Ratings below can have a "plus" or "minus." The U.S. rating was lowered from AAA to AA+.
AAA -- Extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments. Highest Rating.
AA -- Very strong capacity to meet financial commitments.
A -- Strong capacity to meet financial commitments, but somewhat susceptible to adverse economic conditions and changes in circumstances.
BBB -- Adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, but more subject to adverse economic conditions.
BBB- -- Considered lowest investment grade by market participants.
BB+ -- Considered highest speculative grade by market participants.
BB -- Less vulnerable in the near-term but faces major ongoing uncertainties to adverse business, financial and economic conditions.
B -- More vulnerable to adverse business, financial and economic conditions but currently has the capacity to meet financial commitments.
CCC -- Currently vulnerable and dependent on favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet financial commitments.
CC -- Currently highly vulnerable.
C -- Currently highly vulnerable obligations and other defined circumstances.
D -- Payment default on financial commitments.
