21.   It also left both debt ratings under review for possible further downgrade.

22.   Its debt ratings were cut.

23.   Kraemer said that Baxter did not expect its debt ratings to be significantly changed.

24.   Lower debt ratings increase the cost of raising funds because investors and depositors demand higher rates in return for giving their money to riskier banks.

25.   Ms. Keller said the debt would make Chrysler far less attractive as an ally to other auto companies, particularly if its debt rating were downgraded.

26.   Most companies can survive even if their debt ratings are lowered below investment grade, although they will have higher borrowing costs.

27.   Only one other country in Latin America, Uruguay and Chile, have sovereign investment-grade debt rating.

28.   Over the last year and a half, its debt rating has fallen six rungs.

29.   Ratings companies reacted to the bid by threatening to lower their debt ratings on both Granada and Forte.

30.   Russia also might need to achieve a debt rating from one of the major credit-rating companies before coming to market, analysts said.