Moody's Investors Service upgraded Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health Care's rating to "Baa2" from "Baa3," affecting $100 million of outstanding debt.
The upgrade is a result of several factors, including UMass Memorial's stable operating performance, large size and reputation as an academic medical center and safety net provider. Moody's also acknowledged UMass Memorial's high cost structure, above average Medicaid exposure and very recent installation of a new EHR.
The outlook is stable, reflecting Moody's expectation that UMass Memorial will improve operating margins after the EHR installation and maintain its leverage metrics.