Increase in cost of debt and credit rating?

An increase in the cost of debt typically occurs when interest rates rise or when a company's credit rating is downgraded. A lower credit rating indicates higher perceived risk, leading lenders to demand higher interest rates to compensate for that risk. Consequently, a company's borrowing costs increase, impacting profitability and potentially hindering growth. This creates a feedback loop, as higher debt costs can further strain a company's financial health, possibly resulting in additional credit rating downgrades.