Fitch Ratings provides an opinion on the ability of an entity or of a securities issue to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, or repayment of principal, on a timely basis. These credit ratings apply to a variety of entities and issues, including but not limited to sovereigns, governments, structured financings, and corporations; debt, preferred/preference stock, bank loans, and counterparties; as well as the financial strength of insurance companies and financial guarantors.

Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of getting their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Thus, the use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' - 'BBB' categories; Short-term 'F1' - 'F3') indicate a relatively low probability of default, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB' - 'D'; Short-term 'B' - 'D') either signal a higher probability of default or that a default has already occurred. Ratings imply no specific prediction of default probability. However, for example, it is relevant to note that over the long term, defaults on 'AAA' rated U.S. corporate bonds have averaged less than 0.10% per annum, while the equivalent rate for 'BBB' rated bonds was 0.35%, and for 'B' rated bonds, 3.0%.

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CHA Health received a financial rating that places it in the top 12% nationally of medium-sized HMOs. Fitch Ratings issued a BBBq (Good) rating to CHA Health for 2002. The Quantitative Insurer Financial Strength (Q-IFS) ratings are generated using a model that utilizes statutory financial statement information that the HMO files with its state regulator. Ratings are assigned to provide a reasonable representation of an HMO's stand-alone financial strength and operating profile.