In the context of credit ratings for fixed income securities, it is crucial to understand how different ratings reflect the risk of default. Credit rating agencies assign ratings based on the issuer's creditworthiness and underlying financial health. Suppose a company named XYZ Corp has recently been rated as 'BB-' by a major credit rating agency, while its closest competitor is rated 'B+'.
Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the implications of these credit ratings for investors considering bonds issued by these companies?