CREDIT RATING 
A grade assigned to a business concern to denote the net worth and credit standing to which the concern is entitled in the opinion of the rating agency as a result of its investigation. 

DATA ELEMENT 
The basic unit of identifiable and definable information. A data element occupies the space provided by fields in a record or blocks on a form. It has an identifying name and value or values for expressing a specific fact. For example, a data element named "Color of Eyes" could have recorded values of "Blue (a name)," "Bl (an abbreviation)," "06 (a code)." Similarly, a data element named "Age of Employee" could have a recorded value of "28" (a numeric value). 

 

DEBENTURE  
Debt instrument evidencing the holder's right to receive interest and principal installments from the named obligor. Applies to all forms of unsecured, long-term debt evidenced by a certificate of debt. 

 

DEBT CAPITAL 
Business financing that normally requires periodic interest payments and repayment of the principal within a specified time. 

 

DEBT FINANCING 
The provision of long term loans to small business concerns in exchange for debt securities or a note. 

 

DEED OF TRUST 
A document under seal which, when delivered, transfers a present interest in property. May be held as collateral. 

 

DEFAULTS  
The nonpayment of principal and/or interest on the due date as provided by the terms and conditions of the note.