How Credit Agencies Determine a Business' Credit Rating

Not unlike a personal credit rating, a business's credit rating is a review of the company’s transaction history. Such a rating is used to measure the level of financial risk of the business to a lender and the probability of the business defaulting on the loan.

The information used to create a rating is gathered from companies with which the business has had financial relationships, such as suppliers or other lenders. Additional data can be included from corporate finance reports, business filings, or lawsuits, as well as liens and judgments filed against the company.

Among the primary determining factors of a business's credit report is how prompt the business is in meeting its payment obligations, such as paying suppliers, repaying loans, and paying monthly leases and bills. Does it pay on time, or is it late with payments? What is the structure of the company’s debt? Are loans secured or unsecured? How much debt is the business carrying? Along with the payment history, strong consideration is also given to cash flow, the financial resources of the company, working capital, and net worth.