Fitch Ratings assigned an issuer default rating of "AA" to Advocate Aurora Health — the entity formed by the recent merger of Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care and Milwaukee-based Aurora Health.
Concurrently, Fitch assigned its "AA" rating to Advocate Aurora Health's series 2018 bonds, affecting about $1.2 billion of debt.
Fitch also affirmed Advocate Health Care's "AA" revenue bond rating and upgraded Aurora Health Care's revenue bond rating to "AA" from "A+," as a result of the finalized merger.
The assignments and affirmations are based on several factors, including the health system's robust financial profile characterized by sustained profitability, strong margins and liquidity metrics as well as the health system's leading market position and diversified service area across two states.
The outlook is stable.