The downgrade is a result of the hospital district’s weak operating margins and thin liquidity, which have delayed vendor lease payments. As a result, S&P is questioning the district’s operating viability.
In addition, there is a potential for the hospital to file for bankruptcy in the next year, according to S&P credit analyst Jennifer Garza.
The outlook is negative, reflecting the potential for a Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing.
The district operates Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, which is licensed for 133 beds.
More articles on healthcare finance:
13 latest hospital credit rating downgrades
14 recent hospital, health system outlook and credit rating actions
Health insurers overtake hospital stocks: 4 things to know