Fitch Ratings assigned its 'AA-' long-term issuer default rating to Fountain Valley, Calif.-based Memorial Health Services.
Concurrently, Fitch affirmed its "AA-/ F1+" rating on MHS' outstanding debt, affecting $429 million of debt. The short-term rating is based on the health system's self-liquidity.
The long-term rating affirmation and assignment is a result of MHS' strong financial profile, reflected by its favorable leverage metrics and sufficient cash flow generation. Fitch also acknowledged the health system's highly competitive market and weaker profitability as a result of the competitive market.
The outlook is stable.