Comps Analysis — Build comparable-company valuation workbooks in Excel
Comps Analysis — Build comparable-company valuation workbooks in Excel
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Comps Analysis — Build comparable-company valuation workbooks in Excel as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect Skill metadata, Reference: full SKILL.md, Environment, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Comps Analysis — Build comparable-company valuation workbooks in Excel without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Skill
- An instruction bundle that teaches Hermes a repeatable workflow without necessarily adding an external service.
Build comparable-company valuation workbooks in Excel
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01Skill metadata
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Reference: full SKILL.md
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Environment
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04⚠️ CRITICAL: Data Source Priority (READ FIRST)
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Overview
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Core Philosophy
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07⚠️ CRITICAL: Formulas Over Hardcodes + Step-by-Step Verification
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08Section 1: Document Structure & Setup
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Header Block (Rows 1-3)
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10Visual Convention Standards (OPTIONAL - User preferences and uploaded templates always override)
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
Row 1: [ANALYSIS TITLE] - COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS
Row 2: [List of Companies with Tickers] • [Company 1 (TICK1)] • [Company 2 (TICK2)] • [Company 3 (TICK3)]
Row 3: As of [Period] | All figures in [USD Millions/Billions] except per-share amounts and ratios**Golden Rule:** Every ratio should be [Something] / [Revenue] or [Something] / [Something from this sheet]. Keep it simple.
### Statistics Block (After company data)
**CRITICAL: Add statistics formulas for all comparable metrics (ratios, margins, growth rates, multiples).****Columns that NEED statistics (comparable metrics):**
- Revenue Growth %, Gross Margin %, EBITDA Margin %, EPS
- EV/Revenue, EV/EBITDA, P/E, Dividend Yield %, Beta
**Columns that DON'T need statistics (size metrics):**
- Revenue, EBITDA, Net Income (absolute size varies by company scale)
- Market Cap, Enterprise Value (not comparable across different-sized companies)
**Note:** Add one blank row between company data and statistics rows for visual separation. Do NOT add a "SECTOR STATISTICS" or "VALUATION STATISTICS" header row.
**Why quartiles matter:** They show distribution, not just averRead the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.