Money Talk

Down

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, Nashua, NH
Rating: A-
Outlook: Stable
Affected debt: $89 million
Agency: Standard & Poor’s
Remarks: Lowered outlook from positive due to additional balance sheet pressure and lower than expected fiscal year 2006 operating results. However, hospital exhibits growing volumes and market share.

Down

Hamot Health Foundation, Erie, PA
Rating: A-
Outlook: Stable
Affected debt: $77 million
Agency: Standard & Poor’s
Remarks: Dramatic growth in debt in recent years despite solid and growing market share gains against its major competitor.

Down

Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA
Rating: A3
Outlook: Stable
Affected debt: $19.2 million
Agency: Moody’s Investors Service
Remarks: Rating downgrade from A2 based on limited growth in patient utilization, declining operations and cash flow levels over the long term.

Down

San Juan Regional Medical Center, Farmington, NM
Rating: A3
Outlook: Negative
Affected debt: $68.8 million
Agency: Moody’s Investors Service
Remarks: Material increase in leverage and weakening fiscal year performance.

—Philip Betbeze