Here are seven 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. St. Louis-based BJC Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has good margins and a favorable market position, according to Moody's.
2. Hollywood, Fla.-based Memorial Healthcare System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a dominant market position in the southern portion of South Broward County and above average balance sheet liquidity, according to Moody's.
3. Broomfield, Colo.-based SCL Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has strong operating performance and solid balance sheet measures, according to Moody's. The credit rating agency expects the health system's cash flow to continue to grow.
4. Seattle Children's Healthcare System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has consistently strong operating performance, solid liquidity measures, and a favorable reputation within a broad service area, according to Moody's.
5 Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a leading market position in its service area, robust balance sheet metrics and solid margins, according to Moody's.
6. St. Louis-based SSM Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a strong financial profile and a growing health plan, according to Fitch. The credit rating agency expects SSM to continue to grow unrestricted liquidity and sustain improved operating performance.
7. Arlington-based Texas Health Resources has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has solid financial performance, a leading market position, good coverage of moderate debt levels, and a strong cash position, according to Moody's.
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