OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'AA+' rating to the following Maryland Community Development Authority (Maryland CDA or MCDA) bonds:

--\\$47.78 million Maryland CDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2015 series B.

Additionally, Fitch has affirmed approximately \\$211.4 million MCDA housing revenue bonds at 'AA+' (see full list below).

The Rating Outlook on all bonds is Stable.

SECURITY

The resolution pledges all the mortgages in the loan portfolio consisting of multifamily, single family, and group homes as well as the funds pledged under the legal provisions of the resolution.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

PORTFOLIO LARGELY GUARANTEED OR PARTIALLY INSURED: As of March 31, 2014, approximately 93% of the multifamily portfolio is fully or partially guaranteed by the following entities: Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA.

SUFFICIENT ASSET PARITY: On a cash flow basis, the assets under the resolution show a minimum asset parity of 114% although Maryland CDA has the right to withdraw excess assets. However, by practice, Maryland CDA continues to maintain sufficient asset parity in the resolution.

CAPABLE MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT: Maryland CDA has demonstrated strong programmatic oversight capabilities and has had a long successful history of administering multifamily programs.

RESOLUTION CONSIDERATIONS: The rating is constrained to its current level because of the issuer's ability to withdraw excess assets and to include various types of loans other than first lien mortgages.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

REMOVAL OF ASSETS: Removal of assets without corresponding debt reduction, resulting in a decline in asset parity, may present negative rating pressure.

INCREASE IN UNINSURED PORTION OF PORTFOLIO: There could be negative rating pressure if the uninsured portion of the portfolio materially increases.

CREDIT PROFILE

THE 2015 series B bonds are the 53rd series of bonds to be sold under a general bond resolution adopted on Nov. 1, 1996 and are on parity with all bonds issued previously under the resolution. The \\$47.8 million 2015 series B bonds will be used in part to finance two developments: Woodland Springs and Federalsburg Square. Both projects are expected to have credit enhancement under the FHA risk-share program providing a 75/25 split on the risk of the projects.

The portfolio mainly consists of 57 multifamily residential developments which, as of March 31, 2015, had an aggregate outstanding mortgage balance of \\$201.2 million. Additionally, the portfolio consists of single family residences and group homes which account for \\$7.7 million (3.7% of the portfolio) in loans. As of March 31, 2015, 92.6% of the multifamily portfolio was partially or fully guaranteed by a governmental entity such as: Ginnie Mae (37.7%), Fannie Mae (4.7%), Freddie Mac (0.7%), or insured under the FHA risk-share program (49.5%).

Going forward, management expects all new projects will incorporate a 75/25 split under the FHA risk-share program. For the remainder of the portfolio, the Maryland Housing Fund (MHF) insures approximately 4.1% of the multifamily loan portfolio while 0.9% remains uninsured. Additionally, MHF is responsible for paying MCDA's share of the claims under the FHA risk-share program.

In addition to the fact that the portfolio is largely guaranteed or insured, approximately 49% of the multifamily units in the portfolio also benefit from the receipt of rental assistance payments under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, U.S. Department of Agriculture subsidy, or interest-rate subsidies under Section 236 of the National Housing Act. The remaining 51% of the units do not receive rental or interest-rate subsidies.

Credit concerns are related to the bond resolution allowing various types of loans including uninsured and second lien mortgages. These concerns are mitigated by the small portion of uninsured loans within the portfolio, the portfolio's strong asset parity position, management demonstrating strong programmatic oversight, and the consistent financial performance of the portfolio.

Additionally, Fitch has also affirmed the following MCDA bonds at 'AA+':

--\\$4.65 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2005 series A;
--\\$5.97 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2006 series C & D;
--\\$22.82 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2007 series A, B, & C;
--\\$25.76 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2008 series A, B, C, & D;
--\\$6.76 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2009 series A;
--\\$18.29 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2012 series A, B, & D;
--\\$91.4 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2013 series A, B, C, D, E, & F;
--\\$22.36 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2014 series A, B, C, & D;
--\\$13.4 million MCDA Housing Revenue Bonds 2015 series A.