Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BBB+' rating on the $9.35 million outstanding bonds issued by the South Dakota Health and Education Facilities Authority for Huron Regional Medical Center Inc. (Huron), S.D. The rating reflects: A strong business position, highlighted by a market share of 69%; Historically solid operating results, which have generated sound debt service coverage; and Strong liquidity that has been reduced during fiscal 2005 by modest capital spending and billing issues due to the conversion to critical access status. Offsetting factors include declining volumes, a modest operating loss in fiscal 2004, a shallow economic base, and a small medical staff. The rating also reflects Huron's recent conversion to critical access, allowing for substantially better reimbursement from
