D and B ratings are the first thing many lending institutions look at. If your company is listed with Dun and Bradstreet, they will have current financials with a business credit rating anywhere between 5A to HH. These ratings essentially reflect a company's size based on their net worth or equity. If a business has supplied financials that show their company has a negative net worth then the company will not be rated, but will have a - where a rating should be.

The second half of a D and B ratings report is the composite credit appraisal, which is a number from one to four and follows the 5A to HH rating. It reflects D and B's overall assessment of a company's creditworthiness. The assessment is based on the financial statements supplied in the report and payment history. A1 is the highest credit assessment you can receive, while a four is the lowest.

Dun and Bradstreet will use alternative business credit ratings as well, which are typically special type cases like banks and insurance companies. For instance, the DS rating is one alternative to D and B ratings. DS, or Duns Support, is applied to companies where D and B has received information--payment history or corporate status--but has not yet performed an investigation on the company and completed its file.

DS ratings are common for younger businesses that have not yet applied for credit. However, a standard D and B ratings report is most desirable. If you have questions about D and B ratings and other business credit information, it's strongly recommended that you speak to a financial specialist.