Operating losses recalculated as greater than reported.
[See also Addenda of Dec 19 & 20 below]
Perhaps it was predictable, but Standard & Poor’s bond rating service downgraded its rating of Catholic Health Initiatives from A+ to A with a negative outlook based on large and unexpected losses in first quarter FY 2015, and an inability to meet the financial targets needed to deal with last year’s losses. The downgrade effects the $7 Billion of existing CHI debt for which Kentucky’s operations are also on the hook. CHI pointed to challenges in a few of its markets (particularly Kentucky) investments in capabilities, and costs in implementing computerized medical record systems.
CHI’s own “unaudited” financial report declared a $134.7 Million operating loss, but S&P recalculated this to $641 Million. Expenses were up 11% while revenues grew only by 8%. As reported by Modern Healthcare, S&P’s analyst predicted that plans by Catholic Health Initiatives to turn around its operations likely won’t be enough to avoid losses for fiscal 2015 based in part on poor performance last year— “It’s just a big hole to dig out of… They missed on their targets last year. We didn’t feel like there was a strong track record to show they will do well.” Continue reading “Standard & Poor Downgrades Catholic Health Initiatives Bond Rating.”