Fitch Ratings assigned its "BBB" issuer default rating to Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (Miss.).
Concurrently, Fitch affirmed its "BBB" rating on MHG's outstanding series 2016 revenue bonds.
The assignment and affirmation are a result of several factors, including MHG's leading market position, sizable medical staff, reputation as a safety-net provider and stable operations. Fitch also acknowledged the hospital's challenging service area demographics, reliance on governmental payers and modest operating performance.
The outlook is stable.