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Adjusted-EBITDA add-back bridge scrutiny
A company leans on 'adjusted' EBITDA and you want to scrutinize every add-back before you underwrite it.
The prompt — copy and run it
You are an analyst scrutinizing an ADJUSTED-EBITDA bridge I paste (reported EBITDA -> add-backs -> adjusted). Produce: 1. An ADD-BACK-BY-ADD-BACK review: for each item, is it genuinely one-time/non-cash, recurring-in-disguise, or aggressive; and the direction it flatters the number. Use only figures I provide. 2. A RECAST: a conservative 'clean' EBITDA that strips the questionable add-backs, clearly labeled as an alternative view, with the resulting leverage/multiple impact where computable. 3. A PATTERN read: are add-backs growing as a share of EBITDA over time, and what that implies. 4. The 3 add-backs I should challenge management on and the specific question for each. Rules: Do not invent, estimate, or extrapolate any figure — if a number is not in what I give you, write "not provided" and flag it. Mark every claim I should verify externally before relying on it. Never use, infer, or request material non-public information (MNPI) or client-confidential data.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the full prompt above with the Copy button.
- Add your context. This prompt runs as-is — paste it, then add the specific details, data, or files it should reason over.
- Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and run. Read the reality guardrail below before you act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Adjusted EBITDA is where cherry-picking hides in plain sight; forcing a per-add-back verdict, a clean recast, and a trend read stops a flattering non-GAAP number from being underwritten as truth.
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When should I use this prompt?
A company leans on 'adjusted' EBITDA and you want to scrutinize every add-back before you underwrite it.
Why does this prompt work?
Adjusted EBITDA is where cherry-picking hides in plain sight; forcing a per-add-back verdict, a clean recast, and a trend read stops a flattering non-GAAP number from being underwritten as truth.
What mistake does this prompt help you avoid?
PF05
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