DCF successfully conducted its second run of the Financial Planning and Forecasting seminar for 2022 that was held via Zoom on the 12^th, 19^th, and 26^th of November 2022. The seminar was attended by eighty seven (87) participants.

On the first day, Dr. Arthur Cayanan gave the participants an overview of the financial planning and forecasting process. Participants learned some methods in determining top-level factors such as macroeconomic and industry variables and how to incorporate such variables in forecasting. Using listed Philippine corporations as examples, the various impacts of financial and strategic planning on forecasting was also discussed.

On the second day, participants learned the use of financial statement analysis in drawing forecasting assumptions. Various financial statement analysis techniques such as common-size analysis, trend analysis, and financial ratios were applied to actual financial statements of a listed Philippine corporation. Illustrative examples were also used to discuss additional tools in financial planning and forecasting such as financial statement method and cash budgeting. The session was facilitated by Ma’am Pamela Lloren-Alcantara.

Day three provided an avenue for a comprehensive application of all previously discussed theoretical concepts during the past two sessions. Sir Lester Aratea began with an in-depth discussion of the sales forecast, the most important projection in financial planning. Participants were further equipped with various approaches in developing reasonable assumptions for financial forecasts. The seminar culminated with participants preparing a five-year projected financial model of a listed Philippine corporation.

The following are feedback from some participants about the 3-day seminar:

“So informative and practical. I really commend Sir Art for effectively imparting the concepts in a very relatable way. Awesome day 1! The presenter showed mastery in the industry. I learned so much from this session. Full-packed with helpful insights. I am looking forward for the next session.”

“Ma’am Pam was able to explain the topics well. It’s simple and understandable. Materials are good also. Thank you for the insights! She was very attentive to everyone’s queries. Adding exercises and going through them made it easier to understand the concepts. Very easy to understand for those who do not normally see financial statements. Also, in the groupings, it was a fun exercise to assist participants and help them understand the given assumptions and how to reflect or compute them in the FS. Really a great experience. Thank you Ma’am Pam!“

“Thank you! Informative seminar. Simple discussion for a complex process. Much appreciated! Excellent mastery Sir Lester! Well done! Valuable lessons learned during the sessions, especially for those who are new to financial modelling. The topic was really helpful in my field of work.”