Here are eight hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to recent reports from Moody's Investors Service.
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 has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S., has many strengths, including strong liquidity, a large diversified portfolio of hospitals and centralized governance and operating model, according to Moody's.
2. Cincinnati Children's Hospital has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has a dominant market share in a broad service area and a national and international reputation in clinical services and research, according to Moody's.
3. New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has a preeminent reputation for cancer research and clinical care, and its sizeable base of total cash and investments provide a cushion for operations and leverage, according to Moody's.
4. Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Children's Hospital has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has strong cashflow margins, solid revenue growth and is the leading provider of pediatric clinical, research and education services in the Columbus and central Ohio regional, according to Moody's.
5. Renton, Wash.-based Providence St. Joseph Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a large revenue base, a leading market share in most of its markets and an integrated care delivery model, according to Moody's.
6. 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.
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.
8. Aurora, Colo.-based University of Colorado Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a large revenue base and very strong operating performance and liquidity, according to Moody's.
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