Investment Grade Credit Rating Chart Index
INVESTMENT GRADE TIER | GRADE | S&P | MOODY’S |
---|---|---|---|
PRIME | AAA | AAA | Aaa |
HIGH GRADE | AA+ | AA+ | Aa1 |
AA | AA | Aa2 | |
AA- | AA- | Aa3 | |
UPPER MEDIUM GRADE | A+ | A+ | A1 |
A | A | A2 | |
A- | A- | A3 | |
LOWER MEDIUM GRADE | BBB+ | BBB+ | Baa1 |
BBB | BBB | Baa2 | |
BBB- | BBB- | Baa3 | |
NON-INVESTMENT GRADE SPECULATIVE | BB+ | BB+ | Ba1 |
BB | BB | Ba2 | |
BB- | BB- | Ba3 | |
B+ | B+ | B1 | |
B | B | B2 | |
B- | B- | B3 | |
SUBSTANTIAL RISKS | CCC+ | CCC+ | Caa1 |
CCC | CCC | Caa2 | |
CCC- | CCC- | Caa3 | |
EXTREMELY SPECULATIVE | CC | CC | Ca |
C | C | C | |
IN DEFAULT | D | D | C |
1. Automotive
Summary:
The automotive category includes a variety of businesses involved in manufacturing, retailing, and servicing vehicles or automotive parts. This sector’s credit ratings typically reflect factors such as consumer spending on vehicle repairs and maintenance, fuel and energy demand, and the broader economic climate. Major integrated oil companies, tire manufacturers, and auto parts retailers often maintain comparatively stronger credit ratings, while smaller or more specialized automotive chains may have more speculative ratings.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Advance Auto Parts | BBB- | Baa2 | Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | Carquest, Western Auto Supply, etc. |
AutoNation | BBB- | Baa3 | AutoNation, Inc. | House of Imports, Luxury Imports |
AutoZone | BBB | Baa1 | AutoZone, Inc. |
Avis / Budget | BB+ | Ba1 | Avis / Budget Group, Inc. | Zipcar, Payless Car Rental, etc. |
Big O Tires | A- | Baa1 | Sumitomo Corp. | Merchant’s Tire & Auto Centers, NTB, Tire Kingdom |
BP / AMOCO | A- | A2 | BP, PLC | Atlantic Richfield Company, Standard Oil |
Bridgestone / Firestone | A | A2 | Bridgestone Corp. |
Chevron | AA- | Aa2 | Chevron Corp. | Texaco, Unocal |
Exxon / Mobil | AA- | Aa2 | Exxon Mobil Corp. | Imperial Oil |
Goodyear | BB- | B2 | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | Dunlop |
Hertz | BB- | B2 | Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. | Thrifty, Dollar, Firefly |
Marathon / Speedway | BBB- | Baa3 | Marathon Petroleum Corp. | Hess |
NAPA Auto Parts | BBB | Baa1 | Genuine Parts Company | GPC Asia Pacific |
O’Reilly Auto Parts | BBB | Baa1 | O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. |
Pep Boys | BB+ | Ba3 | Icahn Enterprises LP |
Phillips 66 | BBB+ | A3 | Phillips 66 |
Shell / Jiffy Lube | A+ | Aa2 | Shell, PLC | Pennzoil, Raizen |
Sinclair Oil | BBB- | Baa3 | HF Sinclair Corp. |
Valero | BBB | Baa2 | Valero Energy Corp. |
Valvoline | BB | Ba2 | Ashland Global Holdings, Inc. |
2. Bank
Summary:
The banking industry spans local and regional institutions to national and multinational financial conglomerates. Credit ratings in this category generally mirror the institution’s asset quality, capital adequacy, and risk management. Well-capitalized and diversified banks typically hold higher investment-grade ratings, while those with limited geographic reach or higher exposure to credit risk may receive lower ratings.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Bank of America | A+ | Aa2 | Bank of America Corp. | Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust |
BB&T Bank / SunTrust Bank (Truist) | A- | A3 | Truist Financial Corp. |
BMO Harris Bank | A+ | A2 | BMO Harris Bank, N.A. |
Capital One | BBB+ | Baa1 | Capital One Financial Corp. | Hibernia National Bank |
Chase Bank | A- | Aa3 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | JP Morgan |
Citibank | BBB+ | A3 | Citi Group Inc. |
Citizens Bank | BBB+ | Baa1 | Citizens Financial Group, Inc. |
Comerica Bank | A- | A3 | Comerica Incorporated |
Fifth Third Bank | BBB+ | Baa1 | Fifth Third Bancorp |
Huntington Bank | A- | A3 | Huntington Bancshares Incorporated |
Key Bank | BBB+ | Baa1 | KeyCorp |
M&T Bank | BBB+ | A3 | M&T Bank Corp. |
PNC Bank | A- | A3 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. |
Regions Bank | BBB+ | Baa1 | Regions Financial Corp. |
TCF Bank | BBB- | Baa3 | TCF Financial Corp. |
TD Bank | AA- | Aa2 | TD Bank, N.A. |
U.S. Bank | A+ | A2 | U.S. Bancorp |
Wells Fargo | BBB+ | A1 | Wells Fargo & Company |
3. Big Box / Junior Box / Large Retail
Summary:
Big box, junior box, and large retail tenants often offer general merchandise, electronics, home goods, sporting goods, or apparel. These retailers’ credit profiles reflect sales trends, competitive pricing, real estate footprint, and online-commerce initiatives. Many have investment-grade ratings due to stable revenue streams and national brand recognition, though some face declining credit metrics if they struggle to adapt to shifting consumer habits.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Barnes & Noble | N/A | N/A | Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. |
Bed Bath & Beyond | B+ | B1 | Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. |
Best Buy | BBB+ | A3 | Best Buy Co., Inc. |
Big Lots | N/A | N/A | Big Lots, Inc. |
BJ’s Wholesale Club | BB | Ba1 | BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. |
Burlington | BB+ | Ba2 | Burlington Stores, Inc. |
Costco | A+ | Aa3 | Costco Wholesale Corp. |
Dick’s Sporting Goods | B | Baa3 | DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. |
Dillard’s | BB- | Baa3 | Dillard’s, Inc. |
DSW | N/A | N/A | DSW Holdings, Inc. |
Dunham’s Sports | BBB | Baa | Dunham’s Sports |
Five Below | N/A | N/A | Five Below, Inc. |
Floor & Decor | BB- | Ba3 | Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. |
Harbor Freight | BB- | Ba3 | Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. |
Home Depot | A | A2 | Home Depot, Inc. |
JCPenney | N/A | N/A | J.C. Penney Company, Inc. |
Joann Fabric & Crafts | B | B2 | Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. |
Kirkland’s | N/A | N/A | Kirkland’s, Inc. |
Kohl’s | BBB- | Baa2 | Kohl’s Corp. |
Lifetime Fitness | B- | Caa1 | Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. |
Lowe’s | BBB+ | Baa1 | Lowe’s Companies, Inc. |
Macy’s | M | Ba1 | Macy’s, Inc. |
Michaels | B | B1 | The Michaels Companies, Inc. |
Nordstrom | BB+ | Ba1 | Nordstrom, Inc. |
Office Depot / OfficeMax | N/A | N/A | The ODP Corp. |
Old Navy / Gap | BB | Ba2 | Gap, Inc. |
Party City | B | B3 | Party City Holdings, Inc. |
Petco | B- | B2 | Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. |
PetSmart | B+ | B1 | PetSmart, Inc. |
Planet Fitness | BBB- | B3 | Planet Fitness, Inc. |
Ross Dress For Less | BBB+ | A2 | Ross Stores, Inc. |
Staples | A | A2 | Staples, Inc. |
The Container Store | B | B1 | The Container Store, Inc. |
TJ Maxx / HomeGoods / Marshalls | BB+ | Ba1 | TJX Companies |
Tractor Supply Co. | BBB | Baa1 | Tractor Supply Company |
Ulta Beauty | N/A | N/A | Ulta Beauty, Inc. |
Walmart / Sam’s Club | AA | Aa2 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. |
4. Convenience Stores
Summary:
Convenience stores typically rely on fuel sales, snacks, quick meals, and other high-turnover products. Their creditworthiness is tied to consumer traffic, location quality, and broader energy market trends if they also sell gasoline. Many convenience chains are privately held, but international or large-scale operators often hold stronger investment-grade ratings.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
7-Eleven | A | Baa2 | Seven & I Holdings Co. LTD |
Casey’s | N/A | N/A | Casey’s General Stores, Inc. |
Circle K | BBB | Baa2 | Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. |
Kum & Go | N/A | N/A | Krause Group |
Love’s Travel Stop | N/A | N/A | Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. |
Sheetz | N/A | N/A | Sheetz, Inc. |
Wawa | N/A | N/A | Wawa, Inc. |
5. Dollar Stores
Summary:
Dollar stores cater to budget-conscious consumers and often thrive in both robust and uncertain economic environments. Credit ratings for these chains are influenced by their ability to manage tight margins, maintain a nationwide footprint, and compete with big-box discounters.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
99 Cents | CCC- | Caa3 | 99 Cents Only Stores, LLC |
Dollar General | BBB | Baa2 | Dollar General Corp. |
Dollar Tree / Family Dollar | BBB | Baa2 | Dollar Tree, Inc. |
6. Drug / Pharmacy
Summary:
Pharmacies remain vital as healthcare hubs for prescription fulfillment, convenience health items, and immunization services. This sector’s creditworthiness is strongly connected to the regulatory landscape, reimbursement rates, and overall healthcare spending. Large national chains often exhibit higher credit ratings due to size and consistent demand.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
CVS | BBB | Baa2 | CVS Health Corp. |
Rite Aid | D | N/A | Rite Aid Corp. | Bartell Drugs, Thrifty PayLess |
Walgreens | BBB- | Ba2 | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. |
7. Grocery
Summary:
Grocery tenants range from regional operators to major nationwide chains. They generally have stable revenues given the constant demand for food and household staples. Credit ratings vary based on scale, geographic diversification, and competitive pressures from discount retailers, online delivery services, and big-box stores.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Albertsons | BB | Ba2 | Albertsons Companies, Inc. | Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, etc. |
Aldi / Trader Joe’s | N/A | N/A | ALDI Nord |
BI-LO / Winn-Dixie | N/A | N/A | Southeastern Grocers, LLC |
Family Fare | N/A | N/A | SpartanNash Co. |
Food Lion | N/A | Baa1 | Delhaize America, LLC |
Giant Eagle | N/A | N/A | Giant Eagle, Inc. |
Giant Food Stores | BBB | Baa1 | Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. |
Hy-Vee | N/A | N/A | Hy-Vee, Inc. |
IGA Supermarkets | N/A | N/A | Metcash |
Kroger | BBB | Baa1 | The Kroger Co. | Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, etc. |
Meijer | N/A | N/A | Meijer, Inc. |
Piggly Wiggly | N/A | N/A | C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. |
Publix | N/A | N/A | Publix Supermarkets, Inc. |
Save-A-Lot | N/A | N/A | SAL Acquisition Corp. |
Whole Foods / Amazon Fresh | AA | A1 | Amazon.com, Inc. |
8. Healthcare
Summary:
Medical tenants span hospital systems, outpatient clinics, dialysis centers, and specialized practices. Their credit profiles depend on operating margins, payer mix (Medicare, Medicaid, private), and patient volumes. Large, diversified healthcare systems often hold higher credit ratings, while smaller or privately owned practices may not be rated or may have lower ratings due to narrower financial resources.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Ascension | AA+ | Aa2 | Ascension Parish, LA. |
Aspen Dental | B | B3 | Aspen Group, Inc. |
Athletico | B | B3 | Athletico Holdings, LLC |
BioLife Plasma | BBB- | Baa3 | Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. |
Concentra / Humana | BBB+ | Baa3 | Humana, Select Medical Holdings |
Corewell Health | A+ | Aa3 | Corewell Health (includes Beaumont Health, Spectrum Health) |
CSL Plasma | A- | A3 | CSL Behring |
DaVita Dialysis | BB | Ba3 | DaVita, Inc. |
EyeCare Partners | N/A | B2 | EyeCare Partners, LLC |
Fresenius | BBB- | Baa3 | Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA |
Grifols | BB | Ba3 | Grifols, S.A. |
Henry Ford Health | A | A2 | Henry Ford Health |
HCA Healthcare | BB+ | Baa3 | HCA, Inc. |
Heartland Dental | N/A | B- | Heartland Dental, LLC |
Mary Washington Healthcare | N/A | A3 | Mary Washington Healthcare |
McLaren Health Care | N/A | A1 | McLaren Health Care Corp. |
Oak Street Health | N/A | N/A | Oak Street Health, Inc. (Pending Acquisition by CVS) |
Piedmont Healthcare | AA- | A1 | Piedmont Healthcare, Inc. |
Sparrow Health | A- | A3 | Sparrow Health System |
Trinity Health | N/A | Aa3 | CommonSpirit Health (e.g., CHI Health, MercyOne) |
U of M Health | AAA | Aa2 | University of Michigan | Michigan Medicine |
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) | N/A | A2 | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center |
9. Restaurants
Summary:
Restaurants rely heavily on consumer discretionary spending and brand loyalty. Credit ratings in this segment often hinge on system-wide sales, franchise structures, and the ability to adapt to menu trends and digital ordering. Well-known chains with globally recognized brands typically boast stronger ratings, while purely franchised or smaller concepts face higher risk.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
Applebee’s / IHOP | N/A | N/A | Dine Brands Global, Inc. |
Arby’s / Buffalo Wild Wings / Sonic / etc. | B+ | B2 | Inspire Brands, Inc. |
Burger King / Tim Horton’s / Popeyes | BB | B1 | Restaurant Brands International, Inc. |
Carrols Restaurant Group (Burger King Franchisee) | B- | N/A | Carrols Restaurant Group |
Chili’s Grill & Bar | BB- | Ba3 | Brinker International, Inc. |
Dairy Queen | AA | Aa2 | International Dairy Queen, Inc. & Berkshire Hathaway |
McDonald’s | BBB+ | Baa1 | McDonald’s Corp. |
Olive Garden / Bahama Breeze / LongHorn | BBB | Baa2 | Darden Restaurants, Inc. |
Outback Steakhouse / Carrabba’s Italian Grill | BB- | Ba3 | Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. |
Starbucks | BBB+ | Baa1 | Starbucks Corp. |
Steak ‘n Shake | CCC- | Ca | Biglari Holdings, Inc. |
Taco Bell / KFC / Pizza Hut | BB+ | Ba2 | Yum! Brands, Inc. |
Wendy’s | B+ | B3 | The Wendy’s Company |
10. Retail
Summary:
“Retail (Other)” covers a broad range of consumer-facing businesses—movie theaters, technology companies with retail footprints, shipping services, and more. Credit quality here varies drastically, from speculative-rated entertainment chains facing shifting consumer tastes to top-rated technology firms benefiting from strong revenue growth and robust balance sheets.
TENANT | S&P | MOODY’S | PARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES |
---|---|---|---|
24 Hour Fitness | CCC- | Caa3 | All Day AcquisitionCo, LLC |
AMC Theaters | CCC+ | Caa2 | AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. |
Apple | AA+ | Aaa | Apple, Inc. |
AT&T | BBB | Baa2 | AT&T, Inc. |
Chuck E. Cheese | B- | B3 | CEC Entertainment, Inc. |
Cinemark | B | B3 | Cinemark Holdings, Inc. |
Cineworld | B- | B1 | Cineworld Group PLC |
FedEx | BBB | Baa2 | FedEx Corp. |
GameStop | B | N/A | GameStop Corp. |
AA+ | Aa2 | Alphabet, Inc. (YouTube, etc.) | |
Guitar Center | B | B3 | Guitar Center, Inc. |
Microsoft | AAA | Aaa | Microsoft Corp. |
Rent-A-Center | BB- | Ba2 | Rent-A-Center, Inc. |
Sally Beauty | BB- | Ba1 | Sally Beauty Holdings |
Sherwin-Williams | BBB | Baa2 | Sherwin-Williams, Co. |
Sprint | BB+ | Ba2 | Sprint Corp. |
The UPS Store | A- | A2 | United Parcel Service, Inc. |
T-Mobile | BBB- | Baa3 | T-Mobile US, Inc. |
Verizon | BBB+ | Baa1 | Verizon Communications, Inc. |
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute investment advice. Credit ratings are subject to change; always refer to the latest reports from S&P, Moody’s, or other reputable agencies for the most current ratings.