Answer the following:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages to a taxpaying entity in issuing bonds as opposed to debt?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages to a taxable bond versus a tax-exempt bond?
3. Why would a healthcare company use a private placement bond issue instead of a public issue? Why would they use a public bond issue instead?
4. What can cause a healthcare provider's credit rating to be downgraded?
5. How can a healthcare provider improve their credit rating?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of fixed and variable debt? Why would a healthcare provider prefer one over the other?