Fitch Ratings downgraded Dayton, Ohio-based Premier Health's rating to "A" from "A+." At the same time, Fitch assigned the health system an issuer default rating of "A."
The downgrade and assignment are a result of the health system's weak operating margin in fiscal year 2017 and expectations of compressed margins this fiscal year.
Fitch favorably viewed the health system's strong market share, stable service area and midrange revenue defensibility.
The outlook is stable, reflecting Fitch's expectations that the health system will improve its margins next year.