Fitch Ratings affirmed LifePoint Health Inc.'s ratings, including the BB long-term issuer default rating.

The outlook on the ratings is stable.

Fitch said LifePoint's leverage is one of the lowest in the for-profit hospital industry.

The rating agency said LifePoint's strong balance sheet provides it flexibility to pursue a growth-through-acquisition strategy that may help it pivot away from challenges in the core portfolio.

Fitch believes the company could increase debt to fund larger hospital purchases as it grows in size.