Moody's Investors Service affirmed its "Baa3" rating on Pine Bluff, Ark.-based Jefferson Regional Medical Center's bonds, affecting $93 million of debt.
The affirmation is a result of several factors, including the medical center's solid operating performance, strengthened balance sheet metrics and affiliation with Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network, both based in Pittsburgh. Moody's also acknowledged the health system's highly competitive market, unfavorable payer mix and declining patient volume.
The outlook is stable, reflecting Moody's expectation that JRMC will continue generating healthy operating cash flow and maintain its market position to further strengthen its balance sheet.