Moody's long-term issue rating

What is it?

The Moody's Long-Term Issue Rating reflects Moody's opinion of the relative credit risk of a specific financial obligation. The rating considers both the likelihood that the obligation will not be paid as promised and the expected financial loss in the event of default. It may also take into account the impact of guarantees, security, or other structural features specific to the obligation.

Rating scale

RatingDescription
AaaHighest-quality credit; the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa1, Aa2, Aa3High-quality credit with very low credit risk.
A1, A2, A3Upper-medium-grade credit with low credit risk.
Baa1, Baa2, Baa3Medium-grade credit with moderate risk and some possible speculative characteristics.
Ba1, Ba2, Ba3Speculative credit with substantial credit risk.
B1, B2, B3Speculative credit with high credit risk.
Caa1, Caa2, Caa3Poor-standing speculative credit with very high credit risk.
CaHighly speculative; default is likely or very near, but some recovery may remain.
CLowest rating category; typically in default, with little expected recovery.
NRNo Moody's rating is assigned.