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MIAMI-Miami Children's Hospital, a 268-bed, 50-year-old landmark medical facility, has earned an A-rating on the Miami-Dade County Health Facilities Authority's series 2006 and 2001A bonds. Standard & Poor's posted the high rating because of the hospital's strong financial profile.

"A higher rating can be achieved if the hospital is successful at achieving its strategic objectives, including the current capital projects, while improving coverage and leverage ratios," says S&P credit analyst Stephen Infranco.

He adds, the rating "specifically reflects a strong business position in pediatric healthcare, evidenced by the hospital's leading and growing market share in its primary service area, a long history of steady business volume growth, and its niche as the only specialty hospital for children in South Florida." Pediatric units at Jackson Memorial Hospital and Baptist Hospital are the only competition for Miami Children's Hospital.