Rating Action:
Moody's affirms Kindred's B2 CFR; raises liquidity score to SGL-2; outlook is stable
Global Credit Research - 13 Nov 2017
New York, November 13, 2017 -- Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") affirmed Kindred Healthcare, Inc.'s (Kindred) B2 Corporate Family Rating (CFR) and B2-PD Probability of Default Rating. At the same time, Moody's raised the company's Speculative Grade Liquidity Rating to SGL-2 from SGL-3. The Ba3 rating on the senior secured term loan and the B3 rating on the unsecured notes were also affirmed. The outlook is stable.
"The improvement in Kindred's liquidity rating stems from Moody's outlook for improved free cash flow over the next 12-18 months, higher cash balances and reduced borrowings on its revolving credit facility," said Jessica Gladstone, Senior Vice President at Moody's Investors Service. "Recent actions the company has taken, including the discontinuation of the dividend, restructuring of its captive insurance programs and the exiting of the skilled nursing business have all improved Kindred's liquidity and better positioned the company to manage through the difficult reimbursement environment," added Gladstone.