Slide Makeover #89:
Showing breakeven analysis
Based on Dave Paradi’s ideas at
www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com

Breakeven analysis is a typical
task when considering an
investment in new facilities,
equipment, or marketing efforts.
Executives need to know how long
it will be before their investment
pays off. This is typical …

Breakeven analysis
Feb Mar Apr May June July
Capital 65
OpEx 12 14 14 14 13
Revenue 26 34 42 44 44
Cum Net -65 -51 -31 -3 27 58

While the numbers are accurate, it can
be much more effective when the
analysis is shown visually, like this …

-65
-12
-14
-14
-14
-13
26
34
42
44
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
Feb Exp Feb
Revenue
Mar Exp Mar
Revenue
Apr Exp Apr
Revenue
May Exp May
Revenue
June
Exp
June
Revenue
July Exp July
Revenue
CumulativeNetIncome
Capital
Expense
Operating
Expense
Additional
Revenue
After initial investment in Feb,
achieve breakeven in June
44

This visual is related to the popular
finance visual called a waterfall
graph. The segments show the
level of investment or revenue
during that time period. The
executives can quickly identify
when the cumulative net income
crosses the breakeven line.

This visual is created using a
stacked column graph in
PowerPoint. The segments “float”
by using spacer segments that are
set to be invisible. Using invisible
chart elements is one of the
advanced level techniques that can
allow you to use charts for more
complex data visuals.

Before After
Lessons:
1. Use visuals instead of spreadsheets.
2. Make it easy for the audience to see the key point.
3. Use invisible elements in a graph to position visible elements.
Quick recap:
More makeovers available at www.SlideMakeoverVideos.com

If you would like me to help
your team create presentations
that have a clear message with
focused content and effective
visuals, get in touch:
P: 905-510-4911
E: Dave@ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com
W: www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com