The timing of (the upgrade) makes sense given that the fourth quarter is such a crucial part of a retailer's year.

There is a reasonable risk-return trade-off here.

Even if these improvements fall short of expectations, they will make the company more attractive to a potential buyer.

A lot of times the bonds trade closer to investment grade before the actual ratings get there. The market has already baked it in.

Some investment grade mutual funds and pension plans can't hold paper that's below investment grade. People that couldn't own it because of the ratings restriction now can look at it again.

For the myth is the foundation of life; it is the timeless schema, the pious formula into which life flows when it reproduces its traits out of the unconscious.