Fitch Ratings assigns a 'BBB+' rating to the following City of
Owensboro, Kentucky health system revenue bonds:
-- $502.3 million series 2010 City of Owensboro, Kentucky health system
revenue bonds (Owensboro Medical Health System).
The bonds are expected to sell via negotiation the week of Jan. 18, 2010
and are expected to be issued as fixed-rate bonds. Bond proceeds will be
used to finance the construction of a 447-bed replacement hospital
opening in 2013, refund existing debt, terminate an existing SWAP, fund
capitalized interest and a debt service reserve fund, and cover the
costs of issuance. The Rating Outlook is Stable.
RATING RATIONALE:
-- The rating reflects the OMHS' substantial debt burden upon issuance
of the series 2010 bonds with several pro-forma capital related and
liquidity measures being weaker than Fitch's 'BBB' medians.
-- A
lower rating is precluded due to OMHS' solid historical operating
profitability and a dominant market share position of 91% in the primary
service area.
-- Designation as a Sole Community Hospital, which
provides enhanced Medicare revenue.
KEY RATING DRIVERS:
-- Successful completion of the replacement hospital project.
--
Continued operating performance through the construction period. Fitch
expects that OMHS will maintain its profitability over the medium term
and maintain its market position through the interim and after
completion of the project.
-- Possible impact from any pending
national healthcare reform and an expectation of a lower reimbursement
environment going forward.
SECURITY:
The bonds are secured by pledged revenues and a mortgage lien.
CREDIT SUMMARY:
The 'BBB+' rating reflects OMHS' substantial pro-forma debt which is
tempered by solid historical operating profitability and a dominant
market share position. The series 2010 issuance will be used to fund a
447-bed replacement facility, to be located approximately 2.5 miles from
the existing site. Anticipated completion of the new hospital is April
2013. Prior to the new debt issue, OMHS has maintained a very strong and
consistent market position. Inpatient market share was 91.1% as of Sept.
1, 2009, and averaged over 90% for the previous three years. OMHS'
liquidity measures compare favorably to Fitch medians, with unrestricted
cash of 267.1 million equating to 298.9 days cash on hand (DCOH) as of
Nov. 30, 2009, against the 'BBB' median of 114 DCOH. In addition, OMHS
has consistently posted solid operating results, as demonstrated by an
average operating margin of 2.6% from fiscal 2005- 2009, and improved
profitability into the six-month interim period ending Nov. 30, 2009
with a strong 7.9% operating margin. Fitch expects that OMHS will
demonstrate strong profitability through the construction period.