...S&P Global Ratings affirmed its '##+' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) and its '##+/A-1+' dual rating (various issuers and various modes) on all senior revenue bonds issued for Ascension Health Alliance (Ascension), Mo. We also affirmed our '##' long-term rating on Ascension's series 2005A subordinated revenue bonds. The outlook on all applicable ratings is stable. The rating reflects our expectation that Ascension will continue to build on its already excellent enterprise profile as it focuses on its One Ascension journey, a system strategy designed to align certain operations and functions more effectively, while developing clinically integrated systems of care both locally and nationally. Ascension benefits from its considerable size and scale and maintains a national presence with broad geographic coverage across 22 states and Washington, D.C., with ownership of 120 acute care hospitals and a comprehensive and full continuum of care through its ambulatory, post-acute, and...
