Rating Scale
AAA
Highest credit quality:
AAA
ratings show the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are
assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for
timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is
highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA
Very high credit quality:
AA
ratings indicate a very low expectation of credit risk. They
indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly exposed to
foreseeable events.
A
High credit quality:
A-
ratings indicate a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity
for timely payment of financial commitments is considered
strong. This capacity may be more helpless to handle changing
circumstances or economic conditions t han the higher ratings.
BBB
Good credit quality:
BBB-
ratings indicate that there is currently a low probability
of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in
circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to
weaken this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade
category.
BB
Speculative Grade:
BB-
ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available
to financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this
category are not investment grade.
B
Highly speculative:
B-
ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present,
but a limited margin of safety is still there. Financial commitments
are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment
depends upon sustained and favorable business and economic
environment.
CCC
High default risk:
CCC-
Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
commitments is solely dependent upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments.
CC-
rating indicates the maximum probability of default.
C-
ratings are the signal of arrival of default.
DDD
Default:
The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their
prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization
of the entity or liquidation of the obligor. While expected
recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated
accurately, the following serve as general guidelines.
DDD-
obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around
90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest.
DD-
indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90%,
and
D-
the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.
Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or
all of their obligations. Entities rated 'DDD' have
the highest potential among these default categories for continued
operation with or without a formal reorganization process.
Entities rated 'DD' and 'D' are generally undergoing
a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated
'DD' are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their
outstanding obligations, while entities rated 'D' have
a poor prospect for repaying all obligations.
+ve
Or -ve sign may be attached to a rating to indicate
relative status within major rating categories.
Rating
Watch:
Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that
there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the
likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive",
indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative", for
a potential downgrade. Rating Watch is typically resolved
over a relatively short period.
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