Bond ratings by independent rating agencies reflect the risk associated with holding a company's bonds. In general a strong bond rating reflects confidence in the financial strength of the company.

Ratings definitions may be found on each agency's web site:

Standard & Poor's: http://www.standardandpoors.com/ratings/

Moody's: http://www.moodys.com

Fitch: http://www.fitchratings.com

Rating Agencies