Moody's Investors Service has assigned an "Aa3" rating to Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services' proposed $223 million of series 2015A fixed rate revenue bonds.
The rating assignment was supported by a number of factors, including PHS' strong balance sheet, distinctly leading market position in New Mexico for hospital and health plan operations, good diversification of cash flows, sound debt service coverage and successful expansion into the city of Rio Rancho, N.M., according to Moody's. PHS' operating revenues grew significantly in 2014, and the system's margins are strong.
The system's challenges include operating in a competitive environment, having somewhat elevated capital spending levels and experiencing continued volume declines at certain facilities.
PHS has a stable outlook, which reflects Moody's belief "that a strong balance sheet, a
leading market position and sizable and diversified revenues will continue to provide good stability, and that net revenues available for debt service will continue to provide good debt coverage."
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