
13 Aug A CLOSE EYE ON GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
Posted at 04:41h
in Uncategorised
Welcome to this week’s business and media intelligence, with reporting season dominating news headlines as companies disclose the impacts of COVID-19 on their financial performance.
A CLOSE EYE ON GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
- Media has been reporting on companies who have taken advantage of JobKeeper to support their workforce during the COVID crisis, and yet, posted strong results and increased dividends. This presents an interesting communications challenge for companies in how they demonstrate that they are balancing the interests of shareholders with that of other stakeholders including their employees and the government. Read coverage in The Australian and The AFR.
REPORTING SEASON: YOUR COMMENTARY MATTERS MOST
- One of the unusual aspects of this reporting season is that the actual earnings will matter less and be less of a guide to the future, writes SMH senior business columnist Stephen Bartholomeusz. Commentary will be more useful than the numbers, although a key aspect of the reporting will be the balance sheet strength and the liquidity available to cope with and respond to the threats and opportunities the pandemic presents. Read more in The SMH here.
- Cannings Director Amy Piek sums up what investors are looking for this reporting season, after she sat down with Matthew Nicholas from Credit Suisse and Paul Biddle from Celeste Funds, for our On The Couch With Cannings podcast. Read her key observations here.
DON’T BRAG ABOUT COST-CUTTING
- Andrew Bassat, the chief executive of SEEK, is wary of companies that brag about cost cutting, an important reminder to take into consideration the full universe of stakeholders when reporting earnings, rather than focusing simply on investors. Read more insights from companies who have kept jobs during the pandemic in The AFR’s Chanticleer.
- Computershare Chief Executive, Stuart Irving, highlighted the company’s social obligation to employees and the wider community, saying that although “this may have a modest impact on short-term earnings, I guarantee we will get a better return over time for having done the right thing.” Read more in The Australian.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST: HOW A HOSPITAL COMMUNICATES DURING A PANDEMIC
- How does a major, much-loved city hospital communicate with media and other stakeholders during a pandemic? How do you navigate the need to be open, transparent and accessible with the clinical demands of your front line staff? Senior Director Luis M Garcia talks to David Faktor, Director of Public Affairs, Media & Communications at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. Listen to the full podcast here.
BACK TO BUSINESS – BUT WHY AM I NOT FEELING RELIEVED?
- Leaders are currently facing many mixed emotions around the recovery phase, as it presents new challenges for both leaders and teams. Harvard Business Review explores the mixed emotions among leaders who have weathered the crisis well, yet feel no relief. Three interesting themes have emerged. Read about them here.
“NEVER TRUST A MAN WEARING WHITE SHOES”. THINK AGAIN.
- With more of us switching to comfy clothing as we spend more at home, sporty footwear is an obvious choice. Broadsheet rounds up four styles to take to the footpath – or just the lounge room.
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