Here are six hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions based on recent reports from Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
1. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA" rating and stable outlook with S&P. Mayo has an excellent enterprise profile as one of the nation's leading health systems and a diverse group of operating assets.
2. Chicago-based Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The hospital has a leading market position, strong operating profitability and solid liquidity metrics.
3. Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has strong geographic coverage, sound margins and a solid investment position.
4. University of Pennsylvania Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P and an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Philadelphia-based system has strong liquidity and a prominent clinical reputation.
5. Palo Alto, Calif.-based Lucile Packard Children's Hospital has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P and an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has a strong balance sheet and dominant market position.
6. San Diego-based Rady Children's Hospital has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The hospital has a dominant market position and a strong financial profile.
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