S&P Global Ratings has assigned an "A+" rating to West Orange, N.J.-based RWJ Barnabas Health's $613 million of series 2016A bonds.
"The rating reflects our assessment of RWJBarnabas Health's geographic and financial diversity of system assets, solid statewide market share, financial metrics that are in line with the higher rating level, benefits of the debt restructuring, commitment to profitable ambulatory expansion within the system and into adjacent service areas, management team with proven turnaround skills and generally favorable service area demographics," said S&P analyst Cynthia Keller.
The outlook is stable, reflecting S&P's expectation that RWJBarnabas Health will achieve sufficient integration savings to offset industry pressure on revenue and expenses.