St. Anselm’s bond rating upgraded

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Saint Anselm College’s bond rating from Baa1 to A3 — a “significant improvement,” say college officials.

In the Moody’s report, the credit rater said the upgrade reflected the college’s “consistent healthy operating performance and growth of financial resources to better support debt and operations, and lack of borrowing plans.”

According to the college, the bond report also termed the financial outlook for Saint Anselm as stable, with the college expected to maintain enrollment numbers and market position as well as the ability to handle “limited additional debt in the near term.”

“This upgrade from Moody’s is excellent news for Saint Anselm College and represents a report card that reflects improvement in all areas of the college,” said Fr. Mark Cooper, the college’s vice president for finance and treasurer.

The rating upgrade, affecting over $49 million of outstanding debt issued through the New Hampshire Health and Education Facilities Authority, has been a goal of the Manchester college’s strategic plan. — CINDY KIBBE