Aside from S&P 500 Ratings ’ top 1 % of companies , top companies in the industry have seen rising debt and reduced credit ratings in recent years . Oil company Hess was also recently downgraded, mostly because of a plunge in oil prices beyond its control. Macy ’s , for example , saw its credit rating fall to BBB in March as a result of increased competition from digital retailers , with energy giant Hess having seen its credit rating restated to " junk status " , largely resulting from falling oil prices .
Aside from S&P 500 Ratings ’ top 1 % of companies , top companies in the industry have seen rising debt and reduced credit ratings in recent years . Macy ’s , for example , saw its credit rating fall to BBB in March as a result of increased competition from digital retailers , with energy giant Hess having seen its credit rating restated to " junk status " , largely resulting from falling oil prices .