Here are five hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions based on recent reports from Standard & Poor's Rating Service, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.
1. Chicago-based Advocate Health Care has an "AA" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a light debt burden, ample liquidity and a solid market position.
2. Medford, Ore.-based Asante Health System has an "A+" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has strong operating performance due to good volume growth and improving balance sheet metrics.
3. St. Cloud, Minn.-based CentraCare Health System has an "A1" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system posts regularly strong margins and has a dominant market position.
4. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The hospital's strong financial performance is supported by its large size and good reputation for clinical services and research.
5. Salina (Kan.) Regional Health Center has an "A1" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has excellent balance sheet metrics, strong financial performance and a good market position.
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