The commercial paper rating scale comprises six categories from A1 to D. The ratings from A2 to B may be
modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.
| Rating | Creditworthiness |
|---|---|
| A1 |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is exceptionally strong, and highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable changes in circumstances. |
| A2 | Capacity for payment of financial commitments is strong, but somewhat less thanA1 |
| A3 |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is adequate, but somewhat vulnerable to adverse economic conditions or changes in circumstances |
| B |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments may be moderate, but has speculative characteristics depending on near-term changes in circumstances |
| C | Capacity for payment of financial commitments is doubtful |
| D | Payment default on financial commitments |
The corporate bond rating scale comprises 10 categories from AAA to D. The ratings from AA to CCC may be
modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.
| Rating | Creditworthiness |
|---|---|
| AAA |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is exceptionally strong, and highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable changes in circumstances |
| AA | Capacity for payment of financial commitments is very strong, but somewhat less than AAA |
| A |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is strong, but somewhat vulnerable to adverse economic conditions or changes in circumstances |
| BBB |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is adequate, but more likely to be impaired by adverse economic conditions or changes in circumstances |
| BB | Capacity for payment of financial commitments may be moderate, but has speculative characteristics |
| B | Capacity for payment of financial commitments is weak and speculative, and its future stability is uncertain |
| CCC |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments is subject to default risk, and as such possesses highly speculative characteristics |
| CC |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments contains high possibility of default, and is more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances than higher ratings |
| C |
Capacity for payment of financial commitments contains extremely high possibility of default, with little chance of recovery |
| D | Payment default on financial commitments |