Jon Reichert, an S&P credit analyst, said in a news release the decreased outlook signals the rating agency’s expectation of weakened operating earnings. S&P expects Highmark’s return on revenue to hover around 1.5 percent this year, lower than the 2 percent recorded in 2012.
S&P specifically cited Highmark’s deal to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System as a major financial barrier, saying the financially ailing health system “will continue to be a potential draw on Highmark’s financial resources,” according to the report.
More Articles on West Penn Allegheny Health System and Highmark:
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West Penn-Highmark Transaction Costs to Surpass $1.6B
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