> If Tesla finds itself in dire financial straits, they'll be wrapped up and shut down. If GM finds itself in dire financial straits (again), they'll be bailed out (again) or merge, or something. They won't go away.
> Which one is more likely to pay back your bond? The one with a virtual guarantee from the government that they'll stay in business, or the tiny startup with a bright future?
There's something I'm pretty sure you don't know. During the last bankruptcy and government bailout, GM bondholders got decimated to the tune of tens of billions (!) of dollars. If hey, there might be another bailout! is the thinking behind the credit rating, it ought not raise the rating.
> Which one is more likely to pay back your bond? The one with a virtual guarantee from the government that they'll stay in business, or the tiny startup with a bright future?
There's something I'm pretty sure you don't know. During the last bankruptcy and government bailout, GM bondholders got decimated to the tune of tens of billions (!) of dollars. If hey, there might be another bailout! is the thinking behind the credit rating, it ought not raise the rating.