Moody's Affirms Atlantic Health System's 'A1' Rating, Outlook Stable

Moody's Investors Service has affirmed the "A1" rating for $459 million of bonds issued to Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, a four-hospital system, by the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority.

The affirmation of AHS's rating was based on its ongoing improvement in balance sheet metrics, growth of the organization and financial performance stability. AHS is the market leader in northern New Jersey in its primary service area. Admissions were up 3 percent in 2013, and outpatient visits to the health system's facilities also grew by 15 percent.

The affirmation of AHS' stable outlook reflects the expectation that the system will continue to demonstrate stable operating cash flow margins and maintain liquidity and balance sheet metrics in 2014.

More Articles on Hospital Credit Ratings: