S&P has assigned an "A+" long-term rating to Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority's series 2015B bonds issued on behalf of Chesterfield, Mo.-based St. Luke's Episcopal-Presbyterian Hospital.
S&P has also affirmed its "A+" ratings on St. Luke's other existing bonds.
"We assessed St. Luke's enterprise profile as strong characterized by overall favorable demographics in a large primary service area, high-quality health metrics and a stable management and governance structure," said S&P credit analyst Jennifer Soule.
St. Luke's also faces several challenges, including its minority market share in a competitive service area that includes two large competing health systems.
The outlook is stable, reflecting S&P's two-year view of St. Luke's solid operations, healthy cash flow and stable position in a demographically favorable primary service area.