(1) What are credit ratings?

(2) Credit rating agencies such as Moodys and Standard & Poors use several factors to determine a companys credit rating. Please list any three factors that can play a role in determining a companys credit rating.

(3) Compared to companies with a poor credit rating such as D, companies with good credit ratings such as AA or AAA have to pay higher or lower interest to borrow money? Explain your answer.