Arraying and Rating

noun

• An appraisal of the value of something.
  • usage: "he set a high valuation on friendship"
  • synonyms: evaluation, valuation
• Act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of.
  • synonyms: evaluation
• Standing or position on a scale.
• Rank in a military organization.
  • synonyms: military rank, military rating, paygrade

verb

• Assign a rank or rating to.
  • usage: "how would you rank these students"; "The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide"
  • synonyms: rate, rank, range, order, grade, place
• Be worthy of or have a certain rating.
  • usage: "This bond rates highly"
  • synonyms: rate
• Estimate the value of.
  • usage: "How would you rate his chances to become President"; "Gold was rated highly among the Romans"
  • synonyms: rate, value

In securities trading, a formal opinion given by an independent, professional service on the credit standing of the issuer of a bond and on the investment quality of the security. The opinion is normally expressed in letters: AAA, Baa-l, etc.