Fitch Ratings assigns a 'BB+' rating to the following Indiana Health
Facilities Financing Authority revenue bonds issued on behalf of
Methodist Hospitals (Methodist):
-- $14.6 million series 1996 Indiana Health Facilities Financing
Authority revenue bonds;
-- $60.6 million series 2001 Indiana
Health Facilities Financing Authority revenue bonds.
The Rating Outlook is Stable.
RATING RATIONALE:
-- Methodist is one of only 12 disproportionate share designate
hospitals in Indiana, which results in substantial additional Medicaid
revenue.
-- Strong and consistent liquidity measures through 2008
and the interim period have enabled Methodist to subsidize poor
operations while maintaining an adequate cash position.
--
Improving operational performance in the interim 2009 periods and a
demonstrated ability to manage expenses within a more efficient
operating base has led to a more stable credit profile.
-- The
Stable Outlook results from the recent appointment of a permanent
leadership team, which has contributed to improved operational
performance in the six month interim period ended Sept. 30, 2009.
KEY RATING DRIVERS:
-- Successful implementation of the medical staff development plan to
stem the losses of active physicians generating clinical volume, and the
development of a loyal physician base going forward.
-- Achievement
of strategic initiatives that are focused on continued cost controls and
patient revenue growth, while maintaining a consistent level of strong
liquidity.
-- The potential impact to reimbursement at a state
level from changes to the disproportionate share (DSH) program, and
potential impact at a national level as a result of health care reform.
SECURITY:
The series 2001 and series 1996 bonds are secured by the gross revenues
of the obligated group (The Methodist Hospitals).
CREDIT SUMMARY:
Methodist's solid balance sheet has been a key credit strength for some
time, serving as a mitigant that has allowed it to weather various
operational challenges in recent years. Specifically, the challenging
economic indicators in the Gary service area coupled with a consent
decree that mandates parity services offered on both hospital campuses
has limited management's ability and agility to properly respond to the
changing economic realities within the industry and the service area.
With 203 days of cash on hand (DCOH) at the nine month period ending
Sept. 30 2009, Methodist has strengthened the balance sheet from 149.6
DCOH as of fiscal year end 2008. This is due in large part to improved
operations and cash flow generation in the interim period. Methodist
operates two acute care hospitals in Indiana; a 302-bed hospital in Gary
and a 313-bed hospital in Merriville. While Merriville generally has
favorable economic indicators, the Gary market is challenged by higher
self pay and Medicaid populations, a declining growth rate, and a poor
economy. Methodist has been restricted in its operations by a consent
decree, issued in 1979 by the U.S. Office of Civil Rights that requires
Methodist to offer the same scope and scale of services at both hospital
campuses. While Methodist has been able to find some flexibility within
the decree, its restrictive mandates have muted management's ability to
respond in an effective and efficient manner to address the market
pressures extant in its service area and within the industry.