Moody's Investors Service has affirmed the "Aa3" and "Aa3/VMIG 1" ratings assigned to Tupelo-based North Mississippi Health Services' $164 million of outstanding debt.
The affirmation of the "Aa3" rating was based on the system's continued improvement in operating performance in fiscal year 2015, according to Moody's.
NMHS, a nine-hospital system, ended FY 2015 with operating income of $43 million. That number exceeded the health system's operating income in FY 2014 by $20 million and its budget expectations by $8 million.
The system's strong market presence in northeast Mississippi and strong balance sheet also supported the rating affirmation.
The rating outlook is stable, which reflects Moody's expectation that NMHS will continue to generate strong operating performance and maintain a healthy balance sheet while navigating a challenging payer environment.
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