Which of the following is NOT an action or consequence of the activities of bond rating agencies? In assessing the rating, the agency examines financial ratios, contract terms (restrictive covenants), and important qualitative factors. a. While it is the mandate of the agency to report on the creditworthiness of securities held by bondholders, their findings are also relevant to the firm's shareholders. With respect to qualitative factors, the agency will pay particular attention to ratios, measuring return on assets, interest coverage, and operating profit margins. C. When a material change is identified in any of the factors used to measure a bond's default risk, the agency will immediately announce a change in the rating