Here are 11 hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions according to recent reports from Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Hospital and health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Banner Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The Phoenix-based system has strong enterprise profile and good revenue diversity across its hospitals, according to S&P.
2. Carolinas HealthCare System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Charlotte, N.C.-based system has solid operating performance and cash flow diversity, according to Moody's.
3. Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The hospital has strong profitability, solid market position and growing liquidity, according to Fitch.
4. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has a world-renowned clinical reputation and solid liquidity, according to Fitch.
5. Main Line Health has an "AA" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based system has a strong financial profile, excellent liquidity and low debt burden, according to Fitch.
6. Memorial Healthcare System has an "AA" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The Hollywood, Fla.-based system has strong cash flow, high unrestricted reserves and light pro forma debt. S&P expects MHS to maintain its solid enterprise profile and continue to generate strong earnings and cash flow.
7. Traverse City, Mich.-based Munson Healthcare has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The system has solid liquidity, a leading market position and a track record of operating profitability, according to Fitch.
8. Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has a dominant and growing market position, strong cash flow margins and solid revenue growth, according to Moody's.
9. Parkview Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based system has solid financial performance and strong debt service coverage. Moody's expects Parkview's solid operating performance to continue.
10. Stanford (Calif.) Health Care has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has above average revenue growth and a solid market position, according to Moody's.
11. University of Chicago Medical Center has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital's cash flow is growing and its market share is increasing. Moody's expects UCMC to continue to produce improved cash flow margins and maintain its solid liquidity position.
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