Here are seven hospitals and 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. Hospital and health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. St. Louis-based Ascension Health has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has manageable leverage, limited debt structure risk and a large portfolio of sizeable hospitals, according to Moody's.
2. Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong cash flow margins and a favorable business position as the largest nonprofit health system in Texas, according to Moody's.
3. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has strong financial performance and fundraising capabilities, according to Moody's.
4. Greenville (S.C.) Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The system has recorded dramatic improvement in its operations, posting operating income of $18.6 million in fiscal year 2016 and $20.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2017, according to Fitch.
5. Kaiser Permanente has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The Oakland, Calif.-based system has a strong enterprise profile with a favorable integrated business model, according to S&P.
6. Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based Main Line Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a solid market position and additional support from independent foundations, according to Moody's.
7. Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Health Services has an "AA" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The system has a solid financial profile and a modest debt load, according to S&P.
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