xlsx

1# Requirements for Outputs
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3## All Excel files
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5### Zero Formula Errors
6- Every Excel model MUST be delivered with ZERO formula errors (#REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #N/A, #NAME?)
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8### Preserve Existing Templates (when updating templates)
9- Study and EXACTLY match existing format, style, and conventions when modifying files
10- Never impose standardized formatting on files with established patterns
11- Existing template conventions ALWAYS override these guidelines
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13## Financial models
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15### Color Coding Standards
16Unless otherwise stated by the user or existing template
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18#### Industry-Standard Color Conventions
19- **Blue text (RGB: 0,0,255)**: Hardcoded inputs, and numbers users will change for scenarios
20- **Black text (RGB: 0,0,0)**: ALL formulas and calculations
21- **Green text (RGB: 0,128,0)**: Links pulling from other worksheets within same workbook
22- **Red text (RGB: 255,0,0)**: External links to other files
23- **Yellow background (RGB: 255,255,0)**: Key assumptions needing attention or cells that need to be updated
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25### Number Formatting Standards
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27#### Required Format Rules
28- **Years**: Format as text strings (e.g., "2024" not "2,024")
29- **Currency**: Use $#,##0 format; ALWAYS specify units in headers ("Revenue ($mm)")
30- **Zeros**: Use number formatting to make all zeros "-", including percentages (e.g., "$#,##0;($#,##0);-")
31- **Percentages**: Default to 0.0% format (one decimal)
32- **Multiples**: Format as 0.0x for valuation multiples (EV/EBITDA, P/E)
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