S&P Global Ratings upgraded Burlington-based University of Vermont Medical Center's long term rating and underlying rating to "A" from "A-." University of Vermont Medical Center is the flagship facility of the University of Vermont Health Network.
"The upgrade reflects incremental growth in [University of Vermont Health Network's] key financial profile metrics, many of which continue to be sustained at a level better than those of similarly rated health systems," said Kenneth Gacka, an S&P credit analyst. "This, combined with the strength of the enterprise profile, highlighted by a dominant business position in Vermont, results in our view that the overall credit profile is consistent with the 'A' rating."
The outlook is stable, reflecting S&P's expectation that UVHN will maintain its strong enterprise profile and favorable financial profile to offset the costs of its upcoming EMR installation and other strategic initiatives.