NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings has assigned 'A+/F1+' ratings to The Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board of the County of Knox, TN's $103,700,000 hospital revenue refunding bonds (Covenant Health). The bonds consist of the following:
--$51,850,000 series 2011A;
--$51,850,000 series 2011B.
Fitch has also placed both the long- and short-term ratings on Rating Watch Negative.
The rating is based on the support of two irrevocable direct-pay letters of credit (LOCs) issued by Bank of America, National Association (BANA, rated 'A+/F1+' and on Rating Watch Negative by Fitch).
The bank is obligated to make payments of principal of and interest on the bonds upon maturity, acceleration and redemption, as well as purchase price for tendered bonds. The ratings will expire upon the earliest of: (a) March 24, 2014, the initial stated expiration date of the LOCs, unless such date is extended; (b) conversion to a term interest rate mode; (c) any prior termination of the LOCs; and (d) defeasance of the bonds. The LOCs provide full and sufficient coverage of principal plus an amount equal to 52 days of interest at a maximum rate of 12% based on a year of 365 days and purchase price for tendered bonds, while in the weekly and daily rate modes. The remarketing agent for the bonds is Citigroup Global Markets Inc. The bonds are expected to be delivered on or about March 24, 2011.
The bonds initially bear interest at a weekly rate, but may be converted to a daily or term rate. While bonds bear interest in the weekly rate mode, interest payments are on the first Wednesday of each month, commencing April 6, 2011. The trustee is obligated to make timely draws on the LOC to pay principal, interest, and purchase price. Funds drawn under the LOC are held uninvested, and are free from any lien prior to that of the bondholders.
Holders may tender their bonds on any business day, provided the trustee, who also acts as the tender agent, and the remarketing agent are given the requisite prior notice of the purchase. The bonds are subject to mandatory tender: (1) upon conversion of the interest rate; (2) upon substitution or termination of the LOC; (3) following receipt of written notice from the bank of an event of default under the reimbursement agreement, directing such mandatory tender; and (4) at the direction of the Covenant Health (the Borrower). The bank has the option of directing acceleration rather than a mandatory tender upon an event of default under the reimbursement agreement. The bonds shall be accelerated following the trustee's receipt of notice of non-reinstatement of the interest portion of the LOC. Optional and mandatory redemption provisions also apply to the bonds. There are no provisions for the issuance of additional bonds.
The proceeds from the sale of the Bonds will be used in connection with the refinancing of a portion of the Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board of the County of Knox's Hospital Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2002D.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'U.S. Municipal Structured Finance Rating Criteria' (Aug. 16, 2010);
--'Rating Guidelines for Letter of Credit-Supported Bonds' (April 29, 2009).
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
U.S. Municipal Structured Finance Rating Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=548588
Rating Guidelines for Letter of Credit-Supported Bonds
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=435132
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