Investment Grade Credit Tenant Ratings

9th March 2025 | by the Investment Grade Team

in , , , ,

Investment Grade Credit Rating Chart Index

INVESTMENT GRADE TIERGRADES&PMOODY’S
PRIMEAAAAAAAaa
HIGH GRADEAA+AA+Aa1
AAAAAa2
AA-AA-Aa3
UPPER MEDIUM GRADEA+A+A1
AAA2
A-A-A3
LOWER MEDIUM GRADEBBB+BBB+Baa1
BBBBBBBaa2
BBB-BBB-Baa3
NON-INVESTMENT GRADE SPECULATIVEBB+BB+Ba1
BBBBBa2
BB-BB-Ba3
B+B+B1
BBB2
B-B-B3
SUBSTANTIAL RISKSCCC+CCC+Caa1
CCCCCCCaa2
CCC-CCC-Caa3
EXTREMELY SPECULATIVECCCCCa
CCC
IN DEFAULTDDC


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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Advance Auto PartsBBB-Baa2Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | Carquest, Western Auto Supply, etc.
AutoNationBBB-Baa3AutoNation, Inc. | House of Imports, Luxury Imports
AutoZoneBBBBaa1AutoZone, Inc.
Avis / BudgetBB+Ba1Avis / Budget Group, Inc. | Zipcar, Payless Car Rental, etc.
Big O TiresA-Baa1Sumitomo Corp. | Merchant’s Tire & Auto Centers, NTB, Tire Kingdom
BP / AMOCOA-A2BP, PLC | Atlantic Richfield Company, Standard Oil
Bridgestone / FirestoneAA2Bridgestone Corp.
ChevronAA-Aa2Chevron Corp. | Texaco, Unocal
Exxon / MobilAA-Aa2Exxon Mobil Corp. | Imperial Oil
GoodyearBB-B2Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. | Dunlop
HertzBB-B2Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. | Thrifty, Dollar, Firefly
Marathon / SpeedwayBBB-Baa3Marathon Petroleum Corp. | Hess
NAPA Auto PartsBBBBaa1Genuine Parts Company | GPC Asia Pacific
O’Reilly Auto PartsBBBBaa1O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
Pep BoysBB+Ba3Icahn Enterprises LP
Phillips 66BBB+A3Phillips 66
Shell / Jiffy LubeA+Aa2Shell, PLC | Pennzoil, Raizen
Sinclair OilBBB-Baa3HF Sinclair Corp.
ValeroBBBBaa2Valero Energy Corp.
ValvolineBBBa2Ashland 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Bank of AmericaA+Aa2Bank of America Corp. | Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust
BB&T Bank / SunTrust Bank (Truist)A-A3Truist Financial Corp.
BMO Harris BankA+A2BMO Harris Bank, N.A.
Capital OneBBB+Baa1Capital One Financial Corp. | Hibernia National Bank
Chase BankA-Aa3JPMorgan Chase & Co. | JP Morgan
CitibankBBB+A3Citi Group Inc.
Citizens BankBBB+Baa1Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Comerica BankA-A3Comerica Incorporated
Fifth Third BankBBB+Baa1Fifth Third Bancorp
Huntington BankA-A3Huntington Bancshares Incorporated
Key BankBBB+Baa1KeyCorp
M&T BankBBB+A3M&T Bank Corp.
PNC BankA-A3PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Regions BankBBB+Baa1Regions Financial Corp.
TCF BankBBB-Baa3TCF Financial Corp.
TD BankAA-Aa2TD Bank, N.A.
U.S. BankA+A2U.S. Bancorp
Wells FargoBBB+A1Wells 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Barnes & NobleN/AN/ABarnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Bed Bath & BeyondB+B1Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.
Best BuyBBB+A3Best Buy Co., Inc.
Big LotsN/AN/ABig Lots, Inc.
BJ’s Wholesale ClubBBBa1BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.
BurlingtonBB+Ba2Burlington Stores, Inc.
CostcoA+Aa3Costco Wholesale Corp.
Dick’s Sporting GoodsBBaa3DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Dillard’sBB-Baa3Dillard’s, Inc.
DSWN/AN/ADSW Holdings, Inc.
Dunham’s SportsBBBBaaDunham’s Sports
Five BelowN/AN/AFive Below, Inc.
Floor & DecorBB-Ba3Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.
Harbor FreightBB-Ba3Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.
Home DepotAA2Home Depot, Inc.
JCPenneyN/AN/AJ.C. Penney Company, Inc.
Joann Fabric & CraftsBB2Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
Kirkland’sN/AN/AKirkland’s, Inc.
Kohl’sBBB-Baa2Kohl’s Corp.
Lifetime FitnessB-Caa1Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.
Lowe’sBBB+Baa1Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Macy’sMBa1Macy’s, Inc.
MichaelsBB1The Michaels Companies, Inc.
NordstromBB+Ba1Nordstrom, Inc.
Office Depot / OfficeMaxN/AN/AThe ODP Corp.
Old Navy / GapBBBa2Gap, Inc.
Party CityBB3Party City Holdings, Inc.
PetcoB-B2Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
PetSmartB+B1PetSmart, Inc.
Planet FitnessBBB-B3Planet Fitness, Inc.
Ross Dress For LessBBB+A2Ross Stores, Inc.
StaplesAA2Staples, Inc.
The Container StoreBB1The Container Store, Inc.
TJ Maxx / HomeGoods / MarshallsBB+Ba1TJX Companies
Tractor Supply Co.BBBBaa1Tractor Supply Company
Ulta BeautyN/AN/AUlta Beauty, Inc.
Walmart / Sam’s ClubAAAa2Wal-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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
7-ElevenABaa2Seven & I Holdings Co. LTD
Casey’sN/AN/ACasey’s General Stores, Inc.
Circle KBBBBaa2Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.
Kum & GoN/AN/AKrause Group
Love’s Travel StopN/AN/ALove’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.
SheetzN/AN/ASheetz, Inc.
WawaN/AN/AWawa, 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
99 CentsCCC-Caa399 Cents Only Stores, LLC
Dollar GeneralBBBBaa2Dollar General Corp.
Dollar Tree / Family DollarBBBBaa2Dollar 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
CVSBBBBaa2CVS Health Corp.
Rite AidDN/ARite Aid Corp. | Bartell Drugs, Thrifty PayLess
WalgreensBBB-Ba2Walgreens 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
AlbertsonsBBBa2Albertsons Companies, Inc. | Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, etc.
Aldi / Trader Joe’sN/AN/AALDI Nord
BI-LO / Winn-DixieN/AN/ASoutheastern Grocers, LLC
Family FareN/AN/ASpartanNash Co.
Food LionN/ABaa1Delhaize America, LLC
Giant EagleN/AN/AGiant Eagle, Inc.
Giant Food StoresBBBBaa1Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.
Hy-VeeN/AN/AHy-Vee, Inc.
IGA SupermarketsN/AN/AMetcash
KrogerBBBBaa1The Kroger Co. | Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, etc.
MeijerN/AN/AMeijer, Inc.
Piggly WigglyN/AN/AC&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
PublixN/AN/APublix Supermarkets, Inc.
Save-A-LotN/AN/ASAL Acquisition Corp.
Whole Foods / Amazon FreshAAA1Amazon.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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
AscensionAA+Aa2Ascension Parish, LA.
Aspen DentalBB3Aspen Group, Inc.
AthleticoBB3Athletico Holdings, LLC
BioLife PlasmaBBB-Baa3Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
Concentra / HumanaBBB+Baa3Humana, Select Medical Holdings
Corewell HealthA+Aa3Corewell Health (includes Beaumont Health, Spectrum Health)
CSL PlasmaA-A3CSL Behring
DaVita DialysisBBBa3DaVita, Inc.
EyeCare PartnersN/AB2EyeCare Partners, LLC
FreseniusBBB-Baa3Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
GrifolsBBBa3Grifols, S.A.
Henry Ford HealthAA2Henry Ford Health
HCA HealthcareBB+Baa3HCA, Inc.
Heartland DentalN/AB-Heartland Dental, LLC
Mary Washington HealthcareN/AA3Mary Washington Healthcare
McLaren Health CareN/AA1McLaren Health Care Corp.
Oak Street HealthN/AN/AOak Street Health, Inc. (Pending Acquisition by CVS)
Piedmont HealthcareAA-A1Piedmont Healthcare, Inc.
Sparrow HealthA-A3Sparrow Health System
Trinity HealthN/AAa3CommonSpirit Health (e.g., CHI Health, MercyOne)
U of M HealthAAAAa2University of Michigan | Michigan Medicine
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)N/AA2University 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Applebee’s / IHOPN/AN/ADine Brands Global, Inc.
Arby’s / Buffalo Wild Wings / Sonic / etc.B+B2Inspire Brands, Inc.
Burger King / Tim Horton’s / PopeyesBBB1Restaurant Brands International, Inc.
Carrols Restaurant Group (Burger King Franchisee)B-N/ACarrols Restaurant Group
Chili’s Grill & BarBB-Ba3Brinker International, Inc.
Dairy QueenAAAa2International Dairy Queen, Inc. & Berkshire Hathaway
McDonald’sBBB+Baa1McDonald’s Corp.
Olive Garden / Bahama Breeze / LongHornBBBBaa2Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Outback Steakhouse / Carrabba’s Italian GrillBB-Ba3Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
StarbucksBBB+Baa1Starbucks Corp.
Steak ‘n ShakeCCC-CaBiglari Holdings, Inc.
Taco Bell / KFC / Pizza HutBB+Ba2Yum! Brands, Inc.
Wendy’sB+B3The 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.

TENANTS&PMOODY’SPARENT COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
24 Hour FitnessCCC-Caa3All Day AcquisitionCo, LLC
AMC TheatersCCC+Caa2AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
AppleAA+AaaApple, Inc.
AT&TBBBBaa2AT&T, Inc.
Chuck E. CheeseB-B3CEC Entertainment, Inc.
CinemarkBB3Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
CineworldB-B1Cineworld Group PLC
FedExBBBBaa2FedEx Corp.
GameStopBN/AGameStop Corp.
GoogleAA+Aa2Alphabet, Inc. (YouTube, etc.)
Guitar CenterBB3Guitar Center, Inc.
MicrosoftAAAAaaMicrosoft Corp.
Rent-A-CenterBB-Ba2Rent-A-Center, Inc.
Sally BeautyBB-Ba1Sally Beauty Holdings
Sherwin-WilliamsBBBBaa2Sherwin-Williams, Co.
SprintBB+Ba2Sprint Corp.
The UPS StoreA-A2United Parcel Service, Inc.
T-MobileBBB-Baa3T-Mobile US, Inc.
VerizonBBB+Baa1Verizon 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.

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