that a weighted average curve based solely
on the data overstates loss because the newer vintages are expected to have a lower
loss amount in later periods, but these amounts are not reported and therefore not
captured in the weighted average loss curve.
A thorough loss analysis when trending is involved requires the ability to
observe the full spectrum of loss an asset may experience from origination to
maturity. Taking the weighted average losses for each period will only produce
accurate curves depending on the breadth of the historical loss data vis-à-vis the
age of the assets. The usefulness of the historical loss curves can be assessed by
determining how many of the loss curves have tracked data from origination to
maturity. As an example, assume the current date is January 2006 and in our
examples the data is provided as early as January 2004. Also assume that the final
maturity of the assets is 24 periods. This means that if originations and loss data is

FIGURE 4.9 Trends should be looked for in vintages across periods.

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

provided monthly, there could be one vintage that has reached maturity or ‘‘termed
out.’’ For instance, loans originated in January 2004, with a final maturity of 24
months should have all matured by January 2006. Since the loss data is from January
2004 through January 2006, there is loss history from every part of the loans’ term.
However, loans originated in April 2004 will only have a partial loss history, since
there would only be 21 months of data (May 2004 to January 2006).
If there is a trend in the data and there are few vintages that have ‘‘termed
out,’’ the earlier vintages will have a strong impact on the weighted average curve.
To account for such trends, the newer vintages need to be adjusted. For instance, if
losses are trending upwards and the later vintages aren’t ‘‘grossed up’’ for expected
loss, the weighted average method will understate loss. The opposite will occur if
losses are trending downwards, resulting in an overstatement of loss.
To account for trends, later vintages need to be adjusted using a timing curve
extrapolated from a set of ‘‘base’’ originations. A ‘‘base’’ origination should be a
historical origination from the static loss data that is demonstrative of the expected
timing of the assets. As long as the asset performance is not extremely volatile, it
would be logical to assume that future assets will take losses in a similar manner.
Third-party timing curves, such as those produced by the Public Securities Association (PSA) or rating agencies can be used to adjust losses. Also, more sophisticated
statistical analyses can be performed on the loss data to determine trends. The results
of such analyses would provide a basis for trending. The continuation of Model
Builder 4.2 takes the most fundamental approach to projecting loss.

MODEL BUILDER 4.2 CONTINUED
1. The final step in a complete static loss analysis is adjusting newer vintages to
account for trending. To do this, the monthly loss for each vintage that is not
complete needs to be extrapolated based on timing. First, make room to work
underneath the monthly loss percentage area. Insert enough rows so rows 64
through 67 are clear.
2. Label row 64 in B64 as Loss Sev. Taken. This is how much loss as a percent
of original balance has been taken for each vintage. To get the correct amount
a SUM formula with the OFFSET function needs to be used. For the OFFSET
to reference the correct amount of information per vintage create a row of
descending values starting with 24 in C36, 23 in D36, and so on. Descend the
values until Z36 where the value should be 1. In C64 enter the following formula:
=SUM(C39:OFFSET(C38,C36,0))
This formula will only sum the severities that are derived from historical data.
The importance of the OFFSET becomes clearer later as projected severities are
created in the area.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

3. In the next row down, label cell B65 Loss % Taken. This row is a percentage
calculation of how much loss the vintage under analysis has taken compared to
the weighted average timing curve. For instance, the January 2004 vintage has
a full 24 months reported, so it has taken 100 percent of loss that it is expected.
The February 2004 vintage is only 23 months so it is short one month of loss
and has taken slightly less than 100 percent loss. To calculate the percentage of
loss that has been taken, enter the following formula starting in C65:
=OFFSET($AE$38,C36,0)
This formula is a basic OFFSET for the timing curve, depending on the seasoning
of the vintage. Copy this formula through to Z65.
4. By knowing the percentage of loss that has been taken, the calculation for the
percentage of loss that needs to be distributed is determined by subtracting the
prior value by one. Label cell B66 Loss to be Dist. Enter the following formula
in cell C66 and copy it across to Z66:
=1−C65
5. The expected loss is the loss severity taken divided by the loss percent taken
so far. If a vintage has taken 100 percent of its loss, then it will be the same
loss severity, however for vintages that have taken less than 100 percent the
severity will be grossed up. Label cell B67 Expected Loss and enter the following
formula in C67 and copy it across to Z67:
=C64/C65
6. With the expected loss for each vintage calculated, the next step is to project the
monthly loss for periods in the future. This can be done directly in the monthly
loss formula since there is already an IF statement set up. Click on cell C39 and
recall that an IF statement was set so that if there was no data (that is ‘‘’’), then
no data should be populated. However, it is now known that if there is no data,
there should be a projection. The projection is going to be the expected loss
amount multiplied by the projected timing of loss. This is summarized by the
following formula that cell C39 should be updated to:
=IF(C8="",C$67*$AD39,C8/C$38)
This formula reads: If there is no monthly loss data project it by taking a
projected timing curve and multiplying that curve by the expected loss amount,
otherwise the loss is based on historical data. Copy this formula across the range
C39:W62. Only this range should be used since October 2005 onwards has so
few data points that the calculations will cause #DIV/0 errors. At this point the
bottom part of the monthly loss table should look like Figure 4.10.

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.10 The additional rows are used to project expected loss.

7. The last step is to create a new weighted average curve, taking into account
the projected amounts. Label cell AG38 Adj. WA Curve and in AG39 enter the
following formula:
=SUMPRODUCT(C39:W39,$C$38:$W$38)/SUM($C$38:$W$38)
Copy this formula down to cell AG62. This is a straightforward weighted
average formula, taking into account ALL of the data for each period (up to
column W). When the individual monthly data is summed in cell AG69, the
difference is apparent between using an adjusted curve and a purely historical
curve when trending is taking place. In the latter example, a loss curve of 9.34
percent would be used, while in the former case a much lower loss curve of 7.01
percent would be used due to trending. See Figure 4.11 for a comparison.
The previous sections described in detail the most common analyses performed
on static loss data, however it is by no means exhaustive. There are many situations that will require different methodologies such as extremely volatile data,
an insufficient quantity of data, a change in assets, etc. Understanding the fine
detail of each situation and what drives loss is the key to choosing the right
methodology. Two different static loss histories may appear very similar, but the
methodology that should be employed often depends on information that is not
on the data tape. These other methodologies can range from calculation intensive analysis, such as examining the slopes of the worst vintages to a very simple
comparables study.
Regardless of the methodology that is used to analyze loss, understanding loss
and what causes it in a transaction is possibly the most important component of
structured finance modeling. A majority of the structure revolves around the loss
and exists to mitigate it. This will become more apparent as loss expectations are
implemented in the model.

INTEGRATING LOSS PROJECTIONS
The first part of this chapter focuses on understanding loss from a historical
perspective and attempting to extrapolate future loss from the history. This second
part takes the knowledge garnered from the history and applies it so loss can be

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 4.11 The new adjusted
weighted average curve is less than the
original weighted average curve after
a decreasing loss trend is taken into
account.

taken into account when generating cash flows. Two methods of calculating loss exist
for structured finance modeling: original balance calculation and current balance
calculation. The correct one to use depends on the type of loss curve that is integrated
into the model.
The first method, original balance calculation, multiplies a monthly loss severity
by the original balance of the assets. This is used when historical loss analysis has
been completed on assets and when historical loss severities have been calculated off
of original balance. If 100 percent of the timing curve is taken and there is no credit
for seasoning, the dollar loss amount as a percentage of the asset original balance
should be exactly the same as the gross cumulative loss assumption.
The other method calculates loss by multiplying a monthly default rate (MDR)
by the current balance. Monthly default rates are primarily employed when using
a Standard Default Assumption (SDA) curve as the loss projection. In this case the
dollar amount of loss will not be related to a percent of the original balance.
Regardless of the methodology, something to realize about loss projection is that
it is a percentage of the asset balance. This does not seem that unusual when using a
representative line style of amortization. The assets have been aggregated and should

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

therefore have percentages of loss taken out. However, it may seem unusual when
using a loan level style of amortization because a percentage of loss is taken out of
an individual loan. In reality a loan will either default or not. There is no concept
of part of a loan defaulting. In modeling, however, a loss curve will be applied to
each loan and the results aggregated. This concept becomes more important when
thinking about seasoning and default timing.

The Effects of Seasoning and Default Timing
When a loan has begun to amortize or is seasoned, the expected loss amount will
change because a seasoned loan is on a different part of the loss curve than a new
loan. For example, a loan that is brand new with a final maturity of 24 months
might have a loss curve that is 24 periods in length. By month 24 the loan will have
taken 100 percent of its expected loss. Imagine that the loan was already 10 months
old when it was sold into the transaction. This means that 10 months of loss should
be expected to already have taken place. Figure 4.12 shows the difference of two
loans with different seasoning and their expected remaining loss.

FIGURE 4.12 A new loan will be expected to
take a full 7.01 percent of loss, while a loan
seasoned 10 months is assumed to have already
taken 2.31 percent loss, leaving the expectation
of 4.70 percent of loss to be incurred.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

The effects of seasoning are accounted for in a model by calculating the seasoning
of a representative line or individual loan and making sure that the loss applied for
each period corresponds to the correct place on the default curve.
Seasoned loans can also have very different loss expectations depending on the
default timing curve. Earlier, default timing and the problems that can arise from
different default timing curves was discussed. However, all of that analysis assumed
a new loan. If a loan is seasoned and the default timing curve is front loaded, there
is a good chance that the loan has already taken a significant amount of its expected
loss. Once Project Model Builder is complete, the differences in loss expectation due
to seasoning and default timing can be examined by varying the loan age and timing
curve.

MODEL BUILDER 4.3: INTEGRATING DEFAULTS IN ASSET AMORTIZATION
1. Start on the Inputs sheet and label the following cells:
E17: Gross Cumulative Loss
F17: Loss Stress
G17: Loss Timing Curve
H17: SDA Curves
Underneath each label is where the values will be entered. For now enter 1.00%
in cell E18 and name this cell pdrCumLoss1, enter 1 in F18 and name the cell
pdrLossStress1. Before cells G18 and H18 can be created, some work needs to
be done on the Vectors sheet.
2. On the Vectors sheet Chapter 3 ended on column R. Leave column S blank for
spacing purposes and label cell T4 Defaults. Columns T through X are where the
timing curves will be stored. Label cells T5 through X5 Timing Curve 1, Timing
Curve 2, and so on. Name the range S5:X5 lstDefaultCurve. It is important to
include the blank cell S5 so the data validation list will have the option of a
blank value.
3. While on the Vectors sheet move on to cells Z5:AD5. Label these cells Default
Rate 1, Default Rate 2, and so on. Make sure to leave Y5 and AE5 blank for
spacing purposes. Move on to cell AF5 and label that cell SDA 50%, AG5 SDA
100%, and AH5 SDA 200 %. Name the range AF5:AI5 lstSDA.
4. Go back to the Inputs sheet and create a data validation list in cell G18 using
lstDefaultCurve as the list range. Name cell G18 pdrLossTime1. Create another
data validation list in H18 using lstSDA. Name cell H18 SDA Loss.
5. At this point there is an input for the loss severity and a selector for timing.
The severity can be entered and changed quickly depending on the historical
loss analysis results. The timing curve has been set up so there are five curves to
choose from. Up to this point only the labeling has been created, so an actual
system of determining timing needs to be implemented. This is best done with a
table that allows time to be parsed in a flexible manner, with the timing of loss
varying between time increments. Since this table takes up room and is different

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

from most of the other items in the model, insert a new sheet after the Cash
Flow sheet and name it Loss Timing. On the Loss Timing sheet, label cell A4
Loss Timing. Label cell A6 Months. Cells D6 through H6 will be the labels for
the loss timing curves. Use a numbering system from 1 to 5, 1 being the number
entered for cell D6, 2 for E6, and so on. At this point, the sheet should look like
Figure 4.13.
6. Still on the Loss Timing sheet enter a 1 in cell A7. This represents the first period
that the loss timing starts with. In cell B7 enter 12. This represents period 12 on
the loss timing curve. What is being created here is the parsing of time that will
be referenced later; in this case period 1 through period 12. A quick method
of making this appear as a label, but retain the number values for referencing
purposes later is to use a custom format for the cell. Right-click cell A7 and
click Format Cells. In the Format Cells dialog box, click the Number tab, select
Custom as the category. In the Type text box enter #,## ‘‘to’’. This should make
the cell look like the cell in Figure 4.14.
The cell will still have a numerical value, but can be read quickly as a parsing
of time. The cells below A7 and B7 should increase according to the interval of

FIGURE 4.13 The loss timing sheet is structured so loss scenarios can be
toggled quickly.

FIGURE 4.14 Using a custom cell format retains the numerical value creating
greater functionality for references later.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

time. In this case, cells A8 and B8 will be 13 and 24 respectively. Continue this
pattern down through row 36 so there is a maximum of 360 periods.
7. The purpose of the table made in step 6 is to create possible loss timing scenarios.
Scenario 1 (labeled so in cell D6) will have percentages in cells D8 through D36
that represent the timing of loss during each interval that was set up in the A and
B columns. For example, enter 3.33333333%— or simply enter = 100/30 as an
easier way to get this value—in cell D8. This means that 3.33333333 percent
of the loss severity will be applied to assets in the first year of their term. For
instance, if the loss severity over the life of an asset is expected to be 10 percent,
.33333333 percent (10% * 3.33%) would be expected to occur in the first 12
months. For now assume that 3.33333333 percent of loss will occur in each
interval for Scenario 1 (D8:D36). For 360 periods parsed equally into years this
should equal 100 percent. In fact, a complete timing curve should always equal
100 percent, otherwise an incorrect loss amount is being applied. The other loss
timing scenarios can be left blank for now. Later in the book, when scenario
selection is explained, the other timing scenarios will be entered.
8. Loss timing is often expressed as intervals of time (such as 3.33333333 percent
in months 1 to 12), but models are typically run more granularly such as
monthly, therefore loss timing needs to be converted to the model’s periodicity.
Ultimately a monthly vector will be created so the most logical place to store this
vector is on the Vectors sheet. Remember that in step 2 an area was created for
five Timing Curves (columns T through X). An OFFSET-MATCH combination
is the formula that will be used to pull the correct periodic loss timing. In cell
T7 on the Vectors sheet, enter the following formula:
=OFFSET('Loss Timing'!D$6,MATCH($A7,'Loss Timing'!$A$7:
$A$36,1),0)/12*PmtFreqAdd
This formula is similar to the others that use OFFSET-MATCH, with a few
exceptions. In this case the start of each loss timing scenario is referenced by
column (D$6). That reference cell is offset by matching the current period on the
Vector sheet against the intervals in column A on the Loss Timing sheet only.
The fact that column A is only used is extremely important for this formula
to work correctly. The reason this column is only used is because the type of
MATCH that is being used is set to a 1. This means that the formula will find
the largest value that is less than or equal to the look up value. If the rate for
period 14 were trying to be determined, the largest value on the Loss Timing
sheet’s cells A7:A36 is 13. This corresponds to the second interval of timing on
the Loss Timing sheet, which is the correct interval to be referenced (13 to 24).
A 1 match type works only in the case of referencing the lower bound of the
intervals.
The other exceptions are the divisors in the formula. The amount returned
from the OFFSET-MATCH is based on the interval. To get to the periodic
amount the interval amount needs to be divided by the model’s periodicity. If

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

FIGURE 4.15 The timing curve is represented on
a monthly basis on the Vectors sheet.

the model was always monthly then all that needs to be done is to divide by 12.
However, to automate the model in case the periodicity is quarterly, semiannual,
or annual multiplying by the Payment Frequency Additive is necessary. Make
sure to copy the completed formula through T366. So far this area should look
like Figure 4.15.
9. Still on the Vectors sheet, the next step is to come up with the correct periodic
default rate. This is the final rate that will be applied to a balance to come up
with a dollar amount of loss. This rate consists of severity multiplied against
periodic timing. Also, this area is where any stress should be applied to the loss
curve. Recall that in Step 3 columns Z:AD on the Vector sheet were set aside
for this purpose. In Z7 enter the following formula:
=(pdrCumLoss1*pdrLossStress1)*T7
The formula takes the overall loss severity from the Inputs sheet (pdrCumLoss1),
multiplies it by a stress factor if desired (pdrLossStress1), and then multiplies
that product by the current period’s timing. This formula will produce the rate
that should be applied against the dollar balance to derive the dollar loss amount
for a period. Copy this formula into the range Z7:AD366.
10. So far this section has focused on user-generated loss curves; however, there
are times when a preexisting loss curve should be used, particularly with
long-term assets such as mortgages. Earlier an area was set aside for Standard
Default Assumption (SDA) curves. These curves are fixed amounts that have
been determined by the Public Securities Association (PSA) using decades of
historical data from the U.S. mortgage market. They serve as excellent proxies
to determine loss for mortgage products and occasionally other long term assets.
The most basic SDA curve is 100 percent SDA, which assumes an increase
of .02 percent annual default in the first 29 months (starting with .02 percent),

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 4.16 100 percent SDA displayed as a line graph.
a level .60 percent annual default for months 30 to 60, and then a decrease
of .0095 percent annual default for months 61 to 120, and finally a level .03
percent for months 121 through 360. 100 percent SDA has a very recognizable
shape in the mortgage industry when graphed as in Figure 4.16.
Multiplying or dividing the values of the 100 percent curve creates variations
of the curve. So a 50 percent SDA curve contains half of the values for each
period of the 100 percent curve, while a 200 percent SDA curve contains twice
the values for each period of the 100 percent curve.
It is important to note that the values from these SDA curves are not the
ones used in a monthly model. Remember that SDA uses a monthly default
rate and the curve constructed above is created with annual rates. Use the
following formula to convert from an annual default rate to a monthly default
rate:
Monthly Default Rate = 100∗ (1−(1−(Annual Default Rate/100))(1/12) )
The values for 50 percent, 100 percent, and 200 percent SDA are stored in
the completed model in the Vectors sheet (AF7:AH366). Copy and paste these
values into the same section of the model being created.
11. The next step that starts bringing the assumptions together is on the Cash Flow
sheet. Go to the Cash Flow sheet and recall that columns M and N were created
and labeled for default information. Cell M7 needs to contain the correct default
rate for the asset pool depending on the selections from the Inputs sheet. Since
there are two types of loss curves that can be used, user generated or SDA, the
formula to determine the default rate will need to have a function that selects
the correct curve based on the Inputs sheet.
One method to select the correct curve is to check to see if one of the Input
sheet cells that select the curve is blank. If a user selected no value for one of
the curves, the other curve must be the one being used. To make sure this is

Delinquency, Default, and Loss Analysis

possible, blank cells were included in the ranges as part of the data validation
lists. To make this clearer, the beginning of the formula that should be entered
in M7 starts with an IF statement involving one of the curve assumptions on the
Inputs sheet:
=IF(pdrLossTime1="",
The IF statement checks to see if the Timing Curve assumption is blank. If
this is true, then an SDA curve must be in use; however, if it is false then a
user-generated curve must be in use. It is important as a model operator to
always keep one of the values blank, otherwise there can be confusion and
formulas may not work as intended. The completed formula should appear as:
=IF(pdrLossTime1="",OFFSET(Vectors!$AE$6,A7+Age1,
MATCH(SDA Loss,lstSDA,0)),OFFSET(Vectors!$X$6,A7+Age1,
MATCH(pdrLossTime1,lstDefaultCurve,0)))
OFFSET-MATCH combinations are used to look up the correct default rate
from the Vectors sheet depending on the type of curve and the age-adjusted
period. Copy and paste this cell down to M366.
12. The final cell to complete the default section is the dollar value calculation of the
periodic defaults in N7. This appears to be a simple formula involving default
rate multiplied by balance, but involves a couple of nuances depending on the
type of default rate being used. A user-generated default curve is calculated
against the original balance of each vintage. If such a curve is being used as
the default assumption, then the default rate should be multiplied against the
original balance of the assets. However, the SDA curve was originally calculated
using the current balance to produce a monthly default rate. If an SDA curve is
being used then the default rate should be multiplied against the current balance
of the assets. The necessary toggle between the user-generated and SDA curve
assumption is implemented with an IF statement similar to step 11:
IF(pdrLossTime1="",L7*M7,$L$7*M7)
If an SDA curve is being used then the current balance is multiplied by the
default rate. If a user-generated curve is being used then the original balance
is multiplied by the default rate. In the case of basing defaults against original
balance, there is a chance that the calculated periodic default could be higher
than the current principal balance. Since it is impossible to default more asset
than exists, this needs to be cleaned up using a MIN formula:
=MIN(L7,IF(pdrLossTime1="",L7*M7,$L$7*M7))
Copy and paste this formula over the range N7:N366.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

13. Two additional concepts on the Cash Flow sheet can be finished off once
the default amount is known: actual amortization and actual interest. First,
actual amortization is completed in cell R7. The proper amount of principal
is calculated by taking the beginning balance of the assets less the defaulted
amount and multiplying that by a ratio that represents the notional amortization
for the period. Entering the following formula in R7 accomplishes this:
=(L7−N7)*(1−O7/O6)
Notice that the notional amortization ratio is the current period’s amortization
factor divided by the prior period’s. Copy and paste this formula over the range
R7:R366.
14. Finally this section is completed by entering formulas in two columns for the
actual interest calculation. The first formula carriers over the interest rate from
the notional schedule. Enter the following in cell S7 and copy and paste it over
the range S7:S366:
=F7
Next enter the following formula in T7:
=S7*C7*(L7−N7)
This calculates the dollar amount of interest without the defaulted loans. Copy
and paste this formula over the range T7:T366.
With loss calculations complete, it is important to take a step back and
understand how the loss affects the model in general. Defaults are the principal
balance of loans that are assumed to be losses. Since this principal amount is
uncollectible, it should be removed from the asset pool balance, which is done in
the Ending Balance formula in column V of the Cash Flow sheet. It is critical to
realize that the asset pool balance is reduced each period by defaults. The actual
amortization and interest are two concepts that are immediately and most noticeably
affected by defaults. Many other concepts later in this text are affected by loss so its
calculation and application should be well understood.
The importance of analyzing delinquency, default, and loss needs to be reiterated.
Loss is a core determinant of the performance of a transaction and should be
examined carefully. Such analysis is particularly critical for correctly sizing risk-rated
tranches and understanding the risk of owning an asset that has the possibility of
loss. While this chapter is an excellent introduction to these topics, asset specific
characteristics could require additional analysis and unique methodologies.
Prior to moving on to the liability side of the model, there is one more section
related to the assets: recoveries. After a default occurs, there is the possibility that the
repossession and sale of the defaulted asset and the continued pursuance of credit
collections will recover cash. This concept is the focus of Chapter 5.

CHAPTER

Recoveries

lthough a defaulted asset generates a loss, there is often an opportunity to recover
cash. Repossessing the asset and selling it is the primary method to achieve this
recovery. The cash received from the sale flows into the structured transaction
from which the asset came and is available for liabilities. While this process is
very straightforward, a number of details need to be understood in order to model
recoveries accurately.
The best approach to explain the nuances of recoveries is to first understand
the relevant terminology. In Chapter 4, a gross loss was defined as an asset that is
defaulted and assumed not to pay. Once that asset is repossessed and sold, the cash
recovered can be subtracted from the original loss amount. The gross loss minus
recovery is known as a net loss.

Net loss = Gross loss amount–Recovery amount
Related to net loss are two terms that are often confused: loss severity and
recovery rate. These are actually inverse concepts. The recovery rate is the amount
recovered divided by the gross loss amount. Loss severity is the ratio between net
loss and gross loss amount. For instance, assume that an asset defaulted and created
a $100 loss. If $80 is recovered from the sale of the asset then there is an 80 percent
recovery rate or a 20 percent loss severity.
Recovery rate = Recovery amount/Gross loss amount
Loss severity = Net loss/Gross loss amount
A final term to define is recovery lag. A recovery does not take place immediately
since certain legal proceedings need to occur, the asset physically needs to be
repossessed, and the sale process executed. A recovery can take from a few months
to a number of years before cash is actually realized. The length of time it takes from
the default date to the recovery of actual cash is known as recovery lag.
An excellent method to understand recoveries is to take a loan from default to
recovery and build a timeline of events. For this example, assume that a U.S. auto
loan begins missing payments in May 2005. The loan continued to miss payments

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

and was classified as a default in August 2005. The balance of the loan at that time
was $1,580. At this point, from a transaction point of view, a default has occurred
and a gross loss of $1,580 would be recorded for August 2005. In the same month,
legal action to repossess the asset begins.
For auto loans in the United States, the legal action can proceed relatively
quickly and a judgment can take place within a few months. Assume in this example
that the servicer gets the repossession ruling in two months. Once a repossession
ruling is in hand, the asset has to be physically seized and in the case of vehicles and
equipment, transported to a liquidation or auction site. Depending on the type of
asset, it can take some time to sell the asset and realize the cash. In this example
assume that the asset is seized, auctioned, and sold for $850 in one month. See
Figure 5.1 for a summary of events.
The above example is only partially complete because some costs need to be
deducted. The most significant costs for nearly all assets are liquidation expenses.
Hiring a company to repossess an asset costs money. So does physically moving
the asset to a liquidation or auction location and having the asset liquidated. These
costs can become very significant, particularly if assets are scattered internationally.
Structured transactions often put restrictions on certain locations if the area is
deemed to be difficult or costly to repossess in and liquidate.
Another cost that is not always included in the recovery assumption is the cost of
carry. When a loan is considered defaulted there is an interest cost to the outstanding
loan until the asset is liquidated and cash is received. This is sometimes not reported
and not included in recovery assumptions. For the purposes of this example there
will be no carry cost assumption.
Going back to the example, the cost of liquidation needs to be deducted
from the recovery proceeds. In this case assume that liquidation costs $200. The
net amount recovered is $650. The recovery rate in this case would be 41.13
percent ($650/$1580) otherwise quantifiable as the loss severity at 58.86 percent
($930/$1580).
While industries have developed typical recovery rates and lag times, a historical
study of recoveries should be completed. This would involve aggregating the data that
was mentioned above and coming up with average recovery amounts, liquidation

FIGURE 5.1 A timeline for the recovery process of a typical defaulted auto loan.

Recoveries

costs, and lag times. This historical data analysis differs from those in Chapters 3
and 4 because it is more simplified. Recovery data is often difficult for issuers to
accurately put together on a loan level basis. While that methodology would be ideal
and should be used if available, a simpler approach is often sufficient.

MODEL BUILDER 5.1: HISTORICAL RECOVERY ANALYSIS
1. From the CD-ROM open the fileMB5-1 Raw Data from the Ch05 folder on the
CD-ROM. Save this file as Recovery Data.xls. Notice that this data is the loss
information from the previous chapter, with the addition of some incomplete
recovery information below the loss data. See Figure 5.2 for more detail.
2. In this example, the recovery amounts have been given based on origination
year. Look at cell D39. The 18,603 is the amount that has been recovered
for loans originated in 2004. To make a comparison to the loss amounts, the
aggregated loss for each year is necessary. Using the SUM function and starting
in cell C33, sum up the loss for each vintage month.
3. The SUM function adds up the loss for each month, but the loss for each year is
necessary to compare to the yearly recovery information. This can be achieved
using a SUMIF formula. However, first a YEAR formula is necessary. In cell
C34, use the YEAR function on cell C6. The formula should look like:
= YEAR(C6)
Copy and paste this formula over C34:AA34. This will give the year that each
vintage is associated with and allow the SUMIF to be completed.
4. Go to cell C39 and create SUMIF for the total losses depending on the vintage
year. The formula should read as follows:
= SUMIF($C$34:$AA$34,B39,$C$33:$AA$33)
Copy and paste this formula in cell C40 to get the total for 2006.

FIGURE 5.2 In addition to the loss data a section on recovery information is
contained on the sheet.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 5.3 The recovery analysis is shown completed.
5. Liquidation proceeds and costs have been provided in the raw data. Typically
this may require data manipulation to aggregate, but for now assume that it
is presented in this format. The next step is to calculate the net proceeds from
liquidation. This is a simple subtraction formula. In cell F39, enter the following
formula:
= D39 − E39
Copy and paste this formula down to cell F40.
6. The next step is to calculate the recovery rate by dividing the net proceeds by the
amount that was considered lost. This is done in cell G39 using the following
formula:
= F39/C39
Copy and paste this formula down to cell G40.
7. The final part of the analysis is to notice the recovery lag. This is provided in
H39 and H40. Typically the lag should be reported by the servicer or can be
calculated by a more granular analysis. Refer to Figure 5.3 for a look at the
completed section.
The takeaway from this analysis is the recovery rate and lag. In this case,
there are only two years of data, so it is questionable to use averages. With
limited data, it is more conservative to take the lowest recorded recovery and
the longest lag. In this example that would be 40.34 percent and five months.

PROJECTING RECOVERIES IN A CASH FLOW MODEL
Since recoveries are not a guaranteed cash flow, they are often looked upon with
skepticism among risk adverse analysts. Even with data some analysts don’t give
credit for recoveries. However, when there is a recovery assumption it is important
to implement the cash flow correctly. This includes achieving the correct timing of
cash flow depending on lag and directing the cash in a manner consistent with the
transaction structure.

Recoveries

MODEL BUILDER 5.2: INTEGRATING RECOVERIES INTO
PROJECT MODEL BUILDER
1. Start at the Inputs sheet in cell J17 and label that cell Recovery Rate. Label cell
K17 Recovery Lag. In cell J18 enter 40% as an approximation of the recovery
rate. Name this cell pdrRecovRate1. In cell K18, enter 5 for the recovery lag.
Name this cell pdrRecovLag1.
2. Switch over to the Cash Flow sheet. Earlier Column U was designated as the area
for recoveries. The formula for the recovery amount has to take into account
the recovery rate and the lag. This can be achieved using an IF statement in
conjunction with an OFFSET function. An IF statement is required first to make
sure there is no calculation prior to the first possible recovery period. Cell U7
should start as follows:
= IF(A7 <= pdrRecovLag1,0
Without such a statement, there would be an error in the periods prior to the
lag period when the OFFSET is implemented. With the IF statement in place,
the OFFSET needs to reference the defaulted amount that occurred in the past.
The periods back should be the recovery lag. Once that defaulted amount is
determined, it should then be multiplied by the recovery rate to get the recovery
amount. The following formula does exactly this:
= IF(A7 <= pdrRecovLag1,0,OFFSET(N7,-pdrRecovLag1,0)*pdrRecovRate1)
The OFFSET starts with the current period’s defaulted amount (cell N7) and
goes back in time using the recovery lag. The lag variable has a negative in front
of it so it seeks a reference cell that is back in time, versus forward in time if it
was positive. Finally, the defaulted amount is multiplied by the recovery rate to
get the recovery amount. Copy this cell down the range U7:U366.
Occasionally, the question of seasoned loans brings up a debate in recoveries
when using the above formula. The debate is that by using this formula one
assumes that no loans default prior to the start of the transaction. Some will
argue that loans could have defaulted in the month prior to the transaction
and if they were in the pool their recovery amount would come in earlier
than the IF statement allows. The deciding point on this debate is that most
structured transactions do not include defaulted loans in the pool of assets. This
would mean that all loans going into the pool are current and the IF statement
assumption holds, even with seasoned loans.
3. At this point the recovery section is complete, but to finish the entire Asset
Amortization section one more column on the Cash Flow sheet needs to be
created. Column X is the final column and is where all the cash flow that
is generated each period will be aggregated. Label cell X4 Total Cash Flow
Available for Liabilities. In cell X7 enter the following formula and copy and
paste it over the range X7:X366:
= Q7+R7+T7+U7

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

Scheduled Principal, Prepaid Principal, Interest, and Recoveries are real cash
flows in each month and are what are available to the waterfall of liabilities. An
important point about recoveries is that they are included as cash flow for the
waterfall, but do not amortize the asset principal. This means that the cash is
similar to interest in that it helps create excess spread.

FINAL POINTS REGARDING RECOVERIES
The reason the recovery analysis is not as detailed as prepayments or defaults is that
recovery values can be very volatile depending on asset type, geographic region, and
general economic environment. More advanced methods exist for assets, such as
market value decline (MVD), which focuses on home values depending on specific
regions or Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) values for estimating lease residual value,
but these are all advanced analyses that are very dependent on highly detailed
research in a specific industry.
Also, structured transactions are traditionally based on cash flow from the assets,
not recoveries from defaults. As competition increases, newer deals have been giving
more and more credit to recovery values, which can be dangerous if not properly
analyzed. These types of deals begin to look like transactions that should be done by
nonperforming loan (NPL) groups. Structured professionals seeking to do such deals
should understand the recovery analyses performed by NPL groups, because they
are often very comprehensive and detailed. In most instances, those analyses include
loan level recovery and specific collateral analysis. For general modeling purposes or
when first starting out, a more basic, conservative approach should be taken.

CHAPTER

Liabilities and the
Cash Flow Waterfall

ith asset generation complete, this book now turns to the liability side of the
model. While the asset side is fairly standard for a level payment amortization,
the liability section can vary greatly depending on the unique structure of the
transaction. Due to the variability between deals, the liability side needs to be
constructed with as much flexibility as possible. This is achieved by breaking down
the liabilities into individual components that work similarly and can be moved
around quickly.
Before going into the mechanics of how liabilities are paid, it should be
understood what constitutes a liability. For a structured transaction, any cost that
is to be paid from the cash generated by the assets is a liability. Foremost are costs,
which keep the transaction in existence such as trust, servicer, and rating agency fees.
Next is interest and principal due to the parties who funded the assets. This section
can be very complicated depending on the different risk classes of debt known as
tranches. The method in which these tranches are returned principal can also vary
between transactions and as will be seen in the next chapter, within a transaction.

PRIORITY OF PAYMENTS AND THE CASH FLOW WATERFALL
In actual transactions, how the liability structure functions is dictated by the priority
of payments section of a term sheet. This section is often referred to as a waterfall
because the available cash starts at the top and then trickles down through an ordered
series of liabilities. Each section in the written waterfall explains exactly how the
cash should be allocated before moving onto the next section of the waterfall.
Conceptually, the movement of cash through the waterfall transfers well to
two-dimensional spreadsheet-based modeling because time and order can be organized using rows and columns. The asset side only used rows for time progression,
meaning that a starting balance would begin on row 1 and the next period the
balance would be adjusted for amortization and displayed on row 2. Although asset
interest, prepayments, defaults, and regular amortization do have a logical order,
the vertical column arrangement does not necessarily suggest an organization based

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 6.1 Cash moves through each period from left to right and then down to
the next period.
on time or priority. For the liability side of the model and the cash flow waterfall
that is created on a spreadsheet, the periods still progress by rows; but the items in
columns are arranged by timing. For example, on the Cash Flow sheet starting from
the left after asset amortization, where cash is available, the liabilities are organized
in priority as one progresses through the columns to the right. Each period, the cash
moves from left to right through the waterfall before progressing to the next period
one row below. See Figure 6.1 for more detail.

The Movement of Cash for an Individual Liability
A standard liability has an assumption such as a rate, fixed amount, or a vector of
rates on the Inputs or Vectors sheets. This assumption is then integrated into the
Cash Flow sheet similar to assets. However, the difference is that each liability will
have a certain priority and can either be paid or not paid depending on how much
cash is available. In such a system, the concept of ‘‘What You Have and What You
Need’’ is essential to understand and make clear.
Barring extremely high default scenarios, every period a certain amount of cash
should be available to pay liabilities. The first liability in the priority of payments will
have all of the cash that is available from the assets for payment. Once that liability
is paid, the cash available is appropriately reduced and the next liability can use the
remaining amount for payment. This continues until the waterfall is done and either
all of the cash for the period is used or excess remains and is released or trapped.

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

Each individual liability needs to be set up in a way that shows exactly what is
needed, what can be paid based on what is available, what is unpaid, and what (if
any) amount remains. While all of these calculations can be done in one cell it is
easier for a model operator to see the ‘‘movement’’ of cash by separating each one
of these concepts into different cells.
The concept of ‘‘What You Have and What You Need’’ is demonstrated in the
Model Builder exercises for this chapter, which are inserted between explanations of
the different types of liabilities. Both trends and unique nuances will become evident
as one progresses through each type of liability.

TYPES OF LIABILITIES
A liability is anything that uses cash in the model. While there can be many different
types of liabilities the three basic ones that will be examined are fees, interest, and
principal.

Fees
Every structured transaction has some type of fees involved. Servicers charge a
fee to service loans. Trusts charge for taking in cash and distributing it correctly,
rating agencies charge for performing analyses and assigning ratings. Banks charge
for almost anything they do. Also, as will be seen in the later chapters, there
are advanced features such as reserve accounts and hedging mechanisms that can
incur fees.
Knowing how to calculate the periodic fee can be tricky sometimes because
it can vary from deal to deal. Whole dollar amount fees are simple because they
are a fixed amount charged per period. However, in a transaction where assets
and liabilities taper off over time it is rare to see many whole dollar amount fees.
Typically fees can be charged as a percent of the asset or debt balance. Determining
the correct basis for a fee is important because a percentage charged against the asset
balance versus a debt balance will result in different amounts. As mentioned earlier
the debt is normally split up into different tranches, which are a percentage of the
assets. A fee charged off of a senior debt balance that is 90 percent of the assets will
be lower than a fee charged directly off of the assets.

MODEL BUILDER 6.1: CALCULATING FEES IN THE WATERFALL
1. Before any specific work can be done on the fees, a liability section needs to
be created on the Inputs sheet. On that sheet, merge cells B22:O22 and enter
Liability Inputs as the label for that cell. Row 23 will be where the labels are
stored for the liability assumptions.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

2. Two liability input sections need to be created for this Model Builder exercise.
The first section establishes a description for the different types of debt. Project
Model Builder uses a senior-subordinated structure, which is explained later in
this chapter, but requires two tranches of debt. Enter the assumption label Debt
Description in cell B23. Enter the label Senior Debt 1 in cell B24 and name it
LiabDes1. Also enter the label Sub Loan in cell B25 and name it LiabDes2. Rows
24 and 25 will contain liability assumptions that correspond to the respective
tranche.
3. Project Model Builder has three possible fee inputs. There is one input for each
debt tranche and one input that is based on the assets. This demonstrates the
difference between calculating a fee against the asset balance or a debt balance.
Still on the Inputs sheet, enter the label Fees in cell H23. In cell H24 enter 0.50%
as a value and name the cell LiabFees1. In cell H25 enter 0.0% as a value and
name the cell LiabFees2. The first liability fee will pertain to the senior debt,
while the second fee (which is zero in this case) applies to the subordinate debt.
4. Remain on the Inputs sheet, but jump over to cell B28. This section will be for
Structural Assumptions that are part of the deal structure as a whole and are
not functions of the debt tranches. Enter the label Structural Inputs in cell B28.
Directly below, in cell B29, enter the label Asset Based Fees. To the right, in cell
C29, enter the value 2.00%. Name cell C29 AssetFee. At this point the updated
part of the Inputs page should look like Figure 6.2.
5. Switch over to the Cash Flow sheet. The last Model Builder exercise left off
calculating the total cash available in Column X. Columns Y through AL is
skipped for now because they are used later in the next chapter, when the
advanced liability structure is introduced. The Fees section starts in column AM.
Enter the following labels in their corresponding cells:
AM4: Fees Due
AN4: Fees Paid
AO4: Unpaid
AP4: Cash Remaining
6. The first period calculation for Fees Due begins in cell AM7. There are three
distinct fees that need to be paid: the (1) Senior Debt fee, the (2) Subordinate
Debt fee, and the (3) Asset Based fee. The Asset Based Fee will be the input rate

FIGURE 6.2 The fee section of the Inputs sheet.

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

multiplied against the assets’ current balance. Remember that the fees typically
quoted are annual rates, so the fee needs to be converted to a periodic rate. The
Asset Based Fee is calculated by entering the following formula into cell AM7:
= (C7*AssetFee*L7)
This formula multiplies the Asset Based Fee assumption by the current asset
balance and also by the periodic factor.
7. The other two fees that are due will be added to this formula. The calculation is
similar, but there are noticeable differences. Modify the formula in cell AM7 to
read as follows:
= (C7*AssetFee*L7) + (C7*LiabFees1*CB6) + (C7*LiabFees2*CF6)
Notice that two more blocks of fees have been added. The first takes the senior
debt’s fee (LiabFees1) and multiplies it by the senior debt’s current balance.
The second takes the subordinate debt’s fee (LiabFees2) and multiplies it by
the subordinate debt’s current balance. Both have also been multiplied by the
periodic factor (cell C7). Copy and paste the complete formula over the range
AM7:AM366.
The value that appears is what is due for the fees, not what is actually paid.
Comparing this value to the total cash available for liabilities is the beginning of
the concept ‘‘What You Have and What You Need.’’ In this case the amounts in
column X are ‘‘What You Have’’ and the amounts in column AM are ‘‘What You
Need.’’
8. Column AN is where the amount that is actually paid is calculated. A beginning
modeler often runs into problems by subtracting what is due from what is
available. While this logically makes sense, many problems are created when
there isn’t enough cash available and the amount paid becomes negative. Then
IF statements are introduced and the entire formula becomes messy.
A simple method to use is to always take the least of ‘‘What You Have and
What You Need.’’ This translates into a MIN formula for the cash available
and the amount due. In cell AN7 enter:
= MIN(X7, AM7)
Using this technique will ensure that nothing more than what is available can be
paid. Copy and paste this formula over the range AN7:AN366.
9. The previous formula only pays from what is available. In stress situations, there
could be shortfalls of cash that need to be tracked. Subtracting the amount paid
from the amount due will solve that problem. In cell AO7 enter:
= AM7−AN7
Copy and paste this formula over the range AO7:AO366.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

10. Finally, to keep the cash ‘‘moving,’’ a column needs to be used to populate
the cash remaining. This calculation is the cash that was available prior to the
liability minus what was paid from that cash. In cell AP7 enter:
= X7−AN7
Copy and paste this formula over the range AP7:AP366.
At this point the fee section is complete and should look like the screen in
Figure 6.3. Keep in mind the methodology that was developed in this section
because any liability that needs to be added to a model can be done so in this
fashion. See MB6-1.xls in the Ch06 folder on the CD-ROM for a completed
example of these steps.

Interest
The primary purpose of an entity lending money in a transaction is to generate a
return on capital, which is done by charging an interest rate against the money lent.
For a private transaction that is not sold into the public markets, the interest rate
usually is a bank’s funding rate or swap rate plus a margin. If the deal is sold to
investors, the rate will be the rate that investors earn on their principal.
Banks that lend money often do this on a floating rate basis using indexes such
as LIBOR or prime as the base rate plus a margin. This means that the rates are

FIGURE 6.3 The Fee section on the Cash Flow sheet is an
introduction to the concept of moving cash and ‘‘What You
Have vs. What You Need.’’

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

susceptible to market fluctuations and can change from period to period. If the
assets are generating cash on a fixed rate basis, then there is the possibility of a
mismatch between asset and liability rates. For instance, if the assets in a transaction
are generating a weighted average rate of 7 percent and LIBOR skyrockets to 10
percent, then a bank that is funding based on LIBOR will lose money. Hedging
instruments, for this reason, such as caps and swaps are used. Here the liability
side should use the swap rate. Hedging instruments in structured transactions are
discussed in more detail later in this book.
The other option to bank funding is investors who typically lend their money
by buying bonds that are sold through an investment bank. These bonds are set at a
disclosed interest rate that is normally fixed, but can also be floating. With a bond
deal a swap is less likely to be needed because the rate can be fixed or set against a
floating index.
In both cases, the debt rate is commensurate to the level of risk that the bank
or investor is taking. A deal is determined to have a certain level of risk based
on the expected loss of the transaction. The rate paid to debt in a deal should be
proportionate to the risk of the transaction. However, structured transactions are
specifically set up to mitigate and parse risk, so there can be different rates within a
transaction.
Managing the risk introduces a concept called credit enhancement, which
protects an investor against loss. Credit enhancement can take many forms such as
excess interest being generated by the assets, reserve accounts, and/or subordinated
debt or equity. Depending on the amount of credit enhancement a transaction will
be able to withstand a certain amount of loss. Rating agencies have set certain
standards for each asset class to determine a risk rating for a transaction, depending
on how the structure holds up to certain stresses. This will be covered later in the
text, but for now it is important to understand that the rate debt earns depends on
how vulnerable the debt is to loss in the transaction.

MODEL BUILDER 6.2: CALCULATING INTEREST IN THE WATERFALL
1. For each tranche of debt four inputs need to be known to calculate the correct
amount of interest: whether the interest being charged is fixed or floating, the
index if it is floating, the fixed rate if it is fixed, and finally the margin on top of
either the floating or fixed rate. It may seem confusing to have a margin added
to a fixed rate, but sometimes a fixed swap rate is used and a bank will charge
a margin. Enter the labels for these four assumptions on the Inputs sheet in the
following cells:
D23: Liability Interest Type
E23: Floating Rate Curve
F23: Fixed Rate
G23: Loan Margin

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

2. The Liability Interest Type for a given debt tranche can be one of three types:
■ Floating, when an index is used.
■ Fixed, either a fixed bond or swap rate.
■ Custom, a rate that changes over time based on the user or a third party.
Custom is also used because rating agencies often derive and make available
their own stressed interest rate curves.
In the chapter on asset amortization, the range named lstIntType was already
created for these three types of interest. Go to the Inputs sheet and create a
data validation list in cell D24 using lstIntType as the range. Name cell D24
LiabIntType1. Repeat this in cell D25, but name that cell LiabIntType2.
3. Cells E24 and E25 need to produce the name of the curve that is being used if the
debt is floating rate. This will be done exactly as was done for the interest rates
on the asset side. Create a data validation list in cell E24 using lstInterestRates
as the range. Name cell E24 LiabLoanIndex1. Repeat this in cell E25, but name
that cell LiabLoanIndex2.
4. The fixed rates will be stored in cells F24 and F25 for each tranche. Name cell F24
LiabFxdRate1 and F25 LiabFxdRate2. Keep both of these cells empty for now.
5. The loan margin is the final input that is needed for this section. Name cell
G24 LiabMarg1 and G25 LiabMarg2. Enter 1.00% as a value for cell G24
and 0.00% for cell G25. The Inputs sheet should now look like the screen in
Figure 6.4.
6. The next step is to switch over to the Cash Flow sheet and calculate the debt
interest. A standard structured transaction will pay the most senior debt interest
first. In Project Model Builder columns AR:AX will be used for the Senior Debt
Interest. Column AQ will be left blank as a separator.
The first piece of information needed is the correct annual interest rate for the
period. Enter the label Note Interest Rate in cell AR4. While step 2 created the
possibility of three types of interest rates, there are actually only two options for
storing the rates: on the Inputs sheet or on the Vectors sheet. This is important
to know because a formula needs to know when and where to look for a specific
data point. The simplest situation for rates is when a fixed rate is used, which is
stored on the Inputs sheet. To account for that possibility, begin the formula in

FIGURE 6.4 The liability interest rate section complete on the Inputs sheet.

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

cell AR7 as follows:
= IF(LiabIntType1="Fixed",LiabFxdRate1
This part of the formula checks to see if a fixed rate is selected. If it is, the
interest rate should be the fixed rate on the Inputs sheet. However, if the rate is
floating or custom it will be stored in a curve on the Vectors sheet. The correct
vector to use will then be determined by the floating rate curve that is selected
on the Inputs sheet. This requires an OFFSET-MATCH combination as seen
before:
= IF(LiabIntType1="Fixed",LiabFxdRate1,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,
Vectors!A7,MATCH(LiabLoanIndex1,lstInterestRates,0))
This addition to the formula will select the correct annual rate for the period
on the Vectors sheet depending on the name of the curve that is selected in the
range LiabLoanIndex1 on the Inputs sheet. Finally adding the margin, if one
exists, completes the formula:
= IF(LiabIntType1="Fixed",LiabFxdRate1,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,
Vectors!A7,MATCH(LiabLoanIndex1,lstInterestRates,0))+LiabMarg1)
Copy this formula over the range AR7:AR366.
7. The interest due is easy to calculate once the annual interest rate for the period
is known. However, no principal balance information is known until Model
Builder 6.3, so an actual value will not show up. A proxy value will be used
until that section is complete. Still on the Cash Flow sheet skip over to cell CB6
and enter the value 95,000,000. This is the assumed starting principal balance
of the senior debt for now.
Go back to cell AS4 and enter the label Note Interest Due. In cell AS7 enter
the following formula:
= C7*AR7*CB6
This formula takes the annual interest rate for the period, converts it to a
periodic interest rate and then multiplies that value against the prior period’s
ending principal balance. It is important to understand the difference between
end of period and beginning of period. In this model, the balance referenced is
always one row back because that balance is an end of period balance. Always
make sure that the balance an interest rate is being applied to is either the end
balance for the prior period or the beginning balance of the current period.
Copy this formula over the range AS7:AS366. Since there is no principal balance
information yet, it is normal that the values for the cells below row 7 will be zero
for most of the columns in this section. This will change after Model Builder 6.3.

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

8. In cell AT4 enter the label Note Interest Paid. This ‘‘paying’’ formula will
be similar to the one used in the fee section. Remember the rule, ‘‘take the
lesser of what is available and what is needed’’ and enter the following in cell
AT7:
= MIN(AP7, AS7)
This formula takes the lesser of the cash remaining after fees have been paid and
the note interest that is due for the period. Copy this formula over the range
AT7:AT366.
9. Column AU will track the unpaid amounts. Enter the label Unpaid in cell AU4.
In cell AU7 enter:
= AS7−AT7
As done before in the fee section the paid amount is subtracted from the due
amount to determine the unpaid amount. Copy this formula over the range
AU7:AU366.
10. Skip over columns AV and AW for now and leave them blank. Those will be
reserved for an advanced liability structure in the next chapter. In cell AX4 enter
the label Cash Remaining and in cell AX7 enter:
= AP7−AT7
This formula subtracts the amount paid to interest from the previous cash
remaining. Copy this formula over the range AX7:AX366. The senior debt
interest section should look like Figure 6.5.
11. The senior debt interest calculations are now complete, but the subordinated
debt interest remains unfinished. Subordinated debt is usually lower in the
waterfall than many other items, so it will appear further to the right on the
Cash Flow sheet. Since Project Model Builder’s waterfall is preplanned; the
exact columns that the subordinated debt fits into are known. However, keep in
mind that when creating a scratch model the final columns, where liabilities end
up, may not be clear as it is being built and may require inserting or deleting
columns.
To complete the subordinated debt, stay on the Cash Flow sheet and move
over to column BN. All of the formulas will be very similar to the senior debt
interest formulas, so this section should be quick to make. Enter the following
labels in their respective cells:
BN4: Sub Loan Rate
BO4: Loan Interest Due
BP4: Loan Interest Paid
BQ4: Unpaid Interest
BR4: Cash Remaining

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

FIGURE 6.5 The nearly complete senior interest section of the
Cash Flow sheet.

12. As with the senior debt balance, a proxy value should be entered for the
subordinate debt. Enter 5,000,000 in CF6. Next, enter the following formulas
in the cells as noted:
BN7: = IF(LiabIntType2 = "Fixed",LiabFxdRate2,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,
Vectors!A7,MATCH(LiabLoanIndex2,lstInterestRates,0))
+LiabMarg2)
BO7: = C7*BN7*CF6
BP7: = MIN(BL7,BO7)
BQ7: = BO7 − BP7
BR7: = BE7 − BP7
Copy the range BN7:BR7 and paste it over the range BN7:BR366. Do not be
concerned if many of the cells have zero values. The cash flow waterfall is being
constructed using a conceptual methodology, not ordinal. This requires many
blank and zero value cells until the entire waterfall is complete.
Also, a final note on interest relates to unpaid amounts. The example model
does not capitalize unpaid interest nor does it make the unpaid interest due the
next period. Many transactions are structured this way and the modeling should
reflect such details. Also, as with the other Model Builder sections, the Ch06
folder on the CD-ROM features a corresponding completed example.

100

MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

Principal
In addition to interest, banks and investors expect to have the principal amount they
loaned returned. Principal is often returned at different priority levels to mitigate
and parse risk. Earlier it was briefly mentioned that there are different risk rated
classes of debt—tranches. The way to think about the debt structure is that assets
must always equal liabilities. Assets are not free and must be 100 percent funded
from the start; however, an investor may not want to take 100 percent of the risk
that the assets do not pay back all of the investors’ loaned principal. Instead, a bank
could sell bonds equal to 90 percent of the assets as senior debt and the other 10
percent as subordinated debt. The reason the first 90 percent is considered to be
senior is because it has priority to its principal over the subordinated debt in the
cash flow waterfall. Such a set up is also known as a senior subordinated structure.
Senior debt should always have priority when receiving principal versus subordinated debt; but there are two different methods of amortization that differ in
regards to tranche principal repayment: sequential and pro rata. A sequential pay
method pays the entire senior principal balance before paying one dollar of the
subordinated debt. This means that it could be months or years in a deal until the
subordinated debt receives a principal payment. It also makes the senior debt more
secure because the subordinate debt does not decrease and, as discussed later, is a
source of credit enhancement for the senior debt.
The other type of principal payment methodology is pro rata, which as the name
implies pays principal proportionately. A simple example is if there is $100 of assets,
funded by a senior loan of $90 and a subordinate loan of $10. The proportion of
the debt is 90 percent senior loan and 10 percent subordinate loan. If $5 of principal
came in during a period then the senior loan would be due $4.50 ($5*90 percent)
and the subordinate loan due $.50 ($5*10 percent). While fixed during normal
performance, these proportions can change within a deal if the assets are incurring
unexpectedly high levels of default.
However, a change to principal allocation within a deal is a more advanced
concept that is discussed in further detail later in the book. At this point, the focus
is to understand the basic flow of principal through the cash flow waterfall. Project
Model Builder uses a senior-subordinated debt structure with the option for either
sequential or pro rata principal payment. The model is also set up with the concept
that principal is ‘‘passed through’’ to the debt. This means that if the transaction is
performing as expected any amortization of the assets should directly result in the
same amortization of the debt.

MODEL BUILDER 6.3: CALCULATING PRINCIPAL IN THE WATERFALL
1. Go to the Inputs sheet and enter the label Advance Rate in cell C23. The advance
rate is the debt principal amount expressed as a percentage of the assets. If there
is $100 of debt and the senior debt is $95 at day one, then the advance rate for

101

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

the senior debt is 95 percent. In cell C24 enter 95.00 percent. Name cell C24
LiabAdvRate1. Since there is only one other tranche of debt the subordinate
amount advanced will always be 100 percent minus the senior advance rate.
Enter the following formula in cell C25:
= 1−LiabAdvRate1
Name cell C25 LiabAdvRate2.
2. The other necessary input is the principal payment or allocation type. There
are only two types discussed so a data validation list works well. Go to the
Hidden sheet and enter the label PrinType in cell A21. Enter Sequential in cell
A22 and Pro rata in A23. Name the range A22:A23 lstPrinType. Go back to
the Inputs sheet and enter the label Prin Allocation Type in cell J23. Create data
validation lists in cells J24 and J25 using lstPrinType as the range. Name cell
J24 LiabPrinType1 and J25 LiabPrinType2. So far the section should look like
Figure 6.6.
3. Now is the time to change the proxy values for the principal balances that were
created in Model Builder 6.2. Go to the Cash Flow sheet and label the following
cells:
CB4: Senior Loan EOP Balance
CC4: Senior Interest
CD4: Senior Principal
The initial senior principal balance will be the advance rate multiplied by
the initial asset balance. After the first period the balance will be reduced
commensurate to the assets. Since there are two possible states, initial period
and after, an IF statement formula is needed. In cell CB6 enter:
= IF(A6=0,V6*LiabAdvRate1,CB5−CD6)
This formula checks to see if the period is the initial period, multiplies the
advance rate by the asset balance if it is the initial period, or subtracts the
current principal payment from the prior period’s balance if the period is
anything else than 0. Copy this formula over the range CB6:CB366.

FIGURE 6.6 The principal section of the liabilities on the Inputs sheet.

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4. The same should be done for the Sub Loan. Enter these labels in the following
cells:
CF4: Sub Loan EOP Balance
CG4: Sub Interest
CH4: Sub Principal
The only difference in the formula are the references and that LiabAdvRate2 is
used instead of LiabAdvRate1. Cell CF6 should have the following formula:
= IF(A6= 0,V6*LiabAdvRate2,CF5−CH6)
Copy this formula over the range CF6:CF366. Leave rows 7:366 for columns
CC, CD, CG, and CH empty for now.
5. Next the senior debt principal amounts will be calculated in their correct place
in the waterfall. Typically senior principal pays after senior interest. Still on the
Cash Flow sheet, enter these labels in the following cells:
AZ4: Principal Due
BA4: Principal Paid
BB4: Unpaid
BE4: Cash Remaining
Leave columns BC and BD blank for now.
6. For now the senior tranche principal due can be either sequential, where all of
the asset amortization is due to the senior tranche first or pro rata, where the
senior tranche’s proportional share of the asset amortization is due. Enter the
following formula in cell AZ7:
= IF(LiabPrinType1="Sequential",MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CB6)
Quite a bit is taking place in this formula. First notice that an IF statement is
used to check what type of principal allocation method is being used for the
senior debt. If a sequential method is used, then the principal due to the senior
notes will be the amount that the assets amortized in that period. That amount
consists of scheduled amortization, voluntary prepayments, and new defaults
(columns R + Q + N respectively).
A point of confusion that comes to even a seasoned structured finance professional is why new defaults are included in the debt principal due calculation.
This is the heart of one of the forms of risk mitigation: using excess cash or
spread to cover loss. Since the assets have been reduced by the defaults, the debt
will need to be reduced by the same amount. The debt of course has access to
prepayments and scheduled amortization, which provide cash to the waterfall,
but defaults are noncash generating amounts. If there were no other cash in
the deal besides the prepayments and scheduled amortization, then the debt
principal due could never be paid because the defaulted amount would make
the debt principal due calculation too high.
However, most transactions are structured so the assets generate more interest
than is due to fees and debt interest. This concept is officially known as excess

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spread. That extra money will trickle down along the waterfall and eventually
be available to pay principal due. Since the defaulted amount is built into the
debt principal due calculation, that extra amount can be paid if there is excess
spread in the transaction. This is how excess spread is typically used to first cover
losses. If there is no excess spread then other sources of credit enhancement are
necessary to cover the defaulted amount, which will be seen in the next chapter.
Going back to the formula, also notice that there is a MIN function for the asset
amortization amounts and the debt’s prior period ending balance. The MIN
function prevents the principal due from exceeding the balance of the debt. This
typically occurs in the final period when the debt balance is small and possibly
lower than the amount the assets amortized.
7. Complete the formula in AZ7 by adding the following shown in bold:
= IF(LiabPrinType1="Sequential",MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CB6),
MIN((N7+Q7+R7)*LiabAdvRate1,CB6))
This addition to the formula is for a pro rata principal allocation method.
Instead of using the entire asset amortization amount for the period, the formula
takes a percentage of the asset amortization amount. The MIN function is also
used here to cap the principal due by the prior period’s debt balance. Copy and
paste the complete formula over the range AZ7:AZ366.
8. The remaining calculations revert back to the concept of ‘‘What You Have and
What You Need.’’ For BA7 enter the familiar MIN formula:
= MIN(AX7,AZ7)
This will take the lesser of the cash remaining after interest was paid and the
amount due for principal. Copy and paste the formula over BA7:BA366.
9. In cell BB7 enter:
= AZ7−BA7
This subtracts the principal paid from the principal due and displays any unpaid
amounts. Copy and paste the formula over range BB7:BB366.
10. Enter the following formula in BE7 to determine the cash remaining:
= AX7−BA7
Copy and paste the formula over BE7:BE366. The screen should now look like
Figure 6.7.
11. Still on the Cash Flow sheet, move across to column BT. Add the following
labels
BT4: Loan Principal Due
BU4: Loan Principal Paid

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BV4: Unpaid
BW4: Cash Remaining
A similar debt principal calculation needs to be done for the subordinated debt;
but there is a major difference. In a sequential principal allocation system, the
subordinated tranche should not receive any principal until the senior tranche
is completely paid off. Modeling this logic is achieved through an IF-AND
combination in cell BT7:
= IF(AND(LiabPrinType2="Sequential",CB6>0),0,
The beginning of the formula for BT7 will return a 0 value if the principal
allocation system is set to ‘‘Sequential’’ and the senior debt has a principal
balance. If the senior debt is paid off, then another IF statement is required
because a FALSE value for the first IF statement can be caused by either
a different principal allocation type or a paid off senior tranche. Add the
following shown in bold to cell BT7:
= IF(AND(LiabPrinType2="Sequential",CB6>0),0,
IF(LiabPrinType2="Sequential",MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CF6),

FIGURE 6.7 The Senior Principal section of the
Cash Flow sheet.

Liabilities and the Cash Flow Waterfall

105

Now if the principal allocation is set to ‘‘Sequential’’ and the senior tranche is
paid off then the subordinate tranche will continue to receive 100% of the asset
amortization. Finally, the last part (shown in bold) that needs to be added is
when the principal allocation method is set to ‘‘Pro rata’’:
= IF(AND(LiabPrinType2="Sequential",CB6>0),
0,IF(LiabPrinType2="Sequential",MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CF6),
MIN((N7+Q7+R7)*LiabAdvRate2,CF6)))
Similar to the senior tranche, when the principal allocation method is pro rata
then the subordinate tranche will only pay down by its proportionate share of
the asset amortization. Copy and paste the complete formula over the range
BT7:BT366.
12. The rest of the calculations should seem familiar by now—so in the following
cells enter:
BU7: = MIN(BR7,BT7)
BV7: = BT7-BU7
BW7: = BR7-BU7
Copy the range BU7:BW7 and paste it over the range BU7:BW366.
13. With all of the interest and principal calculations in place, the debt balances
can be completed. At this point many of the columns that have zero values will
change to real values since the debt balances will extend over time.
In cell CC7, reference the senior interest that has been paid for the period by
entering = AT7. In cell CD7, reference the senior principal that has been paid
for the period by entering = BA7. Copy and paste CC7:CD7 over the range
CC7:CD366. The same should be done for the subordinated debt. In cell CG7
enter = BP7 and in CH7 enter = BU7. Copy and paste cells CG7:CH7 over the
range CG7:CH366.
This completes the debt principal calculations. At this point, the debt principal
should be decreasing as principal payments come in. In fact, the basic liability
waterfall is complete. However, the waterfall is not operational because a few
advanced structures are missing. Also keep in mind that this is one of many
unique liability structures. To accurately model a transaction, the priority of
payments needs to be thoroughly understood. Refer to MB6-3.xls in the Ch06
folder on the CD-ROM for a complete example of this section.

UNDERSTANDING BASIC ASSET AND LIABILITY INTERACTIONS
With the creation of the basic liability structure, the value of modeling a transaction
begins to become clear. Assumptions can be made that replicate the structure and
behavior of assets, which generate cash. The amount and timing of the cash depends
on the assumptions for asset amortization, prepayments, defaults, and recoveries.

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There are endless possibilities for the amount and timing of the available cash in the
transactions. The same variability can be seen on the liability side in the cash flow
waterfall.
Different liability structures can be put in place to work with any given pool
of assets. Stress scenarios are then run to see how the liability structure handles
defaulted assets. Up to this point, the only form of protection against loss or credit
enhancement is excess spread. When excess spread is not enough to help pay the
liabilities off by the final maturity of the transaction, then the debt holders will
sustain a loss. To a lesser extent, there can be situations where interest is not
completely paid and the debt holders receive less return than anticipated.
While excess spread in a transaction is an excellent source of protection,
structured transactions have developed multiple methods of protecting against
stressed situations. These methods add another level of complexity to a model, but
must be incorporated to accurately model a transaction. The next chapter explains
these advanced cash flow structures and shows how to incorporate them into a
model.

CHAPTER

Advanced Liability Structures
Triggers, Interest Rate Swaps,
and Reserve Accounts

oss protection is the single most important reason for advanced liability structures.
All entities that fund transactions are worried about loss and try to anticipate and
protect against its different forms. As seen from Chapter 4, nonperforming assets
that have stopped generating cash and are considered delinquent or defaulted cause
loss. However, there can also be structural issues such as interest rate mismatches,
which need some type of protection. Advanced liability structures such as triggers,
swaps, and reserve accounts are created to help prevent and mitigate these concerns.

TRIGGERS AND THEIR AFFECT ON THE LIABILITY STRUCTURE
The simplest and most cost-effective method of mitigating loss is by altering the
structure of the transaction when problems arise. If a deal is performing as expected,
then the liability structure is probably sufficient to ensure that all parties are repaid.
However, when assets begin to default, investors worry and become very cognizant
of where they stand in the priority of payments. In many structured transactions, a
senior investor will have negotiated a change in the priority of payments if the deal
begins to perform very poorly. The change is usually caused by a predefined test,
officially known as a trigger, being breached. This change directs more cash to the
senior investor so that the senior obligation receives principal faster.
The speed at which an investor receives principal back is often a point of
confusion. While having principal returned faster is more conservative, it is not
necessarily more desirable. The faster principal is returned the faster the debt
obligation is paid off. A faster paying obligation will have less overall yield than a
slower paying one if assets are paying as intended and debt interest and principal can
be paid. Also, paying the obligation back faster changes the weighted average life
and could cause a mismatch in investment tenors for an investor. This is a problem
because many times investors choose which transaction to invest in with maturity
and weighted average life in mind.
The opposing duality of payment speed’s risk and reward makes defining and
setting a trigger very difficult. If a trigger is set up too tightly, then the trigger is

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breached quickly, the liability structure switches, and the investor receives principal
faster than necessary. However, if a trigger is set up too loosely, then the trigger is
not breached and, if there is a problem in the transaction, the investor has a higher
amount of principal exposed for a longer amount of time.
A classic example of a trigger is one that is based on cumulative default rate.
Imagine a set of assets that have a historical default rate of 3 percent. A structurer
has decided that the transaction should have a trigger of 5 percent gross cumulative
defaults, with the results of a breach being the rapid amortization of senior principal.
If the assets perform as expected, historical defaults should remain around 3 percent
and the senior investors get their return as expected. If defaults jump over 5 percent,
then excess cash in the transaction is used to pay down the senior obligation first.
Other types of common triggers include:
■

■

Negative excess spread. When excess spread, defined as the difference between
the asset yield and the liability fees and interest, becomes negative this trigger is
breached.
Delinquency. When the delinquency rate for the assets breaches a predefined
level.
Rolling average triggers. These triggers take a common trigger like defaults,
but use the average of a certain time period that ‘‘rolls’’ as time progresses,
rather than just using one period as the test. This is useful because it prevents
temporary spikes from changing a deal when the problem could be a single
period anomaly.
Qualitative triggers. There can be multiple nonquantitative triggers like missing
a payment to the trust, failing to send in reports, and in general failing to meet
a list of preexisting criteria.

Finally, when triggers are breached there can be many different consequences.
If the trigger breached is not very severe, it could just mean trapping extra cash for
a period. However, if a serious problem is occurring and a major trigger is breached
the deal could then go into full rapid amortization and all cash could be redirected
to senior investors. Also, triggers can be set up to cure. This means that if the trigger
was breached in one period, but in the next period the metric for the trigger passes,
then the state of the deal can go back to the prebreached set up. All of these nuances
require a thorough understanding of triggers because they can have a very powerful
impact on how a deal performs.

MODEL BUILDER 7.1: INCORPORATING TRIGGERS
1. Modeling triggers in a transaction does not necessarily mean setting up each one
exactly as the documents read. Particularly in the case of qualitative triggers, this
would be time consuming and most likely not worth the time since breaching
any of those would be a complete guess. The only triggers that need to be
modeled are ones that can be breached when the cash flow is stressed. Project

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FIGURE 7.1 The Capture trigger should be entered in the Structural Inputs
section.

Model Builder will have four triggers to show common trigger analysis. The
parameters for these triggers are located on the Inputs sheet.
Prior to entering any trigger related assumptions, a named list needs to be
created on the Hidden sheet. Go to the Hidden sheet and enter the label YesNo
in cell A25. Enter ‘‘Yes’’ in cell A26 and ‘‘No’’ in cell A27. Name the range
A26:A27 lstYesNo.
2. Next, go to the Inputs sheet and enter the label Capture All XS Spd in cell
B31. In cell C31, create a data validation list with lstYesNo as the range. Name
cell C31 GlobalTrigger. This trigger is one that will be decided by the model
operator. If a ‘‘Yes’’ value is input in cell C31, then all excess spread in the
transaction will be used to pay down senior debt. The reason for such a trigger
is that a worst-case scenario is often modeled. In such a case one would assume
that the assets are performing very poorly and rapid amortization triggers have
already been tripped. The Inputs sheet should look like Figure 7.1.
3. It is necessary to track each trigger on the Cash Flow sheet because when a
trigger is breached the flow of cash in the waterfall will change. To track whether
or not a trigger has been breached each period a Boolean statement (TRUE or
FALSE) should be returned.
Go to the Cash Flow sheet. Enter the label Capture Trigger in cell AA4. In AA7
enter the following formula:
= IF(GlobalTrigger="Yes",TRUE,FALSE)
This is a simple IF statement that directs a TRUE to be input in the cell if the
range GlobalTrigger is set to ‘‘Yes’’ or FALSE if it is not. Copy this formula and
paste it over the range AA7:AA366.
At this point the next logical step may seem to set up switches in the cash flow
for when the trigger is breached. However, since there are three more triggers
to create, it will be more efficient to set up those assumptions prior to adjusting
the cash flow formulas.
4. The next trigger is a more flexible version of the previous one. It allows the
model operator to decide which period to begin a rapid amortization state. The
reason this is useful is that as a transaction progresses under a normal state,

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cash is typically released out of the transaction. Any cash released is cash that is
not available for debt repayment.
A scenario that should be run, which will be discussed later in the text, is to
release cash for a number of months prior to a rapid amortization event. Often
triggers take a few periods to be breached, particularly in the case of default
triggers where the definition of a default is three months delinquent. Such a
trigger could never be breached in the first three months.
Go to the Inputs sheet and in cell B32 enter the following label, Post-Default
Trigger Month. In cell C32 enter the value 3 for now. Name cell C32 PostDefTriggerMo.
5. Go to the Cash Flow sheet and in cell AB4 enter the label Post Default Mo
Trigger. In cell AB7 enter the following formula:
=IF(AND(A7>=PostDefTriggerMo,PostDefTriggerMo<>0),TRUE,FALSE)
Deconstructing this formula reveals an AND statement that tests the current
period against the value input for PostDefTriggerMo and if PostDefTriggerMo
is not zero. This statement reads that if the current period in the cash flow is
greater than or equal to the trigger assumption on the Inputs sheet, then the
trigger has been breached, and a TRUE value should be returned. Otherwise the
value is false.
Notice that when a zero is entered as the assumption the formula will return
a FALSE statement. This is so there is an option to always have the trigger off.
Copy the formula and paste it over the range AB7:AB366.
6. The most complicated trigger will be one that tracks defaults. If the default
percentage experienced in the deal breaches a predefined level set up on the
Inputs sheet, then the trigger is tripped.
Go to the Inputs sheet and enter the label Default Trigger % in cell B33. For
now, enter 5.00% in cell C33 and name that cell Trigger Def.
7. Go to the Cash Flow sheet, but go far to the right to column CP. Prior to setting
up the actual trigger test a section needs to be created for tracking each period’s
gross cumulative default percentage. Tracking is typically done to the far right
of the waterfall.
Enter the label Cumulative Default Percentage in cell CP4. For most transactions, the formula is going to be the current period’s dollar default amount
divided by the original balance. To make it cumulative the formula should add
the prior period’s defaulted percentage. The complete formula in cell CP7 should
look as follows:
=N7/$L$7+CP6
Copy and paste this formula over the range CP7:CP366. Also, be mindful that
when using an SDA curve to generate defaults, those are calculated using the
current balance. Check to make sure how triggers read in every case because
they can be very customized. This trigger section of the Cash Flow sheet should
look like Figure 7.2.

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FIGURE 7.2 The triggers on the Cash Flow
sheet should start taking form.

8. Still on the Cash Flow sheet go left to column AC. In cell AC4 enter the label
Default Trigger. The formula will read very close to how the trigger is designed.
When defaults exceed the amount indicated on the Inputs sheet then trip the
trigger. The formula in cell AC7 should be:
=IF(CP7>Trigger Def,TRUE,FALSE)
Copy and paste this formula over the range AC7:AC366.
9. The final trigger is very simple and requires no modification to the Inputs sheet.
This trigger is a custom Event of Default trigger as determined by the model
operator. Occasionally the need arises for a trigger to be assumed tripped at
any given point within the deal for any given amount of time. Column Z on the
Cash Flow sheet will be used for this.
Label cell Z4 Event of Default. For now enter FALSE in cell Z7 and copy
and paste this value over the range Z7:Z366. Make sure this is formatted as an input, since the model operator can change any period’s value to
assume a tripped trigger. At this point the Cash Flow sheet should look like
Figure 7.3.
10. The final part is linking the Boolean values to the cash flow structure. Three
of the triggers in Project Model Builder will be used to indicate a full rapid
amortization state. This means that if any of those triggers are tripped, all cash
is diverted immediately to senior principal. In such a case, the subordinated
tranche will be cut off from receiving funds.
Go to the Senior Principal Due column on the Cash Flow sheet (column AZ).
Cell AZ7 needs to be modified to work differently when a trigger is tripped.
This is going to require the use of an IF-OR combination. If the OR statement is
unclear see the Toolbox section at the end of this chapter. Modify the formula
in cell AZ7 as shown in bold—and make sure to enter the terminal close

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FIGURE 7.3 The completed trigger section of the Cash Flow sheet (with
formatting).

parenthesis also shown in bold:
= IF(OR(Z7, AB7,AC7),MIN(AX7,CB6),IF(LiabPrinType1="Sequential",
MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CB6),MIN((N7+Q7+R7)*LiabAdvRate1,CB6)))
The modified part has been highlighted and includes an IF and OR statement
that checks to see if any of the three triggers: Event of Default (column Z),
Post Default Mo Trigger (column AB), or Default Trigger (column AC) have
been tripped. If any triggers have tripped, the formula calculates the Senior
Principal Due as whatever amount is available at that point in the waterfall.
This essentially ends the flow of cash through the waterfall at this point until
the Senior Principal is completely paid off.
11. The previous triggers are severe and prevent the subordinate tranche from
receiving any funds. In certain cases, a trigger only accelerates the senior
principal if cash remains at the end of the waterfall. The global trigger will be
this type of acceleration trigger in Project Model Builder.
To make an acceleration trigger, an additional column needs to be set up at
the end of the waterfall. Go to cell BY4 on the Cash Flow sheet and enter the
label Excess Applied to Sr Prin. Cell BY7 needs a formula that returns the cash
remaining if the trigger is tripped. However, the amount needs to be constrained
by the balance of the senior debt. Enter the following formula in cell BY7:
=IF(AA7,MIN(BW7,CB6−BA7),0)
This formula checks to see if the global trigger has been tripped and populates
any cash remaining at the end of the waterfall. It is constrained by a MIN

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Advanced Liability Structures

FIGURE 7.4 Excess amounts that are used for
principal acceleration are calculated at the end of the
waterfall.

function that takes the lesser of the amount remaining and the current balance
less principal paid earlier in the waterfall. Copy this formula over the range
BY7:BY366. This section should look like Figure 7.4.
12. The final step is to apply the excess that was just calculated to the senior
principal. Modify the formula in cell CD7 so the senior debt balance is also
reduced by amounts in BY:
=BA7+BY7
If there is any excess applied to the senior principal it will reduce the balance
accordingly. Copy and paste this formula over the range CD7:CD366.

SWAPS
Swaps are confusing to many people because they involve conceptual flip-flopping.
Whole books are dedicated to describing what swaps are and how they work. The
goal of this section to give a very brief introduction to swaps and then move on to
how a basic swap can be modeled in structured transactions.
A swap is a financial instrument that hedges risk by swapping parties’ exposure.
For structured transactions an interest rate swap is the most commonly used swap.
In a basic structured transaction a bank might have funded a transaction on a
floating rate basis, but has structured the transaction with fixed rate assets. If the
floating rate on the liabilities were to exceed the weighted average fixed rate of the
assets, then the bank could take a loss.
Instead of taking such risk the bank enters into a fixed-for-floating interest rate
swap. In such a case, the transaction will pay a fixed rate amount to a swap provider,
while the swap provider will pay a floating rate amount to the transaction. All of

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the amounts are calculated off of a notional amortization schedule, which is a base
case amortization of the certificates involved in the swap.
Project Model Builder incorporates a simple fixed-for-floating interest rate swap.
It should be understood that many complex features to a swap are not included in this
example, such as swap dealer fees, swap termination fees, and other granularities.
The purpose is to understand how a swap uses interest rates to affect cash flow in
and out of a transaction.

MODEL BUILDER 7.2: INCORPORATING A BASIC INTEREST RATE SWAP
1. There are only three assumptions that need to be manipulated on the Inputs
sheet: (1) whether there is a swap in a transaction, (2) the basis for the swap
money coming in, and (3) the basis for the swap money going out.
On the Inputs sheet enter the following labels:
D29: Swap Active
D30: Swap Rate In
D31: Swap Rate Out
Cell E29 should be a data validation list with lstYesNo and should be named
Swap Active. Cells E30 and E31 should also be data validation lists, but
they should use lstInterestRates as the range. Name these cells Swap In and
Swap Out respectively. Also select ‘‘1-Month LIBOR’’ for the Swap Rate In
and ‘‘Custom 1’’ for the Swap Rate Out. The Inputs sheet should look like
Figure 7.5.
2. Next go to the Cash Flow sheet, where columns AE:AK are used for the swap
calculations. Enter the following labels:
AE4: Notional Swap Schedule
AF4: Swap Rate In
AG4: Swap Flow In
AH4: Swap Rate Out
AI4 Swap Flow Out
AJ4: Swap Earn/Pay
AK4: Cash Available

FIGURE 7.5 The swap inputs are included within the Structural Inputs section.

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Advanced Liability Structures

3. Column AE is where the Notional Swap Schedule is stored. This is a base case
amortization of the senior certificates. For purposes of the example model, use
the Notional Swap Schedule provided in Excel file MB7-2.xls in the Ch07 folder
on the CD-ROM. Copy and paste the schedule from the CD-ROM section to
the range AE7:AE366 in the model under construction. This is the assumed
amortization that the swap will base cash flow on.
4. Column AF is the rate that the swap counterparty pays the transaction. In this
case, the transaction needs floating rate payments so it will be a floating rate
as designated on the Inputs sheet. Earlier 1-Month LIBOR was designated as
the rate. Similar to the other rate formulas on the Cash Flow sheet, enter the
following formula in cell AF7:
= IF(Swap Active="No",0,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,Vectors!A7,
MATCH(Swap In,lstInterestRates,0)))
While most of this formula is an OFFSET-MATCH combination that has been
seen before, the beginning is an IF statement that checks to see if there is a swap
in the deal or not. If not the rate will be zero, causing all calculations to be zero.
Copy and paste this formula over the range AF7:AF366.
5. The dollar amount of swap flow in can be calculated with the swap rate in
known. Enter the following formula in cell AG7:
=AE7*AF7*C7
This multiplies the swap rate in, by the notional schedule, and also by the
day factor. Note that swaps sometimes use different day-count systems then
transactions. In this example the day-count system was assumed to be the same
as the transaction. Copy and paste this formula over the range AG7:AG366.
6. Prior to going to column AH, go to the Vectors sheet. Enter 4.00% for cell I7.
Copy and paste this value over the range I7:I366 so that every periods’ value is
4.00 percent. This should look like Figure 7.6.
7. Go back to the Cash Flow sheet and to cell AH7. The formula here needs to
return the swap rate that the transaction is paying to the swap counterparty. In
this case it is a fixed rate because, on the Inputs sheet, the vector assumed is
Custom 1, which in the previous step was assumed to be 4.00 percent for every
period. Enter the following formula in cell AH7:
= IF(Swap Active="No",0,OFFSET(Vectors!$D$6,Vectors!A7,
MATCH(Swap Out,lstInterestRates,0)))
Copy and paste this formula over the range AH7:AH366.

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FIGURE 7.6 Make sure the Vector’s sheet is updated so Cash Flow sheet
calculations work.

8. The calculation for the swap flow out is identical to the swap flow in, with the
exception of the referenced rate. Enter the following formula into cell AI7:
=AE7*AH7*C7
Copy and paste this formula over the range AI7:AI366.
9. To determine the net amount paid or earned from the swap, subtract the swap
flow out from the swap flow in. This is done with the following formula in
cell AJ7:
=AG7−AI7
Notice there is no MIN here because the value can be negative depending
on the interest rate assumptions. Copy and paste this formula over the range
AJ7:AJ366.
10. The swap section is completed by tracking the cash available after giving affect
to swap payments. Enter the following formula in cell AK7:
=X7+AJ7
Copy and paste this formula over the range AK7:AK366. By now the swap
section should look like Figure 7.7.
11. With the introduction of this advanced structure, a minor modification needs to
be made to an existing formula so cash continues to flow through the waterfall.
Change the formula in cell AP7 to:
=AK7−AN7

Advanced Liability Structures

117

FIGURE 7.7 The Swap section on the Cash Flow sheet is complete.

Without this change the swap calculation will have no effect on the rest of the
waterfall. Make sure to copy this change down to cell AP366.

FINAL NOTES ON SWAPS
A swap can introduce complex changes to the cash flow depending on the interest
rates assumed. If the rates are assumed to be extremely volatile then the swap
earn/pay amounts can be very large. Keep in mind that this section has not assumed
any cost for the swap. The more beneficial a swap is to a deal, the more expensive
it will probably be. Swap expenses should be quoted from a swap provider who can
provide up-to-the-minute market prices.

RESERVE ACCOUNTS
Reserve accounts are the most tangible and easiest form of credit enhancement to
understand. They are accounts set aside exclusively for a transaction in case there
are problems making payments to certain liabilities. If the liability cannot be met
through normal cash flow and the deal documentation allows, a reserve account can
be used to make up payment shortfall. Reserve accounts are either cash funded from
the start of the transaction or they can be designed to grow by trapping excess cash
in a transaction. Conversely, as deals amortize the reserve account can also amortize
or stay at a fixed amount.
Issuers tend not to want cash-funded reserve accounts because the money being
reserved is untouchable and not earning a high return. It is important that the

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money can only be accessed for certain obligations; otherwise there is little value in
assuming the reserve amount.
Another important feature of reserve accounts is that they are typically reimbursed if there is enough cash in the transaction. A minimum reserve amount is often
required and when the reserve balance goes below the minimum, reimbursements
are necessary. This is important for the methodology being implemented in Project
Model Builder because the placement of the reserve account calculations depends on
where reimbursements are written into the priority of payments.

MODEL BUILDER 7.3: INCORPORATING A CASH-FUNDED
RESERVE ACCOUNT
1. A cash-funded reserve account is assumed in Project Model Builder. This type of
reserve account has cash funded by the asset issuer, which is typically a percent
of the assets. In the deal documentation there will be language that designates
what liabilities the reserve account covers. Project Model Builder assumes that
only the senior liabilities have access to the reserve account. Typically fees and
top-level items on the waterfall have access to the reserve account, but modeling
this is not necessary because very few entities would do a deal that is risky
enough where the top of the waterfall has the possibility of drawing from a
reserve account.
To start modeling the reserve account go to the Inputs sheet and enter the
following label in cell I23, Reserve Active. Make cells I24 and I25 data validation
lists using lstYesNo as the range. Name cell I24 LiabReserveOnOff1 and I25
LiabReserveOnOff2. Enter the label Reserve Account % in B30 and the value
1.00% in C30. Name cell C30 RsrvPercent. The Inputs sheet should look like
Figure 7.8.
2. Go to the Cash Flow sheet and enter the following labels:
BG4: Reserve Account Minimum
BH4: Reserve Account Beginning Balance
BI4: Withdrawals

FIGURE 7.8 The Reserve Account additions are in multiple sections of the Inputs sheet.

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BJ4: Reimbursements
BK4: Reserve Account Ending Balance
BL4: Cash Remaining
3. The reserve account minimum is the first concept in this section. It is the amount
that should be maintained in the reserve account each period. If the deal has
an amortizing reserve, this amount will decrease as the asset pool balance
decreases. However, in Project Model Builder the reserve is a fixed amount.
Enter the following formula in cell BG7:
=AssetCurBal1*RsrvPercent
This formula multiplies the reserve percent from the Inputs sheet by the
asset pool’s beginning balance. Copy and paste this formula over the range
BG7:BG366.
4. To calculate a reserve section the beginning of period and end of period balance
should be split into separate columns. In this example, the beginning of period
reserve balance is always the end of period balance from the prior period. Enter
the following formula in cell BH7:
BK6
Copy and paste the formula over the range BH7:BH366.
5. In order to populate values while working with the reserve account section, skip
over to cell BK6. Enter the following formula:
=IF(A6=0,AssetCurBal1*RsrvPercent,BH6−BI6+BJ6)
This formula begins by checking to see if the current period is the start of the
transaction (period 0). If it is then the reserve account is assumed to start with
a funded balance of the reserve percent multiplied by the asset pool balance.
Otherwise the ending balance will be the beginning balance minus withdrawals
plus reimbursements.
6. The next focus of this section is withdrawals from the reserve account. Withdrawals should only be made if the deal documentation allows. In this model
assume that only senior interest and principal are covered by the reserve account.
Go to cell AV4 and enter the label Unpaid Covered by Reserve. Next go to cell
AW4 and enter the label Unpaid. In cell AV7 enter:
=IF(LiabReserveOnOff1="No",0,MIN(AU7,BH7))
This formula first checks to see if the reserve is active. If it is not active then
there is no coverage of unpaid amounts. If the reserve is active then the lesser
of ‘‘What You Have and What You Need’’ is applied. The needed part is the
unpaid interest that is calculated in cell AU7, while the ‘‘have’’ part is the
beginning balance of the reserve account for the period in cell BH7. With this

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set up the amount covered by the reserve will never be more than the reserve
account balance. Copy and paste this formula over the range AV7:AV366.
7. If there is not enough cash in the reserve account the unpaid amount needs to be
carried over. Label cell AW4 Unpaid and enter the following formula in AW7:
=AU7−AV7
This subtracts the amount covered by the reserve from the unpaid amount. Copy
and paste this formula over the range AW7:AW366.
8. A similar process now needs to take place for the senior principal. Label cell
BC4 Unpaid Covered By Reserve. In BC7 enter the following formula:
=IF(LiabReserveOnOff1="No",0,MIN(BB7,BH7−AV7))
The major difference in this formula is that the amount used from the reserve
(cell AV7) is subtracted from the reserve account balance (cell BH7). This is
a logical assumption if one assumes that the cash flow waterfall has a time
element from left to right. First, any unpaid interest would be paid from the
reserve account and then unpaid principal would be covered only if there is
money available left in the reserve account. Copy and paste this formula over
the range BC7:BC366.
9. The formula for tracking the carried over unpaid amounts also needs to be
created. Label cell BD4 Unpaid and in BD7 enter:
=BB7−BC7
Copy and paste this formula over the range BD7:BD366.
10. Go back over to the reserve account section to cell BI7. The amount withdrawn
is the sum of the fields that calculate amounts covered by the reserve account.
Enter the following formula in cell BI7:
=AV7+BC7
Copy and paste this formula over the range BI7:BI366.
11. Calculating reimbursements is the next and perhaps the most complicated part
of modeling reserve accounts. The amount to be reimbursed should always
be the reserve minimum less the reserve account beginning of period balance.
Reimbursements are not necessary when the debt that is being covered by the
reserve is paid off and the reserve account is liquidated, or when the reserve
balance is at or above the reserve minimum. Enter the following formula in cell
BJ7 to accomplish all of this:
=IF(CB6<1,0,MAX(MIN(BG7−BH7,BE7),0))

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This formula first checks the beginning balance of the debt being covered by
the reserve (in this case the senior debt) and makes reimbursements zero if the
debt is paid off. If the debt still exists then the formula performs a lesser of
‘‘What You Have and What You Need.’’ In this calculation, the reserve account
balance subtracted from the reserve account minimum is needed, while the cash
remaining in cell BE7 is available.
However, occasionally the reserve account balance might be higher than the
minimum. If that is the case then this formula will produce a negative result.
The MAX formula insures that there are no negative reimbursements in such
cases. Copy and paste the formula in BJ7 over the range BJ7:BJ366.
12. The reserve account section is completed by creating a cash remaining calculation
by entering the following formula in cell BL7:
=BE7−BJ7
This formula is important because it shows that the reimbursements are removed
from the cash available at this point in the cash flow waterfall. If reimbursements
were anywhere else in the documentation, then this reference would have to be
moved accordingly. Copy and paste this formula over the range BL7:BL366.
The entire reserve account section should look like Figure 7.9.
13. A few modifications need to be made to existing formulas to make the reserve
account work correctly. First, cell BR7 needs to be modified to:
=BL7−BP7
This will use the cash remaining from the reserve account section rather than
skipping over all of the reserve account calculations. Make sure to copy the
formula down to BR366.

FIGURE 7.9 The Reserve Account section on the Cash Flow sheet.

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14. Also, the senior interest and principal aggregations in the balance section need
to include amounts covered by the reserve account. Change CC7 to:
=AT7+AV7
And CD7 to:
=BA7+BC7+BY7
Make sure to copy the changes down to row 366 for each column.
15. The final step to finish the operating part of the cash flow waterfall is tracking
excess cash. In cell BZ4 enter the label Excess Released. In cell BZ7, enter the
following formula:
=BW7−BY7
This formula subtracts any excess cash that was used to pay down principal
from the cash remaining after sub loan principal is paid (essentially the end of
the waterfall). The amounts in this column will be released from the transaction
to whoever holds the rights to the excess. Copy and paste this formula over the
range BZ7:BZ366.
16. One final modification needs to be made to the Principal Due calculation in
column AZ. Modify AZ7 with the following shown in bold:
= IF(OR(Z7, AB7,AC7),MIN(AX7,AX7+BH7−AV7,CB6),
IF(LiabPrinType1="Sequential",MIN((N7+Q7+R7),CB6),
MIN((N7+Q7+R7)*LiabAdvRate1,CB6)))
What this slight change does is require the cash reserve to be used in the case of
a trigger breach. Most transactions will use the cash reserve in such a manner,
but each deal’s documentation should be checked to see how the components
operate. Copy and paste cell AZ over the range AZ7:AZ366.

CONCLUSION OF THE CASH FLOW WATERFALL
The cash flow waterfall is now completely operational. However, it should be
checked and formatted. All cash should flow through from left to right and down.
Make sure to check the model under construction with the completed model so that
the calculations are the same. This can be done by taking the sum of many of the
individual columns in row 5 and checking to see if the sums are the same as those in
row 5 of the completed model.
Also notice that in row 3 of the completed model there are names for the different
sections. While these have no calculation value, they are helpful for jumping between
sections in the waterfall by using CTRL + arrow keyboard commands.

Advanced Liability Structures

123

Finally, as mentioned earlier, the color system used is useful for grouping similar
concepts. Using the same color scheme for concepts in every model built allows a
model operator to quickly identify sections of the model. Also, the grey separation
lines are useful to break up concepts and create a ‘‘modular’’ type system. The breaks
are particularly useful when sections of the waterfall need to be added or removed.
The remainder of the book focuses on additions to the model that ensure it
is operating properly, efficient methods and tools for extracting and manipulating
data, analysis of the data produced by the model, and in general understanding the
model that has been created.

TOOLBOX
AND and OR
AND and OR are two important functions used in this chapter. Understanding
the difference between them is simple but extremely important. An AND function
returns a TRUE value if all the conditions in the formula are true. If just one of the
conditions set up in the AND formula are false, then the return value is false. An
OR function returns a TRUE value if any of the conditions in the formula are true.
It does not matter how many conditions are false.
These two functions are very effective at translating written tests into a computer
model. They are perfect for sections in a term sheet, where certain conditions must
be met for an event to take place.

CHAPTER

Analytics and Output Reporting

ophisticated financial models are virtually useless if the results are inaccurate or
difficult to understand. The best financial models have internal tests that track
computational and conceptual accuracy. While the purpose of these tests is to make
sure that the model calculation is valid, the interpretation of the calculations needs
to be created and presented in a comprehensive and simple-to-understand format.
The goal is to have a single output sheet that summarizes the model calculations and
provides metrics for financial performance.

INTERNAL TESTING
Internal tests are the first step in reporting results. They make sure that as a model is
modified and changed, the core logic still functions as originally intended. The tests
also allow a user to troubleshoot problems faster if the need arises. Tests mainly
focus on cash flow calculations, but allow a user to interpret conceptual validity
based on the test results. This will become clearer as internal tests are implemented
in Project Model Builder.
A number of tests will be set up in Project Model Builder to make sure that the
model is functioning correctly. Each one is discussed as it is implemented.

Cash In versus Cash Out
One of the most fundamental tests is to make sure that whatever cash has gone
into the deal has come out. This can be reworded in a more important manner: to
make sure that whatever cash is used in the deal was funded by cash coming into
the transaction. Essentially, a cash flow model has a finite amount of money from
the assets. The liabilities can only draw from this finite amount.
A critical error that sometimes occurs is when a model is modified and cells are
not linked correctly cash is created or used from a nonexistent source. To make
sure this does not occur the cash that comes into a deal should be tracked and
compared against the cash that flows out of the deal. Except for extraordinarily rare
circumstances there should never be a difference.

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MODEL BUILDER 8.1: CASH IN VERSUS CASH OUT TEST
1. Most tests will be tracked on the Cash Flow sheet, but reported on the Inputs
sheet and eventually the Output sheet when it is created. For cash in versus cash
out, columns will need to be created on the Cash Flow sheet.
Go to column CJ of the Cash Flow sheet and enter these labels in the following
cells:
CJ4: Cash In
CK4: Cash Out
CL4: Difference
2. The Cash In is all of the cash that is available to pay liabilities. At first this is
all of the cash that the assets generate. While that is a large part of the Cash
In each period, two of the advanced features of the structure provide cash: the
swap and the reserve account. In cell CJ7 enter:
= Q7 + R7 + T7 + U7 + AG7 + BI7
Tracing each one of these back, the cash flow coming into the transaction
consists of voluntary prepayments, scheduled asset amortization, asset yield,
recoveries from defaulted assets, swap flows in, and any amount coming in from
the reserve. Copy this formula and paste it over the range CJ7:CJ366.
3. The Cash Out has more references since there many points that cash comes out
of the transaction. Enter the following formula in cell CK7:
= AI7+AN7+AT7+AV7+BA7+BC7+BJ7+BP7+BU7+BY7+BZ7
The formula is self-explanatory for simple liabilities such as fees paid (cell
AN7), but notice some of the less obvious references such as cells AV7, BC7,
BJ7, BY7, and BZ7. Swap payments sometimes go out so these must be deducted.
Remember, too, that reserve account withdrawals were considered to be Cash
In, so the actual use of that cash to cover liabilities is Cash Out. Also, if the
reserve is reimbursed cash leaves the transaction. Finally, if there is excess cash
at the end of the waterfall it is used by either applying the cash to senior principal
or releasing it. Copy and paste cell CK7 over the range CK7:CK366.
4. The real test now is to see if the Cash In minus the Cash Out is equal to zero.
Enter the following formula in cell CL7:
= CJ7−CK7
Copy and paste this formula over the range CL7:CL366. See Figure 8.1 for the
new section on the Cash Flow sheet.
5. Checking the entire ‘‘Difference’’ column each run would be tedious, so some
quick links need to be set up. First sum up range CL7:CL366 in cell CL5 by using:
= SUM(CL7:CL366)

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FIGURE 8.1 Cash In versus Cash Out helps
prevent funds from being ‘‘created’’ in the
model.

6. Next go to the Inputs sheet. Since most of the model is controlled from this
sheet it is useful to make sure the model is running correctly as assumptions are
changed. Label cell I3 TESTS and I4 Cash In = Cash Out. Go to cell L4 and
enter the following formula:
= IF('Cash Flow'!CL5=0,"OK","ERROR")
This formula checks the sum of the cash in versus cash out differences to see if
it is zero. If it is then the model is working correctly, otherwise there is an error.
Many of the tests will be set up using this IF statement format with either an OK
or ERROR return. Conditional formatting is particularly useful here so that it is
very obvious when there is an error. If unfamiliar with conditional formatting,
see the ToolBox section of this chapter. Otherwise make the cell shading green
and font bold white for when the cell is OK and red shaded with bold white
font when there is an ERROR.

FIGURE 8.2 The TESTS section is on the Inputs sheet for quick reference.

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Balances at Maturity
Two very important tests check the asset and liability balance at maturity. The more
important of the two is the debt balance at maturity. If a principal amount remains
unpaid at maturity, most likely the debt balance will incur a loss. These tests are
very quick to implement.

MODEL BUILDER 8.2: BALANCES AT MATURITY TESTS
1. Go to the Inputs sheet and enter the following labels:
I5: Asset Balance @ Maturity
I6: Senior Debt @ Maturity
2. In cell L5 enter the following formula:
= IF('Cash Flow'!V366<1,"OK","ERROR")
This checks the final possible period for the assets. If there is a balance greater
than $1, than there is a problem. Use the same conditional formatting on cell
L5 as seen in the first test for this chapter.
3. The senior debt balance will be looked at with more scrutiny since it is the focus
of further analysis. To make automating the model easier in Chapter 10, go to
the Cash Flow sheet and name cell CB366: FinalLoanBal.
4. In cell L6 enter the following formula:
= IF(FinalLoanBal<1,"OK","ERROR")
If the senior debt is not paid off by the final period, then an error will show. Use
the same conditional formatting as seen in the first test for this chapter. Note
that this test can be done for the subordinate debt if needed, but is only done
for the senior debt in Project Model Builder. See Figure 8.3 for detail.

FIGURE 8.3 The Balance tests are integral to the model and are readily seen on the Inputs
sheet.

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Asset Principal Check
In a system where there is a finite amount of cash coming from the assets, it is
imperative that the cash inflow is correct. As asset amortization goes beyond simple
amortization and exotic products with unusual loss curves or payment methods
are incorporated, it is important to make sure the individual components of asset
amortization equal the original amount. In other words, does the sum of all the
prepayments, scheduled amortization, and defaulted amounts equal the beginning
balance of the assets?
Remember that prepayments, scheduled amortization, and defaults reduce the
asset balance each month. If this is the case, then summing up all of those reductions
should equal the beginning balance. An error often occurs here when there are data
problems with the representative lines or in a loan level model, with the individual
loans. Also a loss or prepay curve could be off or a custom payment might be
calculated incorrectly.

MODEL BUILDER 8.3: ASSET PRINCIPAL CHECK TEST
1. Go to the Cash Flow sheet and make sure that there are sums of the voluntary
prepay, actual amort, and new default columns. This is done by the following
formulas:
N5: = SUM(N7:N366)
Q5: = SUM(Q7:Q366)
R5: = SUM(R7:R366)

2. Go back to the Inputs sheet and enter the following label in cell I7: Asset
Principal Check. In cell L7 enter the following formula:
= IF(ROUND(('Cash Flow'!N5+'Cash Flow'!Q5+'Cash Flow'!R5),0)
= ROUND('Cash Flow'!V6,0),"OK","ERROR")
This formula adds up all the sums of the asset reduction and compares that sum
to the original asset balance. The ROUND function is used because as assets are
calculated there can be very minor differences in the decimal positions that will
falsely trip this test. Also use the same conditional formatting on cell L7 as seen
in the first test of this chapter.

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FIGURE 8.4 The Tests section of the Inputs sheet is complete.

PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS
The Cash Flow sheet is impractical to quickly garner information from unless
additional calculations are performed. The calculations should explain relevant characteristics for financial analysis. All parties to a transaction are primarily concerned
with yield, loss, and the timing of cash flows. These concepts are captured by monthly
yield, bond equivalent yield, duration, and weighted average life calculations.

Monthly Yield
Monthly yield is more importantly used to calculate bond equivalent yield, rather
than as a metric on its own. The monthly yield of an asset or debt is the discount
rate that makes the present value of all of the cash flow from the asset or to the debt
equivalent to the initial principal balance. For assets, the cash flow that is counted
is the yield, scheduled amortization, voluntary prepayments, and the recovered
principal. For debt, the cash flow that is counted is the interest and principal.

MODEL BUILDER 8.4: CALCULATING MONTHLY YIELD
1. Many of the performance analytics require a stream of cash flows for the assets
and debt that is discounted. Instead of doing this on the cash flow sheet, create
a new sheet named Analytics.
2. Since most of the model is complete, there are many sections that can be
referenced instead of recreating formulas. In cell A13 enter:
= 'Cash Flow'!A4
Drag cell A13 over the range A13:C375. This will reference the dates and timing
section from the Cash Flow sheet. The range A14:C15 on the Analytics sheet
will have zero value references, so clear the contents of these cells.

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3. To the right of the dates and timing will be the discounted cash flows for the
assets and the debt. Label the following cells by entering these cell references:
E13: = AssetDes1
F13: = LiabDes1
G13: = LiabDes2
Column D will be left blank for a space between the dates and timing, and the
discounted cash flows.
4. Before calculating the discounted cash flows, a few more items need to be set
up. Enter the following references to populate labels:
E3: = AssetDes1
F3: = LiabDes1
G3: = LiabDes2
5. In cells B4 and B5, enter the following labels respectively: Initial Principal and
Monthly Yield.
6. The initial principal amounts are needed for the calculations and should be
referenced as follows:
E4: = AssetCurBal1
F4: = 'Cash Flow'!CB6
G4: = 'Cash Flow'!CF6
7. For now enter a starting monthly yield of 1.0% in cells E5, F5, and G5. Also,
for automation purposes later name the range E5:G5, rngYieldChange.
8. Next the discounted cash flows need to be calculated. For the assets enter the
following formula in cell E16:
= ('Cash Flow'!Q7+'Cash Flow'!R7+'Cash Flow'!T7
+'Cash Flow'!U7)/(1 + $E$5)∧ $A16
This formula adds the voluntary prepayments, amortization, interest, and recoveries as cash flow from the assets. That sum is then discounted by the assumed
monthly yield. Copy this formula and paste it over the range E16:E375.
9. The discounted cash flow for the debt is similar, but the cash flows associated
with them are interest and principal. Enter the following formulas in cells F16
and G16:
F16: = ('Cash Flow'!CC7 + 'Cash Flow'!CD7)/(1 + $F$5)∧ $A16
G16: = ('Cash Flow'!CG7 + 'Cash Flow'!CH7)/(1 + $G$5)∧ $A16
Copy and paste these formulas over their respective ranges (F16:F375 and
G16:G375).
10. Go back up to cell B6 and enter the label PV Difference. The present value
difference is the result of subtracting the sum of the present valued cash flow

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from the initial balance. For the assets and debt enter the following formulas:
E6: = SUM(E16:E375)-E4
F6: = SUM(F16:F375)-F4
G6: = SUM(G16:G375)-G4
Name the range E6:G6, rngYieldTarget.

Calculating the Monthly Yield
The yield calculations are in place, but to really understand what is happening
look at the PV difference. For the assets and debt, there should be a negative PV
difference. This means that the discount rate, which is the assumed monthly yield, is
too high. Try reducing the assumed monthly yield to .50 percent for each. Now there
is a positive PV difference, which means that the assumed monthly yield is too low.
Trying higher and lower values is an inefficient means of what is technically
known as a divide-and-conquer algorithm. Excel has a built-in tool called Goal
Seek that can perform the operation to find the exact monthly yield necessary. If
Goal Seek is unfamiliar, see the Toolbox section of this chapter. Otherwise, try goal
seeking the asset monthly yield as an example.
Open the Goal Seek tool and make the ‘‘Set Cell’’ referenced to the PV difference
in cell E6. The ‘‘To value’’ should be set to zero because the correct monthly yield
will make the present value of the cash flows equal to the initial balance. Subtracting
the same amount from one another should produce zero. Finally, the ‘‘By changing
cell’’ is the monthly yield because that is the value that needs to iterate until the PV
difference is zero. Once these parameters are entered as seen in Figure 8.5, run Goal

FIGURE 8.5 Excel’s Goal Seek tool is used to find the monthly yield.

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Seek. The monthly yield should change until the PV difference is zero. Note that
there could be errors in trying to calculate the yield of an asset or liability that is
taking a complete loss and that the yield should just be assumed to be zero.
While this goal seek process should be repeated for both debt tranches, it is very
tedious and has to be redone every time a change to the cash flow is made. Later in
the text, VBA automation is used to control this process and allows a user to click a
single button to calculate the yield for the assets and all debt tranches.

Bond-Equivalent Yield
A standard convention in the capital markets is to report yield in terms of the
bond-equivalent yield (BEY), which can be thought of as an annual yield. This is
achieved by multiplying the semiannual yield by two. Debate exists about the best
annual yield measure, but since convention uses BEY, it should be incorporated into
the model.

MODEL BUILDER 8.5: CALCULATING BOND-EQUIVALENT YIELD
1. On the Analytics sheet, in cell B7 enter the label BEY. To calculate the BEY,
the semiannual yield needs to be calculated from the monthly yield. Do this by
entering the following formula in cell E7:
= ((1+E5)∧ 6 − 1)
2. As stated earlier, the BEY is just the semiannual yield doubled. Modify the
formula so it reads:
= 2*((1+E5)∧ 6 − 1)
3. Copy and paste this formula over the range E7:G7. The asset and debt BEYs
should be very similar to the average annual interest rates of the assets and debt
tranches.

MODIFIED DURATION
Duration measures a bond value’s sensitivity to rate changes. Fabozzi officially
defines it as ‘‘the approximate percentage change in value for a 100 basis point
change in rates.’’1 The formula for modified duration is:
∗

1 PVCF1 + 2∗ PVCF2 + · · · + n∗ PCVCFn
1
(1 + yield/k)
k∗ Price
1 Frank

J. Fabozzi, Fixed Income Analysis. (New Hope, PA: Frank J. Fabozzi Associates,
2000), 255.

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where
k = periodicity of the payments
n = total periods
PVCFt = present value of the cash flow in period t discounted by the yield

MODEL BUILDER 8.6: CALCULATING MODIFIED DURATION
1. On the Analytics Sheet, label cell B8: Modified Duration. The formula for
modified duration translates easily into Excel. In cell E8 enter:
= 1/((1+E5/12))*(SUMPRODUCT(E16:E375,$A$16:$A$375)/(12*E4))
2. Most of the formula is self-explanatory with the written equation presented
earlier. The one item to notice is that the SUMPRODUCT function is used on
the present values of the cash flows for more efficient calculation. Copy and
paste this formula over the range E7:G7. The final Analytics section should look
like Figure 8.6.

FIGURE 8.6 The analytics sheet is now complete.

Analytics and Output Reporting

135

OUTPUT REPORTING
Most people do not have the time to sift through the minutiae of a complex financial
model. Users of financial models generally want an understanding of results pertinent
to their decision-making process. A majority of these results can be summarized in
one page.
This single page, known as an output report, most efficiently conveys a cash
flow model when it is split into three separate sections: scenario assumptions, cash
flow snapshot, and charts. Figure 8.7 provides a general overview of an output sheet.
These three sections make it easy for a person to quickly see what assumptions were
put into the model, what the results are for important periods in the cash flow, and
how certain data intensive assumptions/results look graphically in charts.
An important part of the output report is that it will be created as its own
worksheet in the model and should contain as few entered values as possible.
This means that nearly all of the sheet should reference parts of the model. The
reasoning behind this is that as assumptions and results change per scenario, the
output report should automatically update. Errors usually occur when a scenario is
run, but the output sheet is not updated. By using as many references as possible
there will be fewer possibilities for an error and an increase in model operation
efficiency.

FIGURE 8.7 The output sheet has three distinct sections: Scenario Assumptions, Cash Flow
snapshot, and Charts.

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MODEL BUILDER 8.7: CREATING THE OUTPUT REPORT
1. The first step to creating the Output Report is to make a section on the Inputs
sheet for reporting parameters. On the Inputs sheet, enter these labels in the
following cells:
G28: Reporting Parameters
G29: Scenario Name
G30: Beginning Snapshot Start
G31: Ending Snapshot Start
2. For now, enter Base Case in cell I29 and name it ScenName. Enter 0 in cell
I30 and name it SnapshotStart. Finally, enter 350 in cell I31 and name it
SnapshotEnd. These cells are used later to control certain parts of the output
report.
3. Create a new worksheet and name it Output. Since this sheet is primarily
referenced to other parts of the model, the step by step will work differently
than the other Model Builder sections. Rather than explain each cell, when
most of them are references to concepts and calculations already explained, this
section will rely heavily on the already completed version of file MB8-7.xls in
the Ch08 folder on the CD-ROM.
4. In the completed version of Model Builder 8.7, notice that the first nine rows
consist primarily of assumptions. A reader instantly knows which transaction
the report has been created for by looking at the top left in bold letters. At the
top right, the scenario version is readily visible. Below that the first few boxes
a reader sees are inputs relating to the assets, liabilities, and structure. Almost
all of these are references that should be linked up individually for the model
under construction. Create all of the references for the first nine rows exactly
the same as in the completed version. There are a few cells with formulas that
require further explanation.
5. A unique cell on the Output sheet is I5, the gross cumulative loss. Instead of
a cell reference to the default rate, this is a calculation of the gross cumulative
dollar defaults by the original asset balance. In this case the gross cumulative
loss percent is .97 percent, while the default rate is 1.0 percent. The difference
can be occurring due to seasoning, amortization timing, and/or loss timing.
Understanding this nuance will be discussed further in Chapter 9, Understanding
the Model. For now it is important to realize that the gross cumulative loss
percent should not be a direct reference.
6. Another unique cell is O4, which is labeled Req. Cr Enhmnt. In a senior
subordinated structure with one senior tranche, this is the amount of credit
enhancement that is necessary to absorb the expected losses. For now enter:
= 1−F4
This simply subtracts the senior advance rate from 100 percent and suggests
that anything below the senior advance rate is the amount necessary to cover

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the expected losses. This is precisely how the senior tranche should be sized.
The next chapter will discuss sizing the senior tranche in more detail.
7. Cells O5 and O6 contain formulas for weighted average life (‘‘WAL’’), a metric
that is used frequently. This calculation was left off of the Analytics sheet
because it does not rely on discounted cash flows. Instead WAL is a calculation
based on the amortization of the assets and liabilities over time. It expresses the
number of periods it takes to amortize an asset or liability, weighted by periodic
reductions of balance.
Imagine an asset that has equal periodic reductions in balance of 150 and
pays off in 10 periods. In this case a total of 1,500 has been paid down equally
over 10 periods. The WAL would be 5.5 periods, which is just the same as
taking the average of the number of periods. However, if the assets paid down
with 600 in the first period, followed by 300 in the second, 200 in the third,
100 in the fourth, and 50 for the remaining six periods, the WAL would be
2.97 periods. In such a case, the balance was reduced by a large amount earlier
and has ‘‘died off’’ faster. See Figure 8.8 and the WALifeComparison.xls file in
Ch08’s Additional Files subfolder on the CD-ROM for details.
Prior to inputting the formulas in cells O4 and O5, a column tracking all of
the reductions in asset balance is necessary on the Cash Flow sheet. Go to the
Cash Flow sheet to column CN. Enter Asset Amort Total in cell CN4. Then in
cell CN7 enter:
= N7 + Q7 + R7

FIGURE 8.8 The WAL is a measure of how long an assets balance is
outstanding.

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This formula adds up any amount that reduces the asset balance: defaults,
scheduled principal, and voluntary prepayments. Copy and paste this formula
over the range CN7:CN366.
8. Calculating WAL is a straightforward weighted average formula that uses the
SUMPRODUCT-SUM combination seen in previous chapters. Back on the
Output sheet, in cell O5, enter:
= SUMPRODUCT('Cash Flow'!CN7:CN366,'Cash Flow'!A7:A366)/
SUM('Cash Flow'!CN7:CN366)/12
This weights the periods by the asset reduction each period and then provides
an average. Also notice that there is a 12 as a divisor since the WAL is typically
presented in years and this model is being calculated on a monthly basis.
9. The WAL should also be calculated for the debt. On this output sheet only the
senior debt has the WAL calculated. Since the only item that reduces debt balance
is principal, an additional column on the Cash Flow sheet is not necessary. In
cell O6 enter:
= SUMPRODUCT('Cash Flow'!CD7:CD366,'Cash Flow'!A7:A366)/
SUM('Cash Flow'!CD7:CD366)/12
10. The last unique formula for the upper portion of the Output sheet tracks when
any trigger has been tripped in the model. To accomplish this functionality, a
single column on the Cash Flow sheet that tracks whether or not any trigger has
been tripped in any period needs to be created.
Go to the Cash Flow sheet to column CO. Label cell CO4 Combined Trigger
Tracking. Then in cell CO7 enter:
= OR(Z7:AB7)
This will return a TRUE or FALSE depending on whether any of the triggers
in Z, AA, or AB have been tripped. Copy and paste cell CO7 over the range
CO7:CO366.
11. Once the periodic tracking has been set up, a formula needs to return the first
period that the trigger tracking becomes TRUE. This can be done using an array
formula. If array formulas are new, see the Toolbox section at the end of this
chapter. The array formula used in cell O9 should be:
{= MIN(IF('Cash Flow'!CO7:CO366,'Cash Flow'!A7:A366,1000))}
The inside part of this formula is an IF statement that checks each cell in the
range CO7:CO366. If any of those are true the associated period in column A
is returned, otherwise a very large value that exceeds the maximum number of

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periods is returned (1,000). With a string of periods where the trigger is tripped
the earliest one can be found using the MIN function. Remember to press Ctrl
+ Shift + Enter when entering an array function.
12. The middle part of the output report provides a snapshot of the cash flows.
Reams of complete cash flows are rarely looked through, but specific periods
such as the beginning and end are often examined. To do this a system needs to
be set up that allows a user to select the periods of the cash flows to view.
Earlier, a Reporting Parameters section was added to the Inputs sheet, where
cells I30 and I31 contain controls to change the first period for the beginning
and ending views of the cash flows. Go to the Outputs sheet to cell B16. This
will be a direct reference to cell I30 on the Inputs sheet (named SnapshotStart).
On the Outputs sheet, cell B17 is the next period, which is the previous period
plus one. Enter the following formula in cell B17:
= B16+1
Make sure not to use the named range because when cell B17 is copied and
pasted over the range B16:B26 the reference needs to change. By now B17:B26
should look like Figure 8.9.
13. Still on the Outputs sheet, go to C16. The completed version shows the beginning
balance for this column. It should be noted that any of the cash flow columns
can be shown on the Outputs sheet and that the ones used in the completed
version are just being used because they are the most frequently used. To get the

FIGURE 8.9 The Cash
Flow snapshot relies on a
select group of periods
determined by the model
operator.

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beginning balances of the assets for the periods used in the snapshot viewer, use
an OFFSET function. Enter the following formula in cell C16:
= OFFSET('Cash Flow'!$V$6,B16,0)
This formula offsets the cell above the first period of the asset balance on the
Cash Flow sheet by the period used in the snapshot viewer (cell B16). As a user
changes the starting period for the snapshot beginning, the asset balance will be
offset commensurately. Copy and paste cell C16 over the range C16:C26.
This can be repeated for as many columns as needed. Look to the completed
Output sheet to see some other popular columns that are reported. Also notice
that there are sums for each column that are references to the Cash Flow sheet
directly. This is because the sums should be for all of the periods and should not
just sum the snapshot view.
14. Complete the same process for the ending snapshot view in rows 28 to 38 on the
Output sheet. Leave row 27 blank so it is clear where the beginning snapshot
ends and where the ending snapshot begins.
15. The final section of the output report is the bottom third, which should
contain charts of data over time. Examples of such data include: interest rates,
prepayment rates, default rates, balances, excess spread, and so on. Some of the
charts may not have source data readily available and will require more work
on other sheets. For example, in the completed version of the output report
there is a chart that tracks cumulative defaults. The source data for this chart is
from column CP on the Cash Flow sheet.

The Importance of Testing and Output
While it may seem tedious to implement all of the tests and the output report, the
time saved in the long run is much greater. Whenever building a model keep the
mindset that it will be used for multiple scenarios. Each time the model assumptions
are changed an operator wants to be sure that the results are accurate, logical,
and easy to share. Tests ensure accuracy and logic, and should be viewed easily.
Similarly, the output report should be comprehensive enough so someone who has
not seen the model can understand the intent, execution, and results of each scenario
the model produces.

TOOLBOX

Conditional Formatting
Conditional formatting automatically changes the formatting of cells depending on
parameters that a user sets up. This can be especially useful to quickly identify
important changes that occur during model operation.

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To use conditional formatting, select the desired cell, click Format on the menu
bar and then click Conditional Formatting. The Conditional Formatting dialog box
appears as shown in Figure 8.10.
The Conditional Formatting dialog box allows for a number of parameters.
First, the format can depend on the value of the cell. This is set up by selecting
Cell Value Is in the first Condition 1 list box and then a series of corresponding
parameter options in the other list boxes. The other option is to select Formula Is in
the first Condition 1 list box and select a formula. Multiple formats can also be set
up for a single cell. This is particularly useful in conjunction with IF statements to
highlight a change in true or false values.

Goal Seek
Excel provides the Goal Seek tool that allows a user to perform single parameter
optimization operations. Goal Seek works by taking in three assumptions: a formula
that needs to be optimized, the value that the result of the formula should be
optimized to, and a variable that changes which allows the original formula to be
optimized.
The Goal Seek dialog box shown in Figure 8.11 is opened by clicking Tools in
the menu bar and then Goal Seek.

FIGURE 8.10 Conditional Formatting dialog box.

FIGURE 8.11 Goal Seek dialog box.

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FIGURE 8.12 Enter the cell references in the Goal Seek dialog box.
As an example, if a sheet had 10 in cell A1, 2 in cell A2, and the formula A1*A2
in A3, Goal Seek can be used to figure out an optimal solution. With the current
setup, cell A3 is equal to 20. If one wanted cell A3 to equal 30 by changing the
value in cell A2, Goal Seek could be used. In that case, the references and values in
Figure 8.12 would be entered in the dialog box. Also refer to GoalSeekExample.xls
in Ch08’s Additional Files subfolder on the CD-ROM.
As will be seen later in this text, Goal Seek can be used on an entire model
with many formulas connected to each other. Also, Excel contains a more advanced
optimization tool called Solver when multiple parameters need to be entered.

Array Formulas
Array formulas are one of the more tricky aspects for Excel users to learn. The main
reason people have difficulty with them is because they reference ranges of cells,
which can be challenging to visualize. An array function allows a user to perform
custom operations on arrays of equal lengths.
Deconstructing the array function used in this chapter is an excellent method to
demonstrate how they work. In this chapter the following array function is used:
{= MIN(IF('Cash Flow'!CO7:CO366,'Cash Flow'!A7:A366,1000))}
The array function here first performs an IF statement on the range CO7:CO366.
The values for column CO are true or false values. In a regular IF statement, a single
cell value is tested to return one of two answers. In the array function version, every
cell in the array is tested against a parameter or range of parameters and returns an
equal length result array. If cell CO7 is false, for example, then 1,000 is returned
as the first value of the result array. If cell CO8 is true, then A8 is returned as the
second value of the result array. However, if cell CO9 is false, then cell A9 will be
returned as the third value of the result array. The first three values of the result
array can be visualized as 1,000, 1, 2. The next part of this array function takes the
MIN of that array, which is 1.

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143

There are two important rules to remember when using an array function. Any
arrays referenced within the formula must be of equal length; otherwise an error
will be returned. Also, array functions must be entered by pressing Ctrl + Shift
+ Enter instead of simply Enter. An array function that is successfully entered can
be identified with the { } symbols surrounding it.

CHAPTER

Understanding the Model

ach individual chapter has focused on explaining one concept of a structured
finance model and the mechanics behind implementing that concept in Excel. At
this point, the model is mechanically complete and many individual sections have
been covered. However, the ability to integrate assumptions into interconnected
concepts and produce interpretable results is where the true value of a financial
model resides.
So, what happens when asset losses increase? Will the senior bonds receive all
of the scheduled interest and principal? What stress scenarios can the transaction
handle? All of these questions require an understanding of how each individual
component of the model works and how all of those elements work together as a
whole.
The best method of understanding a model is by changing individual assumptions
one by one and evaluating the results. This allows a model operator to witness the
cause and effect of each assumption. It is particularly valuable to set the assumptions
to reasonable extremes so that result differences are more evident. This section first
reviews the model as a whole and then walks through the results of changing each
of the major assumptions.

THE COMPLETE MODEL IN REVIEW
A top-down approach separates the model into two distinct sections: assets and
liabilities. On the asset side, cash is generated over time by yield, scheduled amortization, voluntary prepayments, and default recoveries. All of these methods of cash
flow generation have assumptions that can vary greatly. However, for every set of
assumptions for a scenario there is only a finite amount of cash.
The cash is used to pay for liabilities that set up the deal and fund the assets.
Typical liabilities include fees, debt interest, and debt principal, which get paid in
very specific orders and amounts depending on the cash flow waterfall. During each
period and at the end of the legal final maturity date of the transaction, the finite
amount of cash needs to be sufficient to cover all of the liabilities, otherwise parties in
the transaction can suffer a loss. The basic model overview is presented in Figure 9.1.

145

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FIGURE 9.1 In structured transactions cash is typically created and used in a
standard order.
Loss is protected against in a number of ways, predominantly through the use
of credit enhancement. The top forms of credit enhancement include:
■
■
■
■

Excess spread
Reserve accounts
Financial guaranties
Overcollateralization

Excess spread is generated by the assets yielding more than the cost of the
liabilities. This excess is typically the first form of enhancement used to cover
loss. This coverage works in the model by reducing the asset balance by losses and
attempting to reduce the debt by a commensurate amount. Since no cash is generated
by defaults, the excess is used to maintain the commensurate debt reduction.
If excess spread is not sufficient to cover the liabilities, a reserve account can
be drawn upon if set up at deal inception. Reserve accounts are either prefunded or
grow to certain levels with excess cash. A prefunded reserve account gives comfort
since the cash exists and is set aside, however it is an inefficient use of funds.
Whenever a need occurs, the cash is withdrawn and typically reimbursed during
better times.
A financial guaranty mechanically works the same as a reserve account and
covers liability shortfalls. The terms of the guaranty are very important because
they detail exactly which liabilities are covered, to what degree they are covered,
and the priority of reimbursement to the insurer. Many of the monoline insurers
that provide financial guaranties insure timely interest and ultimate principal. This

Understanding the Model

147

means that if there is ever an interest shortfall during the transaction or a principal
shortfall at final maturity then the monoline would cover the difference.
Finally, the concept of overcollateralization is the ultimate safeguard to certain
investors. Usually the assets are funded by more than one party, one of which
assumes a riskier position. The senior party often has structural safeguards that
allow for principal repayment priority over the subordinate debt holders. The senior
debt holders model their risk by the ability to be repaid by final maturity. They do
not care if the subordinate debt holders are repaid. In a stress situation, cash would
be directed to the senior holders and typically the subordinate holders would be
locked out. This could create a scenario where the senior debt holders are repaid,
but the subordinates are not.
Whether or not senior debt holders are repaid largely depends on the percentage
of debt relative to the subordinate holder. Any time a senior tranche advances less
than 100 percent of the assets, with a subordinate piece making up the difference,
the senior tranche is termed overcollateralized. In Project Model Builder, the senior
debt was initially structured at 95 percent of the assets, with the subordinated debt
making up 5 percent. This 95 percent can be considered the amount that the senior
debt holders advanced against the assets, otherwise known as the advance rate.
Because senior debt is often at a lower cost than subordinate debt, many analyses
focus on maximizing the senior advance rate. If the senior notes start at $95,000,000,
at least that amount must be generated by the assets through scheduled principal,
prepayments, and excess spread. If a scenario models losses at a rate where excess
spread and reserve accounts are exhausted and the senior debt is still not repaid, the
only other option is to rerun the scenario with a lower advance rate. This process
becomes iterative until the optimal advance rate is determined.

UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF INCREASED LOSS
To observe the effect that increased loss has on a transaction, a few changes
need to be made to the assumptions in Project Model Builder. Use the model
under construction or the file MB9-1.xls in the Ch09 folder on the CD-ROM for
this chapter. Change the gross cumulative loss rate (pdrCumLoss1) to 15 percent,
the loss stress (pdrLossStress1) to 5, the timing scenario (pdrLossTime1) to Timing
Curve 1, and the recovery rate (pdrRecovRate1) to 25 percent. The assumptions
should be the same as in Figure 9.2. This is a very stressful scenario where a large
amount of credit enhancement is necessary.
The major change that has taken place in this scenario is that the assets are
assumed to have a base loss rate of 15 percent, which is stressed five times. The loss
is also assumed to be distributed evenly over 360 periods based on timing curve 1.
This means that a pool of unseasoned assets would expect to lose 75 percent of its
principal to defaults over the life of the transaction. However, take a look at cell I5
on the Output Sheet. Notice that the gross cumulative loss is only 47.42 percent. This
is because the assets are completely amortized by period 229 (noticeable in column

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MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIGURE 9.2 Change the assumptions to produce a very stressful loss scenario.

L of the Cash Flow sheet) and avoid a good portion of the loss curve. Always keep
in mind how much loss is actually taken since prepayments and defaults themselves
alter assets’ amortization schedules.
The first source of credit enhancement to protect against this loss is excess
spread. Notice that the assets are generating 9.00 percent, while the all-in cost of
the liabilities is only 7.50 percent (Swap rate of 4.00% + Liability margin & fees of
1.50% + Asset servicing fees of 2.00%). The excess yield generated can make up for
some of the lost principal in the transaction. Go to the Cash Flow sheet to cell AZ7.
This is the principal due calculation for the senior debt. With no loss, there would
be enough principal flowing through the waterfall to exactly meet this amount.
However, with the loss amount assumed there is going to be a major shortfall in
the next column when the debt is attempted to be paid. This shortfall is mitigated
by the excess yield that is flowing through the waterfall and that is part of the Cash
Remaining in cell AX7. See Figure 9.3 for more detail.
The next source of credit enhancement that is available to the senior debt
is a reserve account. Check to make sure that the reserve account percentage
(RsrvPercent) is set to 1.00 percent. This indicates that a prefunded reserve account
was set up at the start of the transaction. Look at cell BC7 on the Cash Flow sheet.
There should be amounts that are drawn from the reserve to cover the shortfalls

FIGURE 9.3 Shortfalls due to loss are first covered by excess spread and then
other forms of credit enhancement such as reserve accounts.

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149

created by the loss. Also, go to the reserve account section (columns BG through
BL) on the Cash Flow sheet and notice how it is drawn down each period until it is
exhausted.
Since there is no financial guaranty modeled in Project Model Builder the only
form of credit enhancement left is overcollateralization. The advance rate is set to
95 percent, which means that given the asset size the senior notes initially start at
$95,000,000. With $100,000,000 of assets the senior notes can have $5,000,000 lost
and still be repaid. The $5,000,000 would be the nonrepayment of the subordinated
notes.
However, even with the excess spread, the reserve account, and the overcollateralization, there is still not enough cash in the structure to pay the senior debt by
final maturity. Look at cell CB366 on the Cash Flow sheet. This is the last possible
period for the senior notes to receive a payment. At this period there is still a balance
of ∼$34.9 million for the senior notes, which will most likely result in a loss to the
senior debt holders. If such a scenario is deemed probable, what assumptions can be
changed to prevent it from occurring?
Excess spread is difficult to change. The asset yield can only be increased if the
issuer has higher yielding assets that can be added to the pool. However, higher
yielding assets are typically more risky and a new static loss analysis should be
completed to see if the loss expectation needs to be increased. The liability rates are
usually set to market rates which are set by the market. The other fees could possibly
be negotiable, but would probably only have a marginal impact.
The reserve account could be increased, but this is an inefficient use of cash. A
reserve account locks cash up, typically in guaranteed investment contracts (GICs),
which earn a low rate of interest. This cash could be better used to create more
assets.
In such a loss case, the most often-changed assumption is the overcollateralization amount dictated by the advance rate. Notice the amount due to the senior debt
in the final period. Now change the advance rate for the senior debt to 92.5 percent.
Because the amount issued by the senior entity is reduced, and the same amount of
cash being is still being generated by the assets, the amount due to the senior debt
in the final period is reduced. The advance rate can be continuously reduced (86.01
percent in this scenario) until there is no amount due to the senior debt in the final
period and the notes are considered to be paid off.
An effective means of finding the optimal advance rate is by using the Goal Seek
tool. The ‘‘Set cell’’ should be the final period senior principal balance (cell CB366).
It’s ‘‘To value’’ should be 0. Finally, the ‘‘By changing cell’’ should be LiabAdvRate1
from the Inputs sheet. When this is run the advance rate will be minimized until the
senior debt balance at the final period is zero. Figure 9.4 shows this in detail.
There are instances where the Goal Seek tool finds a solution that does not seem
optimal. This may be because the maximum number of iterations is set too low.
The option for the number of iterations that Goal Seek runs is controlled with the

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FIGURE 9.4 The Goal Seek tool can be
used to find the optimal advance rate.

following steps. On the Excel menu bar, click Tools and Options. Then click the
Calculations tab and select the Iterations option and, if necessary, in the Maximum
iterations box enter 100.

VARYING PRINCIPAL ALLOCATION METHODOLOGIES
Recall that there were two options for principal amortization built into the model:
sequential and pro rata pay. The previous scenario assumes a pro rata pay scenario
where the senior debt receives a pro rata share of the asset principal. This is less
advantageous than a sequential pay scenario, because in such a scenario principal is
paid to the senior debt first, until the senior debt is amortized. Observe the difference
by changing the Principal Allocation Type on the Inputs sheet from pro rata to
sequential—and remember to change the advance rate back to 95 percent. Now,
instead of the senior debt having a balance of ∼$34.9 million, the debt has a balance
of ∼$34.8 million. This difference is very slight; but this is largely due to the existing
triggers that are set up in the model to direct cash to the senior notes. Try taking the
triggers out to see how much of an effect the principal allocation method has on the
amortization of the senior debt.
The difference is caused by the calculation and release of cash to pay the
subordinated debt on a pro rata basis. The senior debt’s periodic principal due is
less than it would be under a sequential pay structure. Since the senior note pays
down slower there is a higher interest cost and a higher balance in the final period.
Also, until a trigger is breached, cash flows to pay the subordinated interest and
principal.
A trigger is breached in both scenarios. Aside from the trigger that is preset to
rapidly amortize the deal in period three, go to column AC on the Cash Flow sheet
and look at period 25 (row 31). In that period, the default trigger turns on. This is
caused by the cumulative defaults exceeding the amount set up on the Inputs sheet
(Trigger Def). When the trigger is tripped, all cash that remains up to the senior
principal payment is used to amortize the senior principal. Notice that cell AZ31

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151

on the Cash Flow sheet calculates the senior principal due amount as everything
that is remaining (AX31). If the trigger amount were decreased from 5.00 percent
to anything lower, the trigger would trip earlier and direct more cash to the senior
debt faster.

Varying Prepayment Rates
The importance of prepayments is particularly heightened during times of increased
loss. Prepayments can have a dual effect in a high stress scenario. On one hand
they can help avoid parts of the loss curve by accelerating the amortization of the
assets. While on the other hand the loans that are expected to prepay are the better
credits who can switch to a lower interest rate, thereby decreasing excess spread and
creating a higher concentration of poorer performing loans.
In the high loss example currently set up in Project Model Builder enter a 1%
SMM for all periods in column N on the Vectors sheet. Set the prepayment curve on
the Inputs sheet to SMM 2. Make sure the assumptions are the same as in Figure 9.5.
Now check the senior debt’s final period balance. Instead of ∼$34.9 million at
the end there is now only ∼$14.4 million. This is primarily caused by avoiding the
tail of the projected loss curve. Notice that the sum of all of the new defaults is
∼$34.6 million in the high prepay scenario. Previously the sum was ∼$47.4 million.
Also contributing to the reduction in debt balance is a savings in senior debt interest
due to the faster amortization of the debt. Compare the two scenarios total debt
interest to notice the difference.
The opposite effect is possible in a more granular analysis. If the model were
set up using a loan level analysis, certain obligors would be expected to prepay over
others. Obligors with high interest rates and good credit would have an increased
propensity to prepay than lower interest rate loans. This causes a decrease in the
average yield of the assets termed weighted average coupon deterioration (WAC
deterioration). With a decrease in asset yield over time, excess spread is reduced and
sometimes a greater level of credit enhancement is necessary to make a transaction
work.

FIGURE 9.5 Make sure all of the assumptions on the Model Builder are the same as in the figure.

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VARYING LOSS TIMING
Project Model Builder was built with five possible loss timing scenarios. In general,
there are three patterns that a transaction should be tested against: base case losses,
front-loaded losses, and back-loaded losses. In Project Model Builder, Timing Curve
3 is clearly the front-loaded case and Timing Curve 5 is the back-loaded case.
Assume that Timing Curve 1 is the base case.
Continuing with the assumptions from Figure 9.5, change the Loss Timing
Curve (pdrLossTime1) to Timing Curve 3. Now take a look at the final period
senior debt balance. It jumps to ∼$66.9 million! This is because less of the loss curve
is being avoided by the faster amortization of the assets. If Timing Curve 1 is used
a large part of the default curve is avoided because the assets amortize by period
229. Also, the upfront defaults deteriorate the assets from the start, which prevents
excess spread from generating early in the transaction. With unseasoned assets most
front-loaded loss curves will be very damaging to a transaction.
Now switch the Loss Timing Curve to Timing Curve 5. The final period senior
debt balance falls to zero. A major reason for this is that the assets have amortized
prior to taking the most strenuous part of the loss curve. Notice that the assets are
amortized by period 265, but according to Timing Curve 5 one would only expect
to have taken less than 30 percent of the loss curve through that timeframe. With
∼70 percent of the loss curve avoided the gross cumulative loss is greatly reduced.
Loss timing is very important for the periodic flow of cash. Triggers can be
tripped in certain timing scenarios, leading to changes in debt amortization methods.
Reserve accounts can be emptied earlier or later. Total interest can be higher or
lower. All of these effects can alter the weighted average life of the debt, vary the
overall debt yield, and possibly cause debt holder loss.

VARYING RECOVERY RATE AND LAG
The most observable mitigant to loss is recovery. For structured finance transactions,
recovery is a source of cash that is dependent on rates and time. Put the loss timing
back to Timing Scenario 1 and change the recovery rate from 25 percent to 75
percent. It is clear from the TEST section of the Inputs page that the debt is paid
off by maturity. (Not that the Inputs cell L6 switches from ERROR to OK) By
increasing the recovery rate there is additional cash in the transaction. Recovery
cash is purely for the benefit of the transaction and can be thought of as additional
yield since it does not reduce the asset balance.
The other component of recovery is the amount of time it takes to receive the
cash. This is important because as the recovery lag increases, the recovery benefit to
the transaction diminishes. Change the recovery lag from 5 to 40. By doing this, the
TEST section shows that the senior debt balance is not paid off by final maturity.
With a longer recovery lag the debt is paid down slower and accrues more interest
than with a shorter lag.

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THE VALUE OF A SWAP
Project Model Builder was created with a swap in place that fixed the liabilities to
a 4 percent interest rate. Without such a hedge the interest rate on the notes would
be subjected to the floating rate curve, which in the example is much higher than 4
percent. Keeping the 75 percent recovery rate, set the recovery lag back to 5 so that
the senior debt pays off and then turn the Swap Active cell (Swap Active) on the
Inputs sheet to No. By doing this, the TEST section shows that the senior debt no
longer pays off by maturity because of the increased interest cost without a swap.

ADDITIONAL TESTING
Every assumption that has been created in Project Model Builder has an effect on
the results. Try changing each assumption, check the TEST and Output sheet to see
the result, and then go over the Cash Flow sheet in detail to see how each section
has changed. It is extremely important to understand cause-and-effect relationships
because when actual transactions are modeled often times a result is returned that
can be unexpected. These unanticipated results need explanations, which can only
be done by going backward through the process to understand what assumptions
caused the result.

CHAPTER

Automation Using Visual Basic
Applications (VBA)

powerful capability of all Microsoft Office applications is the ability to program
actions using the Visual Basic Applications (VBA) programming language. For
Microsoft Excel, VBA is especially useful for frequently used commands that
require multiple procedures, repetitive actions, and in more advanced situations for
calculations that exceed the spreadsheet’s processing ability. Examples relevant to
cash flow modeling include creating buttons that control print commands and goal
seek functions, building a quick system to run multiple scenarios, or constructing an
amortization engine that can generate and aggregate the cash flow for thousands of
loans. Implementing such functionality requires a basic understanding of the VBA
language and how the language interacts with Excel.
Most users have unknowingly used VBA by recording a macro to complete
simple repetitive tasks. However, few take the step to learn how to write and edit
VBA code by hand. The problem most users have with unlocking the full potential
of VBA is learning how an object-oriented programming (OOP) language works.
While entire books can and have been written on using VBA, this chapter intends
to introduce the model operator to the basics of using VBA through additions to
Project Model Builder and other relevant examples. Beginners may find additional
texts helpful for further explanation, while intermediate to advanced users may want
to skip to the specific code examples.

CONVENTIONS OF THIS CHAPTER
One of the most useful means of explaining VBA is through the use of code examples
shown in this chapter. Recall that this is also the convention for named cells or
ranges. Distinguishing between the two should not be difficult since the VBA code is
typically written in blocks of text, while the named cells or ranges are written into
the normal text.

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THE VISUAL BASIC EDITOR
Coding in VBA is simplified by an interface called the Visual Basic Editor (VBE).
VBA code can be written, stored, run, and debugged from the VBE. To access the
VBE go to Tools, Macro, Visual Basic Editor or use the ALT-F11 keyboard shortcut.
The VBE will open in a separate window and should appear as in Figure 10.1.

The Menu Bar
The general menu bar features recognizable commands such as File and Edit;
however, most of the options within each command will seem strange to a new user.
For now look at the Standard Toolbar that should appear as a default setting.
The Standard Toolbar has a few buttons that will be useful for the basic
operation of the VBE. Keep in mind the following buttons, which can be seen in
Figure 10.2:
■
■
■
■
■

View Microsoft Excel: Jumps back to the Excel workbook
Run Sub/UserForm: Runs the code currently selected
Break: Breaks the code currently being run
Reset: Resets the code after a break has occurred
Object Browser: opens the library of VBA objects

FIGURE 10.1 The Visual Basic Editor (VBE).

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FIGURE 10.2 The Standard Toolbar looks similar to other Office Toolbars, but
has unique buttons specifically for creating, editing, and running code.

The Project Explorer and the Properties Window
To the left side of the VBE there are two important windows: the Project Explorer
and the Properties Window. The Project Explorer looks a little like Windows
Explorer in the way it organizes information. It is set up as a directory tree where
more detailed information within a general concept can be expanded or compressed
by clicking on ‘‘+’’ and ‘‘−’’ symbols.
The most general category in VBA is a Project, which is essentially the Excel
workbook and any associated additions created in the VBE. The first subfolder
contains the Excel objects, which are the individual sheets in the workbook. Code
can be stored under a sheet or for the workbook in general, but for this book’s
examples code will be created and stored in a module.
A module is a separate area to enter code. The code is often organized by purpose
and functionality into individual sections called subroutines. Basic macros use one
subroutine to accomplish a task, while more advanced macros often use multiple
subroutines. Related subroutines are stored in the same module. For instance, a
module might be named Print Routines and contain three subroutines that format
and print different sections of the Excel workbook. See Figure 10.3 for a detailed
look at a module.

VBA CODE
Writing VBA code is like typing out a set of instructions using words and values
that are specific to Excel. Trying to run code that Excel does not understand will
generate an error and stop the subroutine from running. For a crash course in VBA,
the most basic elements that a new programmer should know are objects, methods,
and variables. While there are certainly more components to VBA, learning about

FIGURE 10.3 Modules
organize code for
subroutines and functions.

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the three elements mentioned above will greatly aid a reader in understanding the
example code in this chapter.
The first basic element of VBA is an object. In object-oriented programming
objects are the building blocks of code. They are items that code performs tasks on
and have properties that can be manipulated. Workbooks, worksheets, ranges, cells,
and so on are all objects in VBA for Excel.
Objects are worked with primarily through the use of methods. The properties
of an object are changed by using different methods or combinations of methods.
For example, if a cell is an object and one wanted to change the background of a
cell to yellow they would use the .Interior.ColorIndex method. There are hundreds
of methods to learn, which are best picked up through examples such as those in
this chapter.
Variables are the third basic element of VBA. They are particularly useful for
understanding the examples in this chapter because most of the examples make
heavy use of variables. A variable is a character or string of characters that are
assigned a value. The designers of VBA created specific types of variables in order
to save memory and allow a user to create a more efficient macro. For instance, a
variable can be declared as a Boolean, meaning that the only acceptable value is
‘‘true’’ or ‘‘false.’’ It is important to understand the different types of variables in
VBA because if a programmer attempts to assign an inconsistent value to a variable
type an error will be generated and the macro will stop running.

SIMPLE AUTOMATION FOR PRINTING AND GOAL SEEK
Print and Goal Seek are the two most commonly used menu tools while operating a
cash flow model. Both take time and involve repetitive tasks. For printing there is
always the concern that the print area has changed or that the page set up is different.
Goal seek requires clicking through a number of fields and entering references and
values. Both tasks can be quickly transformed into a single macro that can be run
with the click of a button.

MODEL BUILDER 10.1: AUTOMATING PRINT PROCEDURES
1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBE. In the Project Explorer, find the name of
the Excel workbook. The name of each workbook should be prefaced by
VBAProject. Right-click the name, and then on the menu bar click Insert, and
then click Module. This should create a file folder named Modules, with one
module named Module1. Using the Properties window rename Module1 to
Print Routines. See Figure 10.4 for detail.
2. Double-click Module1 in the Project Explorer. Select the main code window so
there is a blinking cursor. Type the following code:
Sub PrintOutput()

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FIGURE 10.4 The Properties window
changes the characteristics of items in
the VBE.

Starting a module with Sub indicates the beginning of a subroutine, the name
PrintOutput is a user created description of the subroutine, followed by an open
and close parenthesis. After entering this code and pressing Enter, the VBE will
automatically enter End Sub, indicating an end to the subroutine. Press a few
hard returns after the Sub PrintOutput() so that there is space to enter the main
body of code between that beginning and End Sub. The End Sub code should
always be at the end.
3. The next step is to turn off screen updating, which displays the results of the
macro as it is running. Screen updating slows down a macro considerably, so in
most cases it should be turned off. Under the previous code enter:
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
This line of code is a perfect example of object/method interaction. The application is the object, which is affected by the screen updating method. Writing
the object followed by a period and then the method is a typical object-oriented
programming convention.
4. The main part of a print macro is designating the range to be printed, the correct
page set up, and ordering the print. Under the previous code enter:
Sheets("Output").Select
Range("A1:P57").Select

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FIGURE 10.5 The Button function on the Form Toolbar is often used to
control macros.

ActiveSheet.PageSetup.PrintArea = "$A$1:$P$57"
ActiveWindow.SelectedSheets.PrintOut Copies: = 1, Collate: = True
Sheets("Inputs").Select
Range("K2").Select
This section of the code selects the Output sheet, selects the entire Output range
that needs to be printed, designates that range as the print area, and orders the
area to be printed with a few page set up characteristics. Since this macro will be
initiated from the Inputs sheet, the last bit of code instructs a cell on the Inputs
sheet to be selected when the macro is done. This will prevent the screen from
jumping to the Output sheet every time the macro is run.
5. Finally, make sure to activate screen updating before ending the macro by
inserting the following under the previous code:
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
The End Sub that was automatically created should be at the very end.
6. The final step is to create a button on the Inputs page to run this macro quickly.
The easiest method for creating macro buttons is using a Form object. Still on
the Inputs sheet, make the Forms tool bar visible by selecting View, Toolbars,
Forms. This will bring up a series of buttons that looks like Figure 10.5. Click
the Button button labeled in Figure 10.5.
After clicking the Button button, the cursor changes to a crosshair and allows
the user to draw a rectangular button by left-clicking (while holding down the
click) and dragging until the desired size is created. Make such a button near the
G4 area of the Inputs sheet. Immediately upon finishing the click a dialog box
will appear that instructs the user to assign a macro. Select the PrintOutputs
macro and click OK. Finally double click on the name of the button (Button 1)
and rename it Print Output Sheet.
Model Builder 10.1 Final Code:
Sub PrintOutput()
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Sheets("Output").Select
Range("A1:P57").Select
ActiveSheet.PageSetup.PrintArea = "$A$1 : $P$57"

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ActiveWindow.SelectedSheets.PrintOut Copies: = 1, Collate: = True
Sheets("Inputs").Select
Range("K2").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub

MODEL BUILDER 10.2: AUTOMATING GOAL SEEK TO
OPTIMIZE ADVANCE RATES
1. Similar to printing, using goal seek can be automated to work by pushing one
button. Goal seek is a bit more complicated to automate because there are a
few inputs that need to be entered. Also, certain steps need to be taken to
ensure that the goal seek can find an acceptable solution each time. Go to
the Project Explorer in VBE and insert another module. Rename the module
Solver Routines.
2. Start a new subroutine named SolveAdvance. This macro optimizes the senior
debt advance rate. It is identical to the goal seek procedure done earlier, where
the final senior debt balance is iterated to zero by changing the advance rate.
3. For macros that take a few seconds to run, a useful line of code to insert is one
that provides progress information in the Status Bar. The Status Bar in Excel is
on the bottom left and typically reads Ready as shown in Figure 10.6.
The Status Bar can be changed when a macro is running to provide useful
information to the model operator. After this line of code and until the Status
Bar is changed in the code, the Status Bar will read "Optimize Advance Rate
. . .". To do this, enter the following code under the subroutine name:
Application.StatusBar = "Optimize Advance Rate . . . "
Similar to changing screen updating, the object is the entire application and the
method is the StatusBar. Here the message is a constant that is customized. On
the line after this, enter the code to turn off screen updating.
4. The next step is to create string constants (constants are objects that are assigned
values that do not change throughout the code) that are assigned range names
from the Excel sheet. This step does not actually assign a numerical value or
reference to the constants, it is assigning the literal text. The purpose of this

FIGURE 10.6 The Status Bar displays the status of the workbook.

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becomes clear when the range names on the Excel sheet are changed. By using
constants that are assigned the range name once in the beginning, any changes to
the Excel sheet range names only have to be update once in the code. Otherwise
any time the Excel sheet range is directly referenced in the code it would have to
be changed, which is tedious and prone to errors. Under the previous code enter
the following:
Const DebtBal As String = "FinalLoanBal"
Const AdvRate1 As String = "LiabAdvRate1"
The first line declares DebtBal as a constant. The variable type is a string, which
means that any value assigned to DebtBal will be treated as text. Now anytime
DebtBal is used in the code it actually has a value of "FinalLoanBal".
5. The next lines of code declare all of the variables:
Dim UnpaidLoan As Range
Dim AdvanceRate As Range
Variables are declared or dimensioned using the Dim command. A name is
created for the variable, followed by the type of variable. In this case, two range
variables are declared. It is important to declare variables, otherwise the variable
will be declared as a memory intensive variant, which any type of data can be
passed through.
6. For any goal seek, it is important to set a realistic starting point for the cell
that will be changing during each iteration. Occasionally goal seek is able to
find a solution if the changing cell begins with an illogical value. In the case of
optimizing the advance rate, the cell that is changing is the advance rate. Since
100 percent is the maximum that the advance rate can be, it makes sense to
optimize down from that value each time. To make sure that the advance rate
is always 100 percent at the beginning of each optimization, enter the following
code after the declared variables:
Range(AdvRate1) = 1
Range(AdvRate1) is an object from the Excel sheet. Remember that AdvRate1
is a constant that is the equivalent to ‘‘LiabAdvRate1’’. The VBE reads
Range(AdvRate1) as Range(‘‘LiabAdvRate1’’), which is how Excel ranges are
referenced in VBA. Recall that LiabAdvRate1 is the named range for the advance
rate in Project Model Builder.
Values can be assigned to Excel ranges in this way by stating the range name,
an equal sign, and then the value to be assigned. Similarly, a variable can be
assigned an Excel value by doing the opposite. See Figure 10.7.
7. Prior to setting up the actual goal seek, code can be used to check to see if
an optimal solution already exists, which would save calculation time. If the
transaction can be run with a 100 percent advance rate, then that is the optimal
solution. Since 100 percent has already been entered in the prior step, all that
needs to be done is a check to see if the final senior debt balance is paid. Values

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FIGURE 10.7 Assigning values is an important part of coding for financial applications.
can be checked using an If statement, much like on the Excel sheet. After the
previous line of code enter the following:
If Range(DebtBal) > 0.01 Then
The If-Then construct in VBA works very similar to Excel. First the If statement
is declared, followed by the test, and then a Then statement. The major difference
is that an End If must be inserted at the end of the code that takes place when the
statement is true. (See Model Builder 10.2 Final Code at the end of the exercise
for placement.)
8. The next step is assigning values to the ranges that were declared earlier. These
ranges will be used for the required range inputs for the goal seek. Below the
previous line of code enter:
Set UnpaidLoan = Range(DebtBal)
Set AdvanceRate = Range(AdvRate1)
Using the methodology just touched upon in step six, this code assigns values to
the VBA ranges from Excel sheet ranges.
9. The actual goal seek command is a single line of code in VBA. Below the
previous line of code enter:
UnpaidLoan.GoalSeek Goal: = 0.01, ChangingCell: = AdvanceRate
The object UnpaidLoan, which was earlier referenced and valued as the Excel
range FinalLoanBal, is the goal range. The goal is set to .01 since the purpose of
the exercise is to find the advance rate that completely pays off the loan. Zero
is not used because occasionally goal seek will have trouble iterating to such a
solution. Finally, the last part of the code designates the changing cell, which in
this case is the advance rate.
10. Some final lines of code are necessary to set the Excel environment back to
normal. After the previous code enter the following:
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.StatusBar = False
Calculate
Application.Calculation = xlCalculationAutomatic
End Sub
The screen updating should be turned back on, the Status Bar should be set to
false (this will set it back to Ready), a calculate should be performed to update

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all of the calculations in the model, and finally the model should be set to
automatic calculation in case it was turned to manual during the goal seek. Also
create a button near D4 on the Excel Inputs sheet named Optimize Advance
Rate and assign the macro.
Model Builder 10.2 Final Code:
Sub SolveAdvance()
Application.StatusBar = "Optimize Advance Rate . . . "
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Const DebtBal As String = "FinalLoanBal"
Const AdvRate1 As String = "LiabAdvRate1"
Dim UnpaidLoan As Range
Dim AdvanceRate As Range
Range(AdvRate1) = 1
If Range(DebtBal) > 0.01 Then
Set UnpaidLoan = Range(DebtBal)
Set AdvanceRate = Range(AdvRate1)
UnpaidLoan.GoalSeek Goal: = 0.01, ChangingCell: = AdvanceRate
End If
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.StatusBar = False
Calculate
Application.Calculation = xlCalculationAutomatic
End Sub

UNDERSTANDING LOOPING TO AUTOMATE THE ANALYTICS SHEET
Looping is one of the most robust processes that VBA allows. A loop allows code
to be repeated for multiple iterations, while giving the option for unique changes
during each iteration. Such functionality allows for sensitivity scenarios, loan level
amortization, and ultimately stochastic modeling. In the following Model Builder
example, a simple goal seek loop is created to perform analytics on the assets and
each tranche of debt.

MODEL BUILDER 10.3: AUTOMATING GOAL SEEK TO PERFORM
TRANSACTION ANALYTICS
1. Remember that on the Analytics sheet the yield was dependent on making the
present value of the cash flows equal to the current values of the different assets

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and liabilities. This was done using a goal seek on row 6 of the Analytics sheet
(labeled PV Diff). Instead of having to do this by hand for both the assets and
liabilities, a macro can be set up that completes all three automatically. The
first step is to create a new subroutine in the Solver Routines module called
SolveYield.
2. Since this subroutine is essentially a goal seek very similar to the one in Model
Builder 10.2, these instructions are condensed. The main point of this exercise
is to demonstrate how a basic loop command can be very useful. The beginning
of the macro should be familiar and start as follows:
Sub SolveYield()
Application.StatusBar = "Solving Analytics . . . "
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Const YieldChange As String = "rngYieldChange"
Const Target As String = "rngYieldTarget"
Dim YieldRange As Range
Dim TargetRange As Range
3. The first unique part of the code is an additional variable that needs to be
declared to assist in looping. This is a declaration of the loop counting variable.
Insert this code directly below where the previous code left off:
Dim i as Integer
i=1
The variable i is used in the loop construct to track the number of iterations. To
ensure that the variable is cleared to its starting value, i is assigned a value of 1.
4. The next step is to activate the Analytics sheet since it contains information
necessary to the macro:
Worksheets("Analytics").Select
5. The core of this macro is the next few lines of code that create a loop. The most
common method to create a loop is using For–Next statements. This construct
works by opening with the parameters of the loop using the For statement
and looping through each parameter with the Next statement. For instance, by
writing the code For i = 1 to 10, the parameters of the loop have been set so
there can be 10 possible loops. The code below the For statement will continue
to run until the variable i equals 10. Since a programmer only wants certain
code below the For to be run during each loop, there needs to be a method for
moving on to the next iteration. In the above example the code that moves back
to the beginning of the For statement is Next i. This instructs the program to
jump back to the beginning of the For statement, but with the next value for the
variable (2 in this case).
The example in Project Model Builder is made slightly more complicated
because the number of loops depends on the number of cash flows where the
present value needs to be optimized. In the current model, there is a set of cash

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flows for the assets and two tranches of debt, so three loops are necessary.
However, if there was an additional tranche of debt, then four loops would
be necessary; two more tranches of debt and five loops would be necessary,
and so on.
This can be overcome by using the range that was created for the PV
differences. Recall that the range rngYieldTarget was defined earlier as E6:G6
on the Analytics sheet. This range should always encompass all streams of cash
flow that are to be analyzed. If an additional tranche of debt were in column
H, then this range should be extended to column H. Since the range will always
contain a number of cells equal to the number of cash flow streams to be
optimized, a count method can be integrated into the For statement. Enter the
following below the previous line of code:
For i = 1 To Range(Target).Cells.Count
The code begins like a standard For statement with For i = 1 To, but, instead of
providing a numerical value, the reference Range(Target).Cells.Count is used.
The range ‘‘rngYieldTarget’’ is being referenced here using the Target variable.
Cells is referring to the individual cells within the range and the Count method
counts those cells. Since there are three cells in the range, the For statement is
effectively For i = 1 to 3.
6. The next few lines of code are mostly familiar, with a few new concepts. Enter
this code below the previous line:
Set TargetRange = Range(Target).Cells(1, i)
Set YieldRange = Range(YieldChange).Cells(1, i)
TargetRange.GoalSeek Goal: = 0, ChangingCell: = YieldRange
Next i
Notice the addition of the Cells property that comes after Range(Target) and
Range(YieldChange). Earlier Cells was used to count the number of cells; but
it can also be used to reference individual cells within a range. By entering
an open parenthesis right after the Cells property, VBA is instructed to look
for a reference within the cells of the respective range. VBA follows an RC
(rows, columns) convention, so a (1, 1) would be the first row and first
column. In the above code the reference is (1, i), which means row 1 and
column i. The variable i will take on a numerical variable depending on
the loop iteration. This numerical value will also correspond to the column
order in the ranges. Specifically during the first loop i will equal 1, making
the reference (1, 1). For each range the first row and first column will be
referenced. During the next iteration i will equal 2 starting at the beginning
of the For statement, making the reference (1, 2), which will refer to the
first row and second column. The entire process will carry on until i is equal
to the parameter set in the For statement, which is three (the total range
count). This is the crux of how looping works in ranges. Finally, add a
button labeled Calculate Analytics near D7 on the Inputs sheet and assign the
macro.

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Model Builder 10.3 Final Code:
Sub SolveYield()
Application.StatusBar = "Solving Analytics . . . "
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Const YieldChange As String = "rngYieldChange"
Const Target As String = "rngYieldTarget"
Dim YieldRange As Range
Dim TargetRange As Range
Dim i As Integer
i=1
Worksheets("Analytics").Select
For i = 1 To Range(Target).Cells.Count
Set TargetRange = Range(Target).Cells(1, i)
Set YieldRange = Range(YieldChange).Cells(1, i)
TargetRange.GoalSeek Goal: = 0, ChangingCell: = YieldRange
Next i
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.StatusBar = False
Calculate
Application.Calculation = xlCalculationAutomatic
End Sub

AUTOMATED SCENARIO GENERATION
A model operator often needs to run multiple scenarios by changing a number of
variables for each run. The manual process would be to change each variable on the
Inputs sheet by hand and then save or print out the Output Report for each run.
This process can become very inconvenient and repetitive. A VBA solution is ideal
for such a problem.
Creating a modelwide scenario generator demonstrates intermediate methods
and techniques in VBA that can be transferred to other projects. Reading arrays,
looping through arrays, and writing out the outputs are practices that allow a model
builder tremendous flexibility. Also, additional concepts such as automating the
creation and naming of new workbooks saves a model operator from repetitive
time-consuming tasks.

MODEL BUILDER 10.4: CREATING A TRANSACTION
SCENARIO GENERATOR
1. The first steps take place on the Inputs sheet of the Excel workbook. In cell
B35 on the Inputs sheet, type the label Scenario Generator and label cell B36

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Scenario. Cells C36 through E36 are the labels for assumptions that are to be
varied. This is up to the user, but in this example enter the following:
C36: Gross Loss
D36: Loss Timing
E36: Recovery
For now enter scenario number labels starting from 1 for B37:B42. The assumptions to vary can be copied from the Model Builder 10.4 file on the CD-ROM
or made up at the user’s discretion. It is recommended to copy the data from the
CD-ROM so that the screenshots and examples can be tied to the user’s model
under construction. Also, a few ranges need to be named:
C37:C41: rng ScenGen1
D37:D41: rng ScenGen2
E37:E41: rng ScenGen3
The new area should look like Figure 10.8.
2. Next launch the VBE and create a new module named Scenarios. In that module,
start a new subroutine called Scenario Generator().
3. The first part of the code is declaring constants and variables. Enter the following
below the subroutine name:
Const MaxScens = 5
Dim i As Integer, k As Integer
Dim Scen1Array(1 To MaxScens), Scen2Array(1 To MaxScens), Scen3Array
(1 To MaxScens)
Dim Scen1Option As String, Scen2Option As String, Scen3Option As String
In this exercise, a constant is set up for the maximum number of scenarios,
counting variables i and k are created, and array and string variables are
declared. Arrays are a new concept for this section. An array is a range of
data that can be multidimensional (containing both columns, rows, or multiple
combinations). Arrays can be visualized as a range of cells on the worksheet. In
this example the arrays will be one-dimensional with a single column of data.
It is important to understand that an array can be visualized as a range of
cells in VBA, but it does not entirely act like one. To get data into an array in
VBA it must be read in through looping; copying and pasting will not work.

FIGURE 10.8 The Scenario Generator is controlled on the Inputs sheet, but
run using VBA.

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Similar loops must be created to get parts of an array out of VBA and onto an
Excel sheet, unless the entire array is to be written to the sheet.
4. As in the previous macros, assign string values to certain variables so the code
does not have to be changed too drastically if the sheet names change. In this
case there are three sheet references that will be varied per scenario. Insert the
follow code after the variable declarations (also notice that screen updating is
turned off here):
Scen1Option = "pdrCumLoss1"
Scen2Option = "pdrLossTime1"
Scen3Option = "pdrRecovRate1"
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
5. The first loop that needs to be set up reads in the possible values for each
scenario and stores those values in VBA arrays. This is done by creating a loop
for each possible scenario (5 in this case) and storing a value in a specific, ordinal
section of an array. Below the previous code enter the following:
For i = 1 To MaxScens
Scen1Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen1").Cells(i, 1)
Scen2Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen2").Cells(i, 1)
Scen3Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen3").Cells(i, 1)
Next i
In this code, the array Scen1Array(i) will store the value in the first cell of the
sheet range rng ScenGen1. The macro understands to do this because the first
loop changes the variable i to a value of 1, which means that Scen1Array(1)
will be equal to the 1 row, 1 column in rng ScenGen1 (through the use of the
Cells method). Each array will be filled until the maximum number of scenarios
is reached (5 in the example model).
6. This section of code is another loop. This time each iteration of the loop will
complete all of the tasks to calculate and export the scenario. The first part of
this code is transferring the values from the arrays to the sheet for each iteration.
Enter the following after the previous code:
For k = 1 To MaxScens
Range(Scen1Option) = Scen1Array(k)
Range(Scen2Option) = Scen2Array(k)
Range(Scen3Option) = Scen3Array(k)
Calculate
For each k loop, the respective array value is written back to the Excel sheet in
the range determined by the string variables. The command Calculate is included
to make sure that all of the formulas in the Excel sheet calculate since changes
will have occurred due to changing the three ranges.
7. After the workbook is calculated, the user may want to optimize the advance
rate. If this is the case insert the following code:

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Call SolveAdvance
The Call command runs the subroutine that follows it.
8. After each scenario is calculated and the debt optimized, the results should be
recorded and stored. The Output sheet contains all of the results that are wanted
and is in a constant form. This makes it easy to copy and paste. First the Output
sheet needs to be copied at the end of each k loop iteration:
Sheets("Output").Select
Range("A1:P38").Copy
This code selects the Output sheet and copies the data ranges. Note that the
graphs are not copied since they would retain the original links and not have
scenario specific results.
9. The copied data should be stored in a separate worksheet. To do this, a new
worksheet needs to be inserted, the data pasted, and formatted correctly. Below
the previous code enter the following:
Sheets.Add
Range("A1").Select
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste: = xlValues
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste: = xlFormats
This code adds a sheet to the workbook, selects cell A1, pastes the values of the
copied range, and then pastes the formats of the copied range.
10. To save time the sheet should be automatically assigned a name and placed in a
consistent place in the workbook. To accomplish this enter the following below
the previous code:
ActiveSheet.Name = Format("Scen Output" & k)
ActiveSheet.Move After: = Sheets(6 + k)
Both the Name method and the Move method affect the ActiveSheet. The Name
method changes the worksheet name to begin with Scen Output, followed by
whatever number scenario the loop is iterating through. The Move method
moves the sheet after a designated number of sheets. In this case the first k loop
will move the sheet at the end of the seventh workbook sheet (6 + k on the first
loop is seven).
11. Change the Status Bar so that the user knows the progression of the macro based
on the loop iteration. Since this is the last line of code for the iteration, end the
For Loop with a Next command. Enter the following below the previous code:
Application.StatusBar = "Running Scenario: " & Str(k) & " of " & Str(MaxScens)
Next k
12. A few lines of code are needed to clean up the macro. Below the last code enter
the following:
Sheets("Inputs").Select

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171

Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.StatusBar = False
End Sub
Instead of the macro ending on a scenario output and the user having to select
the Input sheet again, the first line of the previous code automatically selects
the Input sheet. Screen updating is turned back on and the Status Bar is reset.
Finally, create a button on the Inputs sheet near cell G7 and assign this macro
to run when it is pushed. The button should be labeled appropriately, such as
Generate Scenarios.
13. An additional subroutine that saves time is one that deletes old scenario sheets.
This can be added at the user’s discretion; but it can be incredibly useful if deleting
old scenarios is becoming a repetitive task. It also shows model builders how to
identify specific sheets in the workbook automatically and perform operations
on them. First, create a new subroutine and declare a worksheet variable:
Sub DeleteSheets()
Dim VBAwksht As Worksheet
14. Next, a loop should be inserted to delete the old scenarios that are stored in the
workbook. This loop will loop through each sheet, check to see if the sheet is
a scenario output (remember they all start with the same naming convention of
‘‘Scen Output’’), and delete the sheet if it is. Enter the following code below the
code that turns off screen updating:
For Each VBAwksht In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets
If Left(VBAwksht.Name, 11) = "Scen Output" Then
VBAwksht.Delete
End If
Next
The For-Next loop is slightly different since it essentially reads ‘‘For each object
of this type in this object’’. The If statement uses the Left command, which looks
at each worksheet’s name and checks to see if the first 11 characters starting
from the left read Scen Output. If the statement is true then the worksheet is
deleted, otherwise it is skipped and the loop continues until there are no more
worksheets in the workbook. When this macro is actually run there will be a
prompt to delete each individual sheet as a protection against deleting important
data. This macro is contained in the scenarios module in file MB10-4.xls in the
Ch10 folder on the CD-ROM, but no button has been created in the model.
Model Builder 10.4 Final Code:
Sub Scenario Generator()
Const MaxScens = 5
Dim i As Integer, k As Integer
Dim Scen1Array(1 To MaxScens), Scen2Array(1 To MaxScens), Scen3Array
(1 To MaxScens)

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Dim Scen1Option As String, Scen2Option As String, Scen3Option As String
Dim VBAwksht As Worksheet
Scen1Option = "pdrCumLoss1"
Scen2Option = "pdrLossTime1"
Scen3Option = "pdrRecovRate1"
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
For Each VBAwksht In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets
If Left(VBAwksht.Name, 11) = "Scen Output" Then
VBAwksht.Delete
End If
Next
For i = 1 To MaxScens
Scen1Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen1").Cells(i, 1)
Scen2Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen2").Cells(i, 1)
Scen3Array(i) = Range("rng ScenGen3").Cells(i, 1)
Next i
For k = 1 To MaxScens
Range(Scen1Option) = Scen1Array(k)
Range(Scen2Option) = Scen2Array(k)
Range(Scen3Option) = Scen3Array(k)
Calculate
Call SolveAdvance
Sheets("Output").Select
Range("A1:P38").Copy
Sheets.Add
Range("A1").Select
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste: = xlValues
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste: = xlFormats
ActiveSheet.Name = Format("Scen Output" & k)
ActiveSheet.Move After: = Sheets(6 + k)
Application.StatusBar = "Running Scenario: " & Str(k) & " of " &
Str(MaxScens)
Next k
Sheets("Inputs").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.StatusBar = False
End Sub
Optional Macro
Sub DeleteSheets()
Dim VBAwksht As Worksheet
For Each VBAwksht In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets

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173

If Left(VBAwksht.Name, 11) = "Scen Output" Then
VBAwksht.Delete
End If
Next
End Sub

WORKING WITH MACROS IN EXCEL
Now that a number of example macros have been created, it should be stated
outright that macros can do quirky things. Personal experience has witnessed a
handful of times that an error was generated when everything seemed completely
correct. Code was rechecked for the slightest misspelling or typo. Macros were
debugged using the watch window and break commands. Hours spent poring over
each line of code only to realize that after saving the model, shutting it down, and
reopening it, the macro worked perfectly!
Glitches like this are rare; but they can occur. Much of the time an error is due
to a misspelled variable or reference. Other typical errors include a data mismatch
where the variable was declared as a certain type, but the code is directing a different
type of value to be passed through, a value exceeds the constraints of a dimensioned
array, or a looping variable has exceeded the parameters of the loop. Learning how
to use code breaks and the watch window are invaluable for debugging these and all
other errors. Even though the errors can be frustrating and the learning curve high,
the benefit of understanding VBA is well worth it.

CHAPTER

Conclusion

he best financial modelers understand both technical methodologies and business
concepts. One without the other produces an Excel expert or a standard financial
analyst. An experienced financial modeler can deconstruct a business concept and
transfer the idea into an application or programming code that runs accurately,
efficiently, and transparently. The same financial modeler understands how changing
assumptions impact the transaction and the implications such adjustments have on
the performance of the deal.
So far this text has attempted to achieve both technical and conceptual understanding for structured finance. A model has been constructed in a step-by-step
technical manner with business-related theories explained along the way. A section
has been dedicated to understanding the model’s mechanics, outputs, and the ensuing business interpretations. The only part that lacks discussion is the higher level
view—about how professionals in different industries look at the model differently
and garner information relevant to their position.

THE INVESTMENT BANKER’S PERSPECTIVE
As some reader’s may have noticed, this book is written with a slight bias towards
investment banks. Often bankers are the people who construct a transaction model,
which is used by most parties involved in a deal. For this reason, a strong focus is
put on the bank’s perceived risks and protecting against them. Even among banks
this risk differs depending on who ends up owning the assets and how the debt is
funded.
If the bank is retaining the risk by funding the deal on its balance sheet or
through a conduit, then the modeling of the retained debt will be the focus of the
bank’s analysis. For most sensitivity scenarios, the bank is primarily concerned with
a risk rating derived from expected loss and the expectation of loss in general.
However, if the bank is selling the debt into the capital markets, then a greater
focus of the modeling will involve debt yield, duration, weighted average life,
decrement calculations, and other metrics that investors look for when purchasing

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securities. A bank selling a transaction into the capital markets is also concerned with
loss because no bank wants to have its name associated with a failed transaction.
Overall, since bankers deal with all parties in a transaction, they are concerned
with every part of the model. The issuer may change the asset composition or
criteria, which would need to be immediately updated in the model to generate
accurate cash flows. Investors might demand certain protections that change the
waterfall. A surety might be brought in to wrap the transaction, which affects the
liability structure. Or a rating agency might ask for certain scenarios that stress the
asset and liability assumptions. All of these situations can be handled with the model
framework laid out in this book.

THE INVESTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
For the most part, the investor and the bank have aligned interests. Structured
transactions are even designed in such a way to align those interests. An investor
is concerned about loss to exposure, which can be any level of debt from senior
to subordinated. Investors also have timing in mind because many are trying to
purchase assets that fit a specific profile that depends on yield, risk rating, and
duration.
With such concerns, the investor will want to verify loss and prepayment
expectations, interest rate environments, and principal allocation structures. If a
deal begins to melt down, the investor also needs to know how much the deal can
expect to make or lose and how long it will take to get to such a result. The investor
primarily examines the liability side of a model to gather information relevant to
their decision.

THE ISSUER’S PERSPECTIVE
Similar to bankers, issuers have a very complex role in structured transactions.
Issuers are more familiar with the asset side because it is an integral part of their
business. In the early stage of a transaction, the issuer spends a large amount of
time examining which assets to include in the transaction pool. Building the pool
requires constant analysis of the pool characteristics as loans are added or taken
away. Ultimately, the issuer wants to create a pool that will sustain the transaction
over time.
At the same time, the issuer wants to get the best funding rate possible. This
means that certain risk ratings are desired, which can be achieved by varying
amounts of credit enhancement. Beside the asset pool, issuers need to completely
understand the liability waterfall, forms of credit enhancement, and the affects of
varying assumptions. Only then can they know if they are getting the best possible
arrangement.

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Conclusion

THE FINANCIAL GUARANTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
A market participant that is also concerned with structured finance modeling is a
financial guarantor. This could be a monoline insurance company—or a government
entity offering a debt wrap or credit guarantee. Since both of these entities offer
pledges to pay interest and principal, they are both highly concerned about cash
flow and stress scenarios.
A financial guarantor would want to run extreme cases to see if the transaction
withstands a certain risk threshold. It would want to know which scenarios cause
loss and the probability of such scenarios. This requires a thorough understanding
of the assets and their expected performance. Also, importance would be placed
on the guarantor’s place in the waterfall in respect to what is wrapped and where
reimbursements are allocated.

THE BIG PICTURE PERSPECTIVE
No matter what role or interest a person has in a structured finance model, he or she
should never lose sight of what is trying to be analyzed. What might have worked for
one transaction may no longer apply for a new transaction, even though they may at
first appear similar. Every time a transaction needs modeling the person responsible
should determine what needs to be measured and the best method of getting to the
correct result. This could be as simple as copying an old model and changing a few
assumptions or as complex as building a new one entirely from scratch.
Experienced modelers slowly build a set of models from which they can take
pieces to quickly construct new and unique models. The basic model created in
Project Model Builder, for example, can easily be adapted to a project finance model
by changing how the cash flows are generated. Imagine that a toll road was being
financed through senior and subordinate debt. The only difference then would be to
change the asset side of the model so cash flows are produced off of traffic estimates
and specialized consultant data.
Also, the example model created in this text is somewhat rudimentary. More
powerful models have the ability to generate cash from multiple representative
lines or unlimited loans. Asset-specific models go into details that are pertinent
to industries such as mortgages, autos, leases, and so on. All of these advanced
additions require industry-specific knowledge and analytical standards knowledge.
As modeling experience grows, the challenge is to prevent tunnel vision based on
past successes. New asset and esoteric classes that are developing in the structured
finance industry require modelers to be open to new techniques and different
approaches. The measure of this book’s success is its ability to teach a person a
technical skill while simultaneously developing business understanding. The ultimate
objective is to ascertain those skills and take the next step to develop new and more
powerful models.

APPENDIX

Using This Book with Excel 2007
The upcoming release of Microsoft Excel 2007 has a number of improvements that
make financial models more powerful and capable of handling larger amounts of
data. The most obvious changes are graphical, namely a noticeable update to the
toolbar command system, which allows faster access to controls for formatting
and manipulating spreadsheet data. There is also a vast expansion of the maximum
number of rows and columns. Figure A.1 shows the new look of Excel 2007’s default
workbook window. A very important new feature is Excel’s improved use of memory.
Formula calculation methodologies have also been made more efficient. Both speed
up total workbook calculation time. While it may take a few years before companies
switch over to Excel 2007, small businesses and tech-savvy individuals will want to
run Excel 2007 now—and they will need to know how it affects this book.

FIGURE A.1 Microsoft Excel 2007’s default workbook window.

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Overall, the difference between Excel 2007 and earlier versions will have no
impact on the functionality of the Project Model. However, a few of the step-by-step
instructions will need to be performed differently due to the new tabbed Ribbon
system that Excel 2007 uses. Instead of the menu bar selections commonly found
on Microsoft Office 2000, 2002, and 2003 applications—File, Tools, Format, and
the like—Excel 2007 uses a Ribbon and various tabs that reorganize and access
commonly used controls. Accessing those operations is more graphical and iconbased rather than menu driven. This affects the creation of data validation lists,
pasting formats, inserting names, adding worksheets, using Goal Seek, and opening
the Visual Basic Editor (VBE). Instead of using the menu commands to access these
operations, the Ribbon system is used by clicking on the appropriate button. (The
keyboard shortcuts still remain and can be used to quickly use many of those
operations.) Using operations and tools relevant to this book in Excel 2007 have
been detailed in this appendix.
The other obvious change is the virtual elimination of row and column constraints, which changes one important concept in this book. Early in the book, it is
stated that for Excel 2003 and prior versions there are row and column constraints
that dictate the vertical or horizontal time progression of the model. Given that
Excel 2007 offers 16,000 columns and over 1 million rows per sheet, the decision to
have time progress vertically or horizontally is irrelevant. However, most structured
models are formatted with period progression going vertically; to maintain convention and the ease of use for other structured modelers—this method should be
used. There are other areas in financial modeling where the elimination of the row
and column constraints are particularly useful, such as working with loan level data
tapes. But keep in mind that you are still constrained by the computer’s memory and
Excel’s allocation of that memory. That said, Excel 2007 has relatively little impact
on this book because the real value lies in the theory, and the formula and functions
that translate that theory into a model. Aside from a handful of functions that have
undergone some extremely minor alterations, all of the functions are the same. This
means that using the functions in the formulas as the book instructs will produce a
consistent result regardless of the Excel version being used.

GUIDE TO OPERATIONS AND FUNCTIONS IN EXCEL 2007
RELEVANT TO THIS BOOK
Data Validation
Data validation is used throughout this book in order to create drop-down lists in
cells. The list values are stored on the Hidden sheet, named as ranges, and are used
on the inputs sheet through the data validation tool. To use this tool in Excel 2007:
1. Make the cell that requires the data validation list the active cell.
2. Click the Data tab and then click Data Validation in the Data Tools group. See
Figure A.2.

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181

FIGURE A.2 Location of Data Validation on the Data tab.
3. On the Settings tab and under Validation criteria, click List in the Allow
drop-down list.
4. Enter the named range of the list data in the Source box.
5. Click OK.

Cell Formatting
Most formatting in Excel 2007 is found on the Home tab shown in Figure A.3.
From there the format can be set using options in the Font, Alignment, Number,
and Styles boxes. In particular Excel 2007 has a number of new features that make
cell formatting easier to use and more robust.
Still, one of the most useful features is the Format Painter, now located in Excel
2007 in the Clipboard group on the Home tab. This feature works by clicking on a
cell with a desired format, clicking the Format Painter button, and then clicking on a
different cell where the format should be applied. For cells that are not contiguous,
double-clicking the Format Painter keeps it selected.
There are preset cell styles that makes customizing a worksheet faster. These
can be found in the Styles group on the Home tab by clicking the Cell Styles button.
Custom styles can be selected on the Cell Styles palette—and be created here and
saved on this palette for quick access.

FIGURE A.3 Common formatting tools are found on the Home tab.

Conditional Formatting
In Chapter 8, conditional formatting is used for cells with logic tests to make it clear
to the user that the model is either working properly or not. Conditional formatting
is located in the Styles group on the Home tab box shown in Figure A.4.

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USING THIS BOOK WITH EXCEL 2007

FIGURE A.4 Click Conditional
Formatting button to access option
menus.
Excel 2007 has greatly expanded the conditional formatting options, which is
evident when the Conditional Formatting button is clicked. Instead of opening a
dialog box, as was the case in Excel 2003 and earlier, a menu opens that allows you
to select the desired conditional formatting from its corresponding submenu.
To create the conditional formatting used in this model:
1. Click the Conditional Formatting button in the Styles group on the Home tab.
2. Click Highlight Cells Rules to open its menu.
The logic tests in Chapter 8 worked off of either TRUE or FALSE return values.
This requires making the cell formatting conditional on whether its value is
equal to either TRUE or FALSE. The correct option from Highlight Cells Rules
menu is Equal To. . .
3. Click Equal To . . . The Equal to dialog box appears. In the Format cells that
are EQUAL TO: box enter TRUE.
4. In the drop-down list to the right, select the desired conditional formatting formatting that should be applied when the rule is valid. Click Green Fill with Dark Green
Text. This is an excellent option if everything is working properly. Otherwise a
custom format can be selected as the last option in the drop-down list.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 to set the conditional formatting for the FALSE value.
Select Red Fit with Dark Red Text as the cell formatting to indicate errors.
Clicking the Conditional Formatting button also gives you access to such
conditional formatting options as data bars, color scales, and icon sets. These are
particularly useful features in financial modeling to quickly see the differences in
values or trends over time.
To create your own custom conditional formats, click the Conditional Formatting button and select New Rule from the menu. The New Formatting Rule dialog
box opens (shown in Figure A.5). This allows you to select your own options for
creating custom conditional formatting rules.

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183

FIGURE A.5 The New Formatting Rule dialog box allows you
to create custom conditional cell formats.

Naming Ranges
Ranges can still be named quickly in Excel 2007 by clicking Name Box list in the
top left corner of the worksheet.
Excel 2007 now has its powerful naming features on the Formulas tab. Here
you will find the Defined Names group, which contains such controls as the Define
Name and Name Manager buttons (see Figure A.6). Ranges are named using the
Define Name button. Clicking it opens the New Name dialog. Here the range is
named, its parameters defined for either the entire workbook or a specific sheet,
comments can be entered, and the reference selected. For preexisting named ranges,
clicking the Name Manager allows you to access the desired range to make edits.
The Name Manager dialog box also shows the value of the named cell, what the
cell’s reference is, whether it is set to the entire workbook or a specific sheet, and
any comments. New names can also be created from this dialog box.

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USING THIS BOOK WITH EXCEL 2007

FIGURE A.6 The Defined Names group controls on the Formula tab.

Adding Worksheets
Excel 2007 has a very convenient shortcut for adding new worksheets. At the bottom
of the workbook, where the sheet tabs are located, click the Insert Worksheet button
tab, indicated by a worksheet icon with an asterisk shown in Figure A.7. If you don’t
see the Insert Worksheet button, which can happen in multisheet workbooks, click
or scroll to the rightmost worksheet tab.

FIGURE A.7 Click the Insert
Worksheet button to create a new
worksheet.

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Using This Book with Excel 2007

Goal Seek Tool
To use the Goal Seek function in Excel 2007, click the Data tab and then click
the What-If Analysis button in the Data Tools group. Select Goal Seek from the
drop-down list. This opens the Goal Seek dialog box as in previous versions of Excel
(see Figure A.8).

FIGURE A.8 Click the What-If
Analysis button in the Data Tools
group to select Goal Seek.

Add-Ins
The Analysis ToolPak and the Analysis ToolPak—VBA are Excel add-ins that
provide Excel with more functionality such as the EDATE function used in this
book. To access Excel add-ins and activate either or both Analysis ToolPaks, use
the following steps:
1. Click the Microsoft Office button in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
2. On the bottom of the menu, click Excel Options. The Excel Options dialog box
opens (see Figure A.9).
3. Click Add-Ins in the options category list.
The Add-ins pane opens. Note that it is divided into two lists: Active Application
Add-ins and Inactive Application Add-ins.
4. Select the desired add-in from the Inactive Application Add-ins list. In this case,
you would select either Analysis ToolPak or Analysis ToolPak—VBA.
5. Click the Go button.
6. In the Add-Ins dialog box, select the desired options. If you selected Analysis
ToolPak, you can also include the VBA option.
7. Click OK.

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USING THIS BOOK WITH EXCEL 2007

FIGURE A.9 Excel Options dialog box allows you access to Excel Add-Ins and other
Excel application options.

FIGURE A.10 Add-ins dialog box options for Analysis ToolPak.

Visual Basic Editor
The Visual Basic Editor is still accessed by pressing Alt + F11.To have macro and
Visual Basic options available as a tab, you must activate the Developer tab in Excel
Options.

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187

FIGURE A.11 Click in the Show Developer tab in the Ribbon checkbox
select this option and access Visual Basic options in the Excel 2007
window.

1. Click the Microsoft Office button in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
2. On the bottom of the menu, click Excel Options. The Excel Options dialog box
opens
3. Click Popular in the options category list.
4. In the Popular pane, select the Show Developer tab in the Ribbon checkbox (see
Figure A.11).
5. Click OK.
These steps will create the Developer tab in the ribbon and allow for easy access
to code, VBA control, and XML options.

Please note that this appendix was created using a Beta version of Excel
2007. Command processes and graphics may have changed in the final
release version.

About the CD-ROM
INTRODUCTION
This appendix provides you with information on the contents of the CD that
accompanies this book. For the latest and greatest information, please refer to the
ReadMe file located at the root of the CD.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
For best results, use Microsoft Excel 2000 or better that use the appropriate system
requirements for your particular version and type. The following are the minimum
system requirements for Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2007.
MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003
Computer and processor
Memory
Hard disk

Drive
Display
Operating system
MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007
Computer and processor
Memory
Hard disk

Drive
Display
Operating system

233-MHz or faster processor
128 MB RAM
400 MB of available hard-disk space; optional
installation files cache (recommended); requires
an additional 200 MB of available hard-disk
space.
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher-resolution
monitor
Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3
(SP3), Windows XP, or later
500 megahertz (MHz) processor or higher
256 megabyte (MB) RAM or higher
1.5 gigabyte (GB); a portion of this disk space
will be freed after installation if the original
download package is removed from the hard
drive.
CD-ROM or DVD drive
1024 × 768 or higher resolution monitor

Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack (SP)

2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, or later
operating system

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MODELING STRUCTURED FINANCE CASH FLOWS WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL

USING THE CD WITH WINDOWS
To install the items from the CD to your hard drive, follow these steps:
1. Insert the CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
2. The CD-ROM interface will appear. The interface provides a simple point-andclick way to explore the contents of the CD.
If the opening screen of the CD-ROM does not appear automatically, follow
these steps to access the CD:
1. Click the Start button on the left end of the taskbar and then choose Run from
the menu that pops up.
2. In the dialog box that appears, type d:\start.exe. (If your CD-ROM drive is
not drive d, fill in the appropriate letter in place of d.) This brings up the CD
Interface described in the preceding set of steps.

WHAT’S ON THE CD-ROM
The following sections provide a summary of the software and other materials you’ll
find on the CD.

Model Builder Files
Each chapter in the text includes Model Builder sections that instruct the readers
on how to build the model step by step. Included on the CD-ROM are Excel
workbooks organized by chapter named folders that contain the completed Model
Builder exercise. The Model Builder exercises are named and organized according
to the corresponding chapter/subsection. For example, in the text the Model Builder
exercises use a ‘‘Model Builder: Chapter.Subsection’’ convention, while the CDROM
files are entitled MB ‘‘Chapter.Subsection.’’

Additional Files
Within each Model Builder chapter folder in the CD-ROM there may be a folder
entitled, ‘‘Additional Files.’’ These files are supplementary analysis/examples that
are relevant to the chapter.

CUSTOMER CARE
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Index
Absolute prepayment speed
(ABS), 45
Action buttons, 6
Actual/actual day-count system,
11–12
Actual/360 day-count system,
11–12, 14, 17
Actual/365 day-count system,
11, 14, 17
Advanced liability structures
reserve accounts, 117–122
swaps, 113–117
triggers, 107–113
Advance rate, 147, 150
Agency bonds, 11
Amort Factor, 53
Amortization
asset cash flow, 23–27
asset principal check, 129
cash flow, 90
cash flow waterfall and, 90,
102–103, 105
dates and timing, 6, 14
fixed rate inputs, 28
floating rate, 28–29
interest rate swaps, 115
level payment, 89
loss curves, 74–82, 147
monthly yields, 131
prepayment rates, 151
principal allocation and, 150
principal return and, 108
projected prepayments in,
53–55
significance of, 6–7, 14
timing, 136
trigger analysis, 110–111
Analytics, see Performance
analytics
Analytic sheet, looping to, 164

AND function, 110, 123
Annual interest rate, 97
Array formulas, 142–143
Asset(s)
assumptions, generally, 2
cash flow generation, see
Asset cash flow
generation
classes, 1–2, 44
inputs, 4
interactions, 104–105
interest rate curve selection,
54
pool, 54
principal check test, 129
Asset Based Fee, calculation of,
93
Asset cash flow generation
cash flow sheet, 33
defined, 23
input sheets, 27–33
loan level vs. representative
line amortization, 23–27
notional asset amortization
on cash flow sheet,
33–39
Asset-specific data, 6
Auctions, recovery process, 84
Auditor, functions of, 2–3
Automation, using VBA, see
Visual Basic Applications
(VBA)
Automobile Lease Guide
(ALG), 88
Automobile loans/leases, 1, 84

Back-loaded loss curves, 69, 152
Balance calculations, loss curves
and, 74

Balances at maturity tests,
128–129
Balance sheet type model, 14
Bank fees, 91
Bank funding, interest rates,
94–95
Base assumptions,
determination of, 6
Beginning of period (BOP), 33
Bond-equivalent yield (BEY),
133
Bond market, 95
Boolean variables, 111, 158
Buy and hold transactions,
24
Caps, 36–37, 95
Carry cost, 84
Cash flow analysis, 2
Cash flow
analysis, 2
delinquency and, 61
generation of, see Asset cash
flow generation; Cash
flow generation
model, see Cash flow model
projected recoveries, 86–88
structure, 3–5
waterfall, see Cash flow
waterfall
Cash flow generation
influential factors, 4
loss projections and, 73–74
Cash flow model
advanced, 6
assumptions, validation of, 6
basic elements of, 3–5
building process, 5–7
overview of, 1–2
test model, 7

193

194
Cash Flow sheet
cash flow waterfall, 90, 94,
96–99
characteristics of, 6
dates and timing, 14–18
interest rate swap, 115–117
internal tests, 126, 128
loss curves, 148–149
notional asset amortization
on, 33–39
prepayments, 54–55
projected recoveries, 87–88
trigger analysis, 110–111
Cash flow waterfall
asset structure, 105–106
checking calculations,
122–123
color system, 123
conceptual construction
method, 99
fee calculation, 91–95
interest calculation, 95–100
liabilities, 91, 145
liability structure, 105–106
output reports, 138
payment priority, 89–91
performance analytics,
130–133
period progression, 90
principal calculation,
100–105
reserve accounts and, 118,
121–123
trigger analysis, 109–110,
112
Cash Flow snapshot, in output
report, 135, 138, 140
Cash generation, sources of, 2.
See also Asset cash flow
generation; Cash flow
Cash in vs. cash out test,
126–128
CBO/CLO/CDO, 1
CD-ROM guidelines
asset cash flow generation, 26
cash flow waterfall, 94, 99,
105
dates and timing, 12

INDEX
historical delinquency curves,
62
interest rate swaps, 115
losses, 147
output report creation,
136–137
prepayments, 54
recovery process, 84
Cells, naming, 12–13, 18
Charts, in output report, 135,
140
Closing date
dates and timing, 14–15, 19
defined, 10
Commercial mortgages, 1
Comparables studies, 73
Complete prepayment, 43
Conditional formatting,
127–129, 140–141
Conditional prepayment rate
(CPR), 44, 52
Core determinant, 82
Corporate bonds, 11
COUNT formula, 50
Credit
collections, 82
enhancement, 95, 103, 106,
136, 148
memos, 6
rating, significance of, 151
rating agencies, 2
-related events, 43
score, 61
trends, 60–61
Credit card receivables, 1
Cumulative default rate, 108
Cumulative loss curves, 66–69
Cumulative loss percentage, 136
Cumulative Prepayment Rate
(CDR), 44
Curves, see Prepayment curves
Data
accuracy, 6
aggregation, recovery process,
85–86
manipulation, 1, 86
validation, 19–21, 81, 109

Databases, as information
resource, 6
Dates and timing
on cash flow sheet, 14–18
day-count systems, 11–12
EDATE, 14, 16, 21
importance of, 6, 9
inputs sheet, 10, 12–14
time progression, 9–10
Dates method, historical loss
curves, 67
Day count systems, 11–12,
115
DAYS360 function, 11
Deal structure, 6
Debt rate, 95. See also specific
types of debt
Debt tranches, monthly yield
calculation, 133
Default
cash flow waterfall and, 105
classification of, 83–84
defined, 60
influential factors, 6–7,
100
mortgage, 23–24, 26
new, 102
prepayments, 55
rate, loss curves, 80
timing, loss curves, 75–76
trigger analysis, 110, 150
Definitive pools, 23–24
Delinquency
analysis, importance of,
60–61
vs. defaults vs. loss, 59–60
defined, 59
historical curves, 61–64
severity of, 61
trigger analysis, 108, 110
Design phase, see Planning and
design phase
Divide-and-conquer algorithm,
132
#DIV/0 errors, 49, 55, 62
Documentation, 6
Duration, modified, 133–134
Dynamic portfolios, 65–66

195

Index
EDATE, 14, 16, 21
Eligibility criteria, 26–27
Emerging market remittances, 1
Ending balance, loss curves, 82
Ending date, 11
End of period (EOP), 33
Equipment leases, 1
Equity payments, 4, 95
Errors
array formulas, 143
#DIV/0, 49, 55, 62
internal tests, 127, 129
output reports, 135, 143
recoveries, 152
European day-count system, 11
European systems, 11
Excess spread
cash flow waterfall, 102–103,
106
loss analysis, 61, 69
negative, 108
prepayments and, 48
significance of, 146
trigger analysis, 109
Expected loss, 72–73
Fabozzi, Frank J., 60
FALSE statement, 110, 138
Fees
as liabilities, 89, 91
loss curves and, 148
reserve accounts, 118
types of, 4
Financial guaranties, 146–147,
149
First payment date
dates and timing, 16
defined, 10
Fitch, as information resource, 2
Fixed-for-floating interest rate
swap, 114
Fixed interest rate, 95–96
Fixed rate mortgage, 47
Floating rate
assets, 27–28
functions, 36
liabilities and, 113–114
mortgage, 47

system, 39, 95, 153
Foreclosure, 43, 60
Formatting, conditional, see
Conditional formatting
Front-loaded loss, 69, 76, 152
Future cash flow, projection of,
23
Global inputs, 4
Global trigger, 112
Goal Seek tool, 132–133,
141–142, 149–150, 158,
161–164
Gregorian calendar, 11
Gross cumulation defaults, 108,
110
Gross cumulative loss, 136
Gross loss, 64, 83–84
Growth adjustment, 66
Guaranteed investment
contracts (GICs), 149
Guaranties, see Financial
guaranties
Hedging instruments, 95
Hidden Sheet
cash flow sheet, dates and
timing, 16
input sheets, see Input sheets
trigger analysis, 109
High-growth portfolio, 66
Historical data, 6, 44, 46, 64
Historical default rate, 108
Historical delinquency curves,
62–64
Historical loss curves
analysis, 59, 69–70, 74
comparison of origination
pools, 64–65
derivation of, 64–67
Model Builder, 67–73
severity of loss, 69, 72, 74,
77–78
static analysis, 64, 73
time progression, 67
vintage, 69–73
Historical recovery analysis,
85–86

Horizontal progression of time,
9, 14
IF-AND combination, cash flow
waterfall, 104
IF statement
array formulas, 142
asset cash flow generation, 39
cash flow waterfall, 102,
104–105
dates and timing, 16–17
loss curves, 72–73, 81
prepayments, 49, 55
trigger analysis, 112
Indentures, 6
Inflow of cash, 23
Information gathering, cash
flow model construction,
6
Infrastructure, 2
Input Sheets
asset assumptions, 31
cash flow model, 3–4
cash flow waterfall, 91–92,
96–97, 101
dates and timing, 10, 12–14
internal tests, 129–130
prepayments, 54
Inputs
determination of, 6
trigger analysis, 109–111
significance of, 7
Institutional investors, 48
Interest, see Interest rate
calculation, 23
cost, 84
as liability, 89
monthly yields and, 131
Interest rate
asset cash flow generation,
38–39
cash flow waterfall, 94–100
delinquency and, 61
floating, 34
influential factors, 151
reserve accounts and, 122
swap, see Interest rate swap
vectors, 4, 29

196
Interest rate swap
characteristics of, 113–114,
153
incorporating, 114–117
Internal testing
asset principal tests, 129
balances at maturity tests,
128–129
cash in vs. cash out test,
126–128
importance of, 140, 153
Investment banks, 95, 175
Investment decision, influential
factors, 135
Legal proceedings, types of, 83
Legal structure, 3
Liabilities
amortization, 7
assumptions, 2
cost, 48
individual, 90–91
inputs, 4
interactions, 104–105
payment priority, 89–91, 107
principal and interest, 6
rates, 149
recovery process, 87
structures, 4. See also
Advanced liability
structures
types of, 89, 91, 145
LIBOR (London Interbank
Offered Rate), 29, 31, 34,
36, 94–95, 114–115
Lifetime cap/floor, 28, 32
Liquidation
historical loss curves, 65–66
recovery process, 84, 86
Liquidity
delinquency and, 60, 63–64
level asset generation, 24, 26
Loss
defined, 60
historical, 6
influential factors, 146
severity, 71–72, 83
timing, 136

INDEX
Loss % Taken, 72
Loss curves, see Historical loss
curves
characteristics of, 4
historical, 64–68
integrated historical and
projected, 73–82
prepayment rates, 151
projecting, 67–68, 70–71
timing, 69–70
timing sheet, loss curves,
76–82
Loss to be Dist., 72
Margin, 94, 97, 148
Market value decline (MVD),
88
MATCH function, 35, 38,
40–41
Maturity
final, 9
historical loss curves, 70–71
internal tests, 128–129
liability interactions and, 106
loss curves, 75–76
MAX formula
asset cash flow generation, 37
prepayments, 55
reserve accounts, 121
Methodology, accuracy of, 6
Microsoft Excel
functions, see specific
functions
macros, 173
row constraints, 5, 9–10
MIN formula
asset cash flow generation, 37
cash flow waterfall, 93, 103
interest rate swap, 116
loss curves, 81
output reports, 136
prepayments, 55
trigger analysis, 112–113
Minimum reserve, 118, 121
Model Builders. See also
CD-ROM guidelines
asset cash flow generation,
27, 29–39

automating Goal Seek,
161–167
cash flow waterfall, 91–105
dates and timing, 12–18
delinquency analysis, 61–64
historical loss curves, 67–68
internal tests, 126–130
output report, 136–140
performance analytics, 134
prepayment, R8-T6, 151
print procedures, 158–161
projected prepayment,
integration into asset
amortization, 53–55
transaction scenario generator
creation, 167–173
trigger incorporation,
108–113
MOD function, 41
asset cash flow generation,
37, 41
OFFSET function, 10, 35–36,
39–40
PMT function, 41
Monte Carlo simulation, 2
Monthly default rate (MDR),
74
Monthly yield, 130–133
Moody’s, as information
resource, 2
Mortgage loans
defaults, 23–24, 26
default timeline, 60–61
interest rates and, 47
obligor, responsibilities of,
43
payoff, 24, 26
types of, 1
Mortgage-backed securities,
4–5, 11
Moving cash, 4
Municipal bonds, 11
National Association of
Securities Dealers (NASD),
11
Natural resources, 2
Net loss, 83

197

Index
New loans, loss curves and,
75–76
90-day delinquency, 60
Nonperforming loan (NPL)
groups, 88
Notional amortization, 39, 82
OFFSET function
asset cash flow generation,
35, 39–40
dates and timing, 10
historical delinquency curves,
62–63
historical loss curves, 71–72
output reports, 140
prepayments, 50–51, 57
projected recoveries, 87
OFFSET-MATCH combination
asset cash flow generation, 38
cash flow waterfall, 97
loss curves, 78–79
prepayments, 54–55
OR function, 111–112, 123
Origination
‘‘base,’’ 71
date, significance of, 67–68
period, 59, 64, 67
Output reporting
components of, 135
creation of, 136–140
Outputs, cash flow model, 3, 5
Overcollateralization, 146–147,
149
Parsing risk, 95, 100
Partial prepayment, 43
Payment(s)
frequency (PMTFreq),
10–11, 13–14, 16
prepayment, see Prepayments
priority, 107–108
Performance analytics
bond-equivalent yield (BEY),
133
duration, 133–134
monthly yield, 130–133
Period, defined, 14
Periodic rate cap/floor, 28

Periods-out method, 67
Planning and design phase, cash
flow model construction, 5
PMT function, 38–39, 41
Prepay Analysis sheet, 52
Prepayment curves
building, 46–52
in project model builder,
47–48
Prepayments
absolute speed (ABS), 45
analysis, 4, 6, 49
assumptions, 23
calculation of, 44
cash flow waterfall and, 105
CPR (conditional prepayment
rate), 44
curves, see Prepayment curves
historical, data formats, 46
projected, integration in asset
amortization, 53–55
PSA (Public Securities
Association), 44–45
rates, 151
single monthly mortality
(SMM), 44–46
structured transactions, effect
on, 48–49
tracking process, 43–45
voluntary, 102, 131
Preplanned events, 9
Present value (PV), monthly
yield calculation, 131, 133
Prime rate, 94
Principal
allocation methods, 150–151
cash flow waterfall, 100–105
and interest, 23
as liability, 89
return, timing of, 107–108
Principal Due calculation,
reserve accounts, 122
PRINT, VBA, 158–161
Pro rata principal payment,
100–103, 150
Project Explorer, VBA, 157
Project Model Builder
asset cash flow generation, 27

cash flow waterfall, 92, 96, 98
dates and timing, 12
default, 61
interest rate swap, 114
internal tests, 128
loss curves, 76, 147–148, 152
prepayments, 46–48, 52, 151
recoveries, 87–88
reserve accounts, 118–122
senior subordinated debt, 100
swaps, 153
testing, 153
trigger analysis, 111–112
Projected loss curves, 67–68,
70–73
Properties Window, VBA, 157
Prospectus, 2
Proxy information, 6
Public Securities Association
(PSA)
loss curves, 71, 79
prepayments, 44–45, 54
Qualitative triggers, 108
Quantity of data, significance
of, 73
Ranges, naming, 13, 19, 21, 31
Rate, see Interest rate
recovery, 6, 83, 86–87,
152–153
reset frequency, 28
step-ups, 9
Rating agencies
fees, 89, 91
functions of, 52, 59, 95
Receivables, 65–66
Recoveries
assumptions, 84
cash flow waterfall and, 105
characteristics of, 23, 83–85,
89
monthly yields and, 131
projection, in cash flow
model, 86
timeline of, 83–84
Recovery lag, 83, 85–86, 152

198
Recovery rate, 6, 83, 86–87,
152–153
Refinancing, 24, 26, 43
Reimbursement, reserve
accounts, 4, 118, 120–121
Reporting results
array formulas, 142–143
conditional formatting,
127–129, 140–141
internal testing, 125–129
output reporting, 135–140
performance analytics,
130–133
Repossession, 83–84
Representative line analysis, 24
Reserve accounts, 6, 69,
117–122, 146
Residential mortgages, 1
Residual value, 88
Risk management, 95
Risk mitigation, 95, 100
Rolling average triggers, 108
ROUND function, internal
tests, 129
Scenario Assumption, in output
report, 135
Seasoned assets, prepayments,
55
Seasoning
asset cash flow generation,
31
output reports, 136
loss curves, 75–76
Senior debt, 91–93, 96,
98–102, 109, 112, 121,
128, 147, 149–150
Senior interest and principal, 4
Senior investors, advanced
liability structures, 107
Senior principal, cash flow
waterfall, 104
Senior subordinated structure,
92
Senior tranches, 104, 136
Sequential principal payment,
100–101, 104–105, 150
Serial numbers, 11

INDEX
Servicer fees, 89, 91, 148
Severity, loss curves, 64, 69, 72,
74, 76
Simulations, 6
Single monthly mortality
(SMM), prepayments,
44–46, 49, 51–52, 54–55,
151
Slope analysis, 73
Small business loans, 1
Standard & Poor’s
as information resource, 2
on static loss data, 65–66
Standard default assumption
(SDA)
loss curves, 74, 76, 79–81
trigger analysis, 110
Start date, 11
Static loss
analysis, 64, 67, 71, 73
report, 59
Static pool data, 65–66
Stressor, for prepayments, 54
Stress scenarios, 106, 151
Structured finance model
financial guarantors
perspective, 177
investment bank perspective,
175
investor perspective, 176
issuer perspective, 176
loss, effects of, 146–150
loss timing, 152
overview of, 145–147, 177
principal allocation
methodologies and,
150–151
recoveries, 152
swaps, 153
testing, 153
top-down approach, 145
transaction cash, 145–146
Subordinate debt, 95, 100,
104–105, 128, 147, 150
Subordinated interest and
principal, 4, 104
Subordinated tranche, trigger
analysis, 111

SUM function
historical loss curves, 71
prepayments, 50, 56–57
recovery process, 85
SUMIF function, recovery
process, 85
Summary sheet, 51–52
SUMPRODUCT function
historical loss curves, 73
prepayments, 51, 56–57
SUMPRODUCT-SUM function
historical delinquency curves,
62
output reports, 138
prepayments, 49–50, 56–57
Surety, 2
Swaps, see Interest rate swaps
characteristics of, 95,
113–117, 153
expenses, 117
rate, 94
‘‘Take the lesser of what is
available and what is
needed’’ rule, 98
Taxation, 4
Templates, 6
Term sheets, 6, 89
Testing
cash flow model, 7
importance of, 6
internal, see Internal tests
30/360-day-count system, 11,
17
Timeshares, 1
Timing, see Dates and timing
Curve, 152
historical loss curves, 69–70
loss curves, 76–82
scenarios, 152
significance of, 6
time progression, 9–10
Toolbox
dates and timing, 18–21
MATCH function, 40–41
MOD function, 41
OFFSET function, 39–40
PMT function, 41

199

Index
weighted average using
SUMPRODUCT and
SUM, 5–57
Total returns, 48
Tranches, 89, 100. See also
specific types of tranches
Transaction fees, 4, 6
Trending, historical loss curves,
70–71
Trigger(s)
defined, 4
breach of, 108, 110, 150
historical loss curves, 69
liability structures, 107–113
tracking, output reports, 138
types of, 6, 150–151
TRUE value, 110, 138
Trust(s)
documents, 6
fees, 89, 91
Underwriting, 65
U.S. Treasury bills, 11
Unpaid interest, 99
User-generated curve, loss
curves, 81

cash flow waterfall, 96–97
interest rate swap, 115–116
loss curves, 78–79
prepayments, 54
Vertical progression of time, 9,
14
Vintage analysis, 46, 49
Vintage loss curves, 69–73
Visual Basic Applications (VBA)
characteristics of, generally,
27, 133
Code, 155, 157–158
Editor (VBE), 156–157
Goal Seek tool, 158, 161–164
looping to Analytic sheet, 164
print, 158–161
scenario generation, 167
transaction analytics,
164–167
transaction scenario
generation, 167–173
Visual Basic Editor (VBE),
156–157
VLOOKUP, 35
Volatility, impact of, 73,
117

Vectors sheet
asset cash flow generation,
29–34, 37

WA SMM curve, 50–52
Waterfall, defined, 89. See also
Cash flow waterfall

Weighted average
coupon deterioration (WAC
deterioration), 151
curve, see Weighted average
curve
fixed rate, 113
formula, historical
delinquency curves,
62–63
life (WAL), 107, 137–138,
152
rate, 24
terms, 24
Weighted average curve
historical loss curves,
69–73
prepayments, 46–47,
50–51
‘‘What You Have and What
You Need,’’ 90–91,
93–94, 103, 119, 121
Withdrawals, reserve accounts,
119–120
Worst-case scenarios,
109
YEAR function, recovery
process, 85
Zero-balance periods, 62

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