Introduction

to:
Hyperion
Strategic
Finance and
Strategic
Finance
Consulting
SCOOP Session
September 30, 2004

History

Hyperion Strategic Finance, formerly Alcar, was founded in

1979 by two Professors from Northwestern Universitys
Kellogg School of Management, Al Rappaport and Carl
Noble Jr.

Al Rappaport authored Creating Shareholder Value

was instrumental in the advent of value based
management

Strategic Finance was acquired by Hyperion in April of

2003

Hyperion is one of the global leaders in Business

Performance Management Software with 91 of the Fortune
100 largest companies using our software for their
business needs

Hyperion, with 2,600 employees, was named as one of the

Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2004.

and

What is Hyperion Strategic Finance?

Software package similar to Excel that allows users to make
key strategic financial decisions, such as:
Should we divest an underperforming business?
Should we acquire one or more of our competitors?
Should we invest in project A or project B?
Should we buyback shares or issue dividends with the

excess cash we expect to generate?

Consultants at HSF utilize their knowledge of finance to

build financial models for clients that provide insight to
executives on key strategic issues such as those listed
above.

Consulting Projects

Projects last between one and three months (2 months on

average)

Discuss and understand clients specific industry and business

needs

Discuss and understand merger and acquisition analysis, longterm strategic planning, and other financial analysis

Build financial models using HSF software to meet client needs

- Valuation Metrics
- Merger and Acquisition Analysis
- Capital Structure Issues, etc.

HSF Clients
Corporate - Strategic Modeling

Allows running of different alternatives, strategies or

scenarios and view impact on full financials (I/S, B/S, C/F, )
to evaluate important business decisions

Provides Senior Management with a tool to evaluate

profitability and economic value of various business units,
capital projects, and potential targets for acquisition.

Banks - Credit and Risk Management

Allows bankers to evaluate borrowers credit worthiness

utilizing full financials (I/S, B/S, C/F, )

Allows Banks to reduce overall lending risk

Typical HSF Corporate Project - Timing

Overall time frame 1 to 3 months
Design Phase
Work with client to identify needs and conceptualize

solutions

Build Phase
Model building and linking to source systems

Testing Phase
Roll-out Phase
Client Training
On site assistance during critical business moments:
M&A transactions
Divestiture modeling
Strategic Plan Consolidation

Typical HSF Project - Staffing

Hyperion:
Project manager
Consultant

Client:
Owner is usually CFO, VP of Finance or Planning, or

Treasurer

Main contact or client lead is usually Director or

Manager in above areas

Remainder of team will be financial analysts from each

area

Key Benefits of working for HSF

Valuable industry experience

Exposure to all key finance functions of a major company

Senior management client contact

Acquire strong technical and interpersonal skills

Extensive travel opportunities including international

HSF Skill Set

Technical Skills:
Solid accounting and financial statement knowledge,

especially an understanding of how P&L and B/S

interact to generate Cash Flow statement.

In-depth understanding of the Cash Flow statement --

Cash vs. non-cash flows, M&A activity, etc.

Valuation theory and practical application of DCF, EVA,

and Multiple approaches.

Knowledge of M&A accounting is helpful.

Financial modeling and forecasting experience.
Knowledge of Credit analysis and Credit review

process in Financial Institutions.

HSF Skill Set

Soft Skills:
Strong analytical capabilities
Excellent written and oral presentation skills
Ability to work independently and execute projects

with limited supervision

Attention to detail is a must

Ability to conceptualize complex financial topics
Ability to build close relationships with clients to help

drive new business for the company