Evaluation of a corporation or of a security issued by a corporation, particularly as regards the solve-ability of the corporation. Standard and Poor's, Moody's and Fitch's are the best known rating agencies in the United States; in France the Agency française d'évaluation financière (ADEF) is the major one. Standard and Poor's and Fitch's rating for bonds ranges from AAA, AA and A for the highest quality through DDD, DD and D for the lowest quality. Moody's ranges from Aaa, Aa and A through Ccc, Cc and C and MIG1 through MIG4 for short-term municipal notes. ADEF's ranges from AAA, AA and A through D for bonds and T1 through T4 for commercial paper.