Here are 11 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions according to recent reports from Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Allina Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and S&P and an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Minneapolis-based system has a leading market position in a competitive service area and favorable balance sheet metrics, according to Moody's.
2. Coral Gables-based Baptist Health South Florida has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The system maintained key balance sheet metrics and generated better-than-projected financial results in fiscal year 2016, according to S&P.
3. Christiana Care Health Services has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Wilmington, Del.-based system has solid liquidity and a history of above average financial performance, according to Moody's.
4. Froedtert Health has an "AA-" rating and positive outlook with S&P. The system has healthy financial metrics, and its market share in a competitive service area is improving, according to S&P. The debt rating agency expects Froedtert's financial profile to remain consistent over the next one to two years.
5. St. Joseph, Mich.-based Lakeland Hospitals has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a strong financial profile and leading market position, according to Fitch.
6. Mercy Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The St. Louis-based system's balance sheet measures and financial performance have improved in the last three years, according to Moody's. The debt rating agency expects Mercy Health's operating margins to continue to improve.
7. Dallas-based Methodist Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has a low debt burden and strong balance sheet measures, according to Moody's.
8. Seattle Children's Healthcare System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has strong balance sheet measures and operating performance, according to Moody's. The debt rating agency expects Seattle Children's Healthcare System's overall profitability to remain strong and its debt coverage measures to improve.
9. Madison-based University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has strong balance sheet resources and established clinical and academic market positions, according to Moody's.
10. Richmond-based Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has solid operating performance and a strong credit profile, according to Moody's. The debt rating agency expects the health system to sustain cash flow margins at close to current levels and maintain its liquidity.
11. WellSpan Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The York, Pa.-based system has a strong and broadening market position and a track record of healthy financial performance, according to Moody's
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