LATEST ARTICLES
H2C PERSPECTIVE
H2C Investor Relations Series
Investor Relations During COVID-19: What Healthcare Leaders Should Know
October 22, 2020
About the H2C Investor Relations Series
Establishing trusted relationships with the investor community helps optimize the cost of capital for healthcare organizations. This is the second in a series of articles by Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC (“H2C”) and Hall Render regarding investor relations strategies that healthcare leaders should consider. Read the first article in the series.
Even before COVID-19, regularly communicating a healthcare organization’s objectives, performance, strengths, and challenges—whether financial or operational—was critical to establishing trusted relationships with the investor community. Now, with uncertainty going forward due to COVID-19, proactively communicating with investors should be a top-of-mind strategy for health system leaders.
Given the financial impact of the pandemic on health systems, now is a good time for healthcare leaders to consider: What information does the investor community—investors, lenders, credit support providers, and rating agencies—wish to see from healthcare providers in the current environment? How can healthcare leaders most effectively use investor communications to convey the impact of COVID on their organizations and their plans for recovery?
Communicating with investors in an uncertain economic environment can be a daunting prospect for healthcare leaders. Some fear that oversharing information could result in a decline in credit ratings and more restricted access to capital or that uncertainty around the future impact of COVID-19 could lead them to provide inaccurate forward-looking statements. From the perspective of rating agencies, however, a highly transparent investor relations approach can bolster confidence in a healthcare organization—particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. As Lisa Goldstein, Associate Managing Director, Moody’s Investors Service, shared during a recent panel discussion, rating agencies are especially interested in hearing about the challenges health systems have encountered during the pandemic—such as supply chain—and the ways in which systems are responding and identifying new opportunities for cost savings. As always, rating agencies and credit analysts would rather know that borrowers are aware of challenges and have a plan to address them.
Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC (“H2C”) and Hall Render recently analyzed dozens of COVID-19-related disclosure statements from health systems to understand health systems’ approach to investor relations during the pandemic. These communications range from postings to EMMA and other voluntary disclosure actions as well as information provided via quarterly financial statements. Some organizations provide a great deal of information, as shown in the exhibits that follow, while others have provided less detailed information. Below, we highlight key trends as well as our recommendations.
About Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC ("H2C")
H2C is an independent strategic advisory and investment banking firm with a singular focus on health care. Our commitment to exceed our clients’ expectations begins with senior leadership on every engagement and continues with independent and objective strategic advice. Our belief in the markets and in the power of competition has resulted in loyal clients and long-term relationships.
The experienced professionals at H2C are well positioned to serve as your trusted advisors. We have the expertise to understand the unique complexities of the healthcare industry and an in-depth knowledge of the range of potential alternatives essential to designing and implementing highly successful business and financial strategies. We bring in-depth knowledge and experience across the full continuum of care and across a wide range of healthcare-related businesses.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kelly T. Duong
Hammond Hanlon Camp LLC
858.242.4810
NEW YORK
623 Fifth Avenue
29th Floor
New York, NY 10022
212.257.4500
ATLANTA
3333 Piedmont Road
Suite 725
Atlanta, GA 30305
404.937.1350
CHICAGO
311 South Wacker Drive
Suite 5425
Chicago, IL 60606
312.508.4200
SAN DIEGO
4655 Executive Drive
Suite 280
San Diego, CA 92121
858.242.4800