Moody's Investors Service has affirmed the "A1" rating on Pomona, N.J.-based AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's bonds, affecting approximately $105.3 million issued by the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority. The analysis reflects AtlanticCare Health System, Inc. and Affiliates, of which ARMC represents 86 percent of total system revenues.
The rating affirmation was supported by a number of factors, including ACHS's leading market position in its service area, improved operating performance in fiscal year 2014 and continued growth of its strong balance sheet position.
The rating may be pressured by ACHS's growing pension liability, location in an area with sustained unemployment leading to a higher level of Medicaid as a proportion of gross revenue and competition outside its service area.
The analysis does not include information from ACHS's May 2014 merger with Pa.-based Geisinger Health System.
The outlook is stable.