OREANDA-NEWS. S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook to positive from stable and affirmed its 'BB' long-term rating on Maryland Economic Development Corp.'s (MEDCO) series 2015 student housing refunding revenue bonds.

"The outlook revision reflects our view of stronger-than-expected maximum annual debt service coverage at 1.53x for fiscal 2015, projected at 1.6x for fiscal 2016, and 100% project occupancy in fall 2014 and 2015," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Shivani Singh.

While the project has a history of p mismanagement and financial difficulties resulting in prior-year debt service coverage (DSC) covenant violations, due to strong oversight provided by MEDCO, Capstone, and the University System of Maryland (USM), it has been able to materially improve its financial operations and DSC to healthy levels, which we view positively. We view MEDCO's oversight of this project favorably given its historical role of oversight of private housing projects for six other USM campuses. Despite an enrollment decrease for fall 2015, the project was at full occupancy and we expect continued solid occupancy despite any future enrollment pressures at the university.

The series 2015 bonds (with a final maturity of June 1, 2033) fully refunded MEDCO's series 2003 student housing revenue bonds to realize debt service savings with no change in bond structure.