Fitch Ratings upgraded Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Health System's series 2012G revenue bonds to "AA-" from "A-," affecting $76.6 million of debt.
At the same time, Fitch assigned its "AA-" issuer default rating to BHS.
The upgrade and assignment are a result of several factors, including the health system's dominant market share, favorable payer mix and low leverage metrics. Fitch also acknowledged BHS' demographically weak service area with a declining population.
The outlook is stable.