Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA+' and 'AA+/A-1+' unenhanced and underlying (SPUR) ratings on approximately $974 million in debt issued on behalf of IHC Health Services, Inc., Utah. IHC Health Services is the hospital and physician component of Intermountain Health Care, Inc. (Intermountain), which is the state's largest integrated delivery system. The rating reflects Intermountain's strong business position in the economically robust state of Utah, consistently strong financial performance, and financial flexibility. Specifically, the long-term rating on IHC Health Services' bonds reflects: A demonstrated ability to maintain operating profitability, with year-over-year improvement since 2001 producing good cash flow and coverage of maximum annual debt service; Continued growth in unrestricted liquidity, producing improving balance sheet measures in recent years;
