Financial Markets and Financing - Financial Markets and Securities Offerings - Rating Agencies

7 important questions on Financial Markets and Financing - Financial Markets and Securities Offerings - Rating Agencies

Which source and key factors are involved in the determination of ratings?

The main source to determine a rating is corporate information.
Key factors are:
  • the ability of the issuer to service its debt with its cash flows,
  • the amount of debt already issued,
  • the type of debt issued,
  • the firm's cash flow stability.  

Which events cause ratings to change?

  • Periodic review of outstanding securities by the rating agencies
  • a new issue of debt,
  • an intended merger involving an exchange of bonds for stock,
  • material changes in the economic circumstances of the firm

What is the effect of a decrease in debt rating?

  • Increase a firm's cost of capital = increasing interest rate the market will demand
  • higher required rates of return,
  • reduce a firm's ability to borrow long-term, because institutional investors are not allowed to purchase lower-graded securities
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What does Standard & Poor's rating A and BBB represent?

Standard & Poor's A and BBB rating:
  • are of 'investment grade' [SU 4!]
  • have strong interest- and principal-paying capabilities - What?
  • are often the lowest-rated securities that institutional investors are permitted to hold

What does Standard & Poor's rating BB and below represent?

Standard & Poor's BB and below rating:
  • is speculative for high-risk bonds,
  • are 'junk' bonds, which are high-yield or low-grade bonds

What does Standard & Poor's rating CCC to D represent?

Standard & Poor's CCC to D rating:
  • are very poor debt ratings
  • the likelihood of default is significant,
  • the debt is already in default (D rating)

Are Moody's ratings fundamental different from Standard & Poor's?

Moody's rates bonds in a similar manner to Standard & Poor's. Its ratings vary from AAA for very high-quality debt to D for very poor debt.

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