Fitch Ratings has affirmed the "A+" rating assigned to Chesterfield, Mo.-based St. Luke's Episcopal-Presbyterian Hospitals' series 2011 and 2006 fixed-rate revenue bonds and withdrew the "A+" rating on St. Luke's series 2013 taxable bonds.
The rating affirmation was supported by a number of factors, including St. Luke's improved profitability. The hospital's operating margin and operating EBITDA margins were 4.3 percent and 10.1 percent in 2014, up from 3.7 percent and 10 percent in 2013.
The rating affirmation was also supported by St. Luke's inpatient and outpatient growth, strong balance sheet and location in an area with above average income levels and a favorable payer mix.
St. Luke's also faces some challenges, which were considered for the rating affirmation, such as its location in a highly competitive market, which is mostly dominated by large regional health systems.