Moody's Investors Service has affirmed Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's "Aa2" and "Aa2/VMIG 1" ratings, affecting approximately $446 million of rated bonds issued through the Fulton County Development Authority and DeKalb Private Hospital Authority.
Here are four things to know about the rating action and the system's outlook.
1. The "Aa2" rating was supported by a number of factors, including CHOA's track-record of exceptionally strong operating margins, equally impressive balance sheet and debt coverage ratios, and role as the distinctly leading provider of high-end pediatric care in the Atlanta area, according to Moody's.
2. The system also faces challenges, such as being dependent on Medicaid and special supplemental payment sources, and therefore is vulnerable to potential federal and state funding cutbacks.
3. The short-term "VMIG 1" rating is based on the presence of bank standby bond purchase agreements to support CHOA's variable rate demand obligation debt.
4. The system's outlook is stable, which reflects Moody's expectation "that CHOA will maintain very strong operating margins and exceptional balance sheet and debt coverage ratios."