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T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R
L A T I N A M E R I C A
Thursday, October 2, 2025, Vol. 26, No. 197
Headlines
B A H A M A S
BAHAMAS: S&P Raises LongTerm Sovereign Credit Ratings to 'BB-'
B R A Z I L
AGEAGLE AERIAL: Rebrands as EagleNXT to Reflect Evolution
BRASKEM SA: S&P Lowers ICR to 'CCC-' on Risk of Debt Restructuring
BRAZIL: Central Bank Sees Inflation Missing Target in Early 2028
C H I L E
VTR FINANCE: Fitch Hikes LongTerm IDRs to 'CCC+'
J A M A I C A
JAMAICA: Producer Prices Mixed for Mining & Manufacturing
[] JAMAICA: Partners w/ Chicken & Tings to Boost Digital Currency
M E X I C O
CIS INTERNATIONAL: Case Summary & 20 Largest Unsecured Creditors
P U E R T O R I C O
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO: S&P Puts 'CC' Bond Rating on Watch Neg
T R I N I D A D A N D T O B A G O
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES: To Cut Flights From Jamaica to Fort Lauderdale
X X X X X X X X
LATAM: IDB Lab Invests $2 Million in 500 LatAm Seed Fund IV
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B A H A M A S
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BAHAMAS: S&P Raises LongTerm Sovereign Credit Ratings to 'BB-'
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S&P Global Ratings, on Sept. 26, 2025, raised its long-term
sovereign credit ratings on the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to
'BB-' from 'B+'. The outlook is stable. S&P also revised up its
transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment to 'BB' from 'BB-'.
Outlook
S&P said, "The stable outlook reflects our expectation that GDP
growth prospects will remain solid and that long-term growth will
align with that of peers at the same level of development. We also
assume the government will remain committed to prudent fiscal
management and contain the debt burden."
Downside scenario
S&P said, "We could lower the ratings over the next 12-18 months if
the Bahamas' growth trajectory faces unexpected and significant
setbacks or if the government reverses the progress it has made on
fiscal adjustment, leading to large fiscal deficits.
"We could also lower the ratings if the sovereign's access to
external liquidity were to deteriorate unexpectedly."
Upside scenario
S&P could raise the ratings in the next 12-18 months if the Bahamas
continues to demonstrate solid growth and sustained near-balanced
fiscal outcomes. This could result from stronger revenue supported
by, among other things, the successful implementation of a new
corporate income tax and policies and initiatives that accelerate
state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform.
Rationale
Institutional and economic profile: Stable macroeconomic policy,
strong private investment, and GDP growth aligned with peers
-- S&P expects the economy to grow 2.1% in 2025, supported by
booming cruise tourism and continued investments across the Family
Islands.
-- Growth will temper in 2026, although over time, the successful
implementation of comprehensive energy reforms may address some
bottlenecks for growth.
-- S&P expects the government will continue to carefully manage
its expenditure and focus on tax compliance measures to sustain
revenue and maintain small fiscal deficits.
The Bahamas' GDP grew at a stronger pace of 3.4% in 2024, following
revised GDP data collection methods from the Bahamas National
Statistical Institute, including wider geographic coverage across
the Family Islands. Further, the Bahamas' tourism sector continued
to perform very well, particularly within the cruise segment. Total
arrivals in 2024 were 11.2 million, compared with 9.6 million the
year before and up about 153% from 2019. The economy also had
support from sustained investments across the Family Islands.
S&P expects growth in 2025 will remain above potential at 2.1%,
accounting for continued buoyancy in tourism despite challenges in
key source markets; GDP per capita is estimated at US$39,590. The
number of inbound arrivals reached 6.3 million in the first half of
2025, compared with 5.7 million during the same period in 2024.
The Bahamas is advancing on its comprehensive energy reforms
announced in June 2024, with key partnerships and contracts signed
set to support improvements to the country's transmission and
distribution infrastructure, as well as diversifying energy sources
in favor of solar power and natural gas. These shifts could create
important savings and ease the high costs of doing business in the
Bahamas over the long term.
However, the country remains highly dependent on tourism, and labor
constraints weigh on long-term growth. The Bahamas also has a
sizable financial sector, and while opportunities exist to foster
local fintech and position the country for opportunities in digital
assets, S&P views this as a longer-term goal.
The Bahamas is a stable parliamentary democracy with orderly
changes in government. Political leadership has alternated between
the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
over several decades. The current government, led by Prime Minister
Philip Davis of the PLP, was elected in September 2021 and has a
majority in parliament. S&P expects policy predictability across
administrations with the upcoming 2026 electoral cycle.
The sovereign recently faced two large shocks, Hurricane Dorian in
2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which significantly raised
government debt and tested the government's resolve to sustain the
nation's finances. While the government has been able to reduce the
deficit on the back of the country's economic recovery, it has not
introduced material new revenue or significant cost-cutting
measures.
The country is exposed to environmental risks and has limited
fiscal buffers. While the government has demonstrated its
commitment to fiscal consolidation since the pandemic and reduced
the deficit, S&P expects that absent meaningful reforms to build
buffers, it will remain vulnerable to external shocks like
hurricanes.
Flexibility and performance profile: Solid growth will reduce
fiscal deficits and slow debt accumulation as external position
remains vulnerable
-- The growing economy, combined with better tax compliance, has
supported fiscal outcomes.
-- Risks of fiscal slippage remain, reflecting low tax rates and
expenditure rigidities.
-- While the country has significant financing and refinancing
needs, S&P expects the government will refinance its debt mostly
through the domestic banking sector as well as multilateral and
international bank loans.
The growing economy has supported reduced fiscal deficits to levels
more consistent with those seen before the pandemic, with the
reported fiscal deficit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, at
1.3% of GDP. This outcome partly owed to improved tax collection
(through a dedicated revenue enhancement unit, among other
initiatives) and greater compliance with property taxes.
S&P expects the government will be able to maintain low fiscal
deficits, although in its view, it will be more challenging to
achieve fiscal surpluses, as the government is forecasting, absent
meaningful fiscal reform.
The Bahamas does not have corporate and personal income taxes, and
even with the introduction of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax
Act--which introduces a 15% corporate minimum tax rate in line with
the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development--we do not expect further changes to its fiscal and
tax model. Added revenue from the Domestic Minimum Top-Up tax,
expected to go into effect in fiscal year 2025-2026, may be offset
by the announced reduction of the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 5%
from 10% on select unprocessed and essential food items to address
cost-of-living pressures.
Controlling expenditure will be crucial to maintaining low
deficits. The government has limited fiscal space, given a higher
share of recurrent expenditure, including around 15% of total
expenditure on subventions to public entities. Moreover, the
government has had to make payments on the guaranteed debt of SOEs.
SOE reform has been historically limited.
In the long run, energy sector reforms could improve the finances
of the Bahamas Power and Light Co. and other public entities. The
government also raised contributions to the National Insurance
Board by 1.5% in July 2024 and is drafting legislation for a
contributory pension scheme for civil servants.
S&P said, "We expect small fiscal deficits and a growing economy
will lead to a slow decline in The Bahamas' financing needs as a
share of GDP, with the increase in general government net debt
averaging 1.3% of GDP during 2025-2028.
"The Bahamas has significant short-term debt, with almost 43.6% of
debt maturing in the next year. We expect this debt will be largely
rolled over in the domestic market. Refinancing risks have abated,
given the government's commitment to fiscal discipline, combined
with limited private-sector lending opportunities.
"Foreign-currency-denominated debt accounts for 47.2% of total
debt. We expect the government will continue to use commercial and
multilateral bank funding and may issue in external bond markets.
"Net general government debt is likely to fall to 66.3% of GDP by
the end of 2025, from 77.8% in 2020, while interest payments will
remain above 15% of revenue for the next three or more years. We
net some of the assets held by the country's social security system
from our measure of net debt.
"We forecast the external debt of the public and financial sectors,
net of usable reserves and financial sector external assets, will
be about 42.3% of current account receipts in 2025. These figures
include the government's $2.64 billion in external bonds."
Based on the large external liabilities of the country's banking
sector, the gross external financing needs of the public and
financial sectors will average 193.6% of current account receipts
in 2025-2028, down from about 519% in 2020. The current account
deficit may widen in the short term due to higher imports
associated with investments undertaken because of the energy
reform--offsetting some gains in tourism receipts--and as the
financial sector's rollover needs remain high. Over the long term,
the reforms could contribute to smaller current account deficits by
reducing fuel imports.
However, S&P considers the financial sector's external assets to be
highly liquid, diminishing liquidity risk. Errors and omissions
have historically been high and tend to fluctuate, contributing to
the weak external profile.
The Bahamas has limited monetary and exchange rate flexibility. The
Bahamian dollar is fixed at par with the U.S. dollar. Lower demand
for foreign exchange and the government's external borrowing have
bolstered foreign exchange reserves, which remain slightly under $3
billion. S&P expects the central bank will continue to rely on
interest rates, moral suasion, and macroprudential tools to
influence domestic credit growth.
S&P said, "We consider the banking sector's contingent liabilities
to be limited. The financial sector is dominated by subsidiaries of
Canadian banks. Overall, the commercial banking sector has strong
capital and liquidity ratios. We estimate total bank assets to be
about 117% of GDP."
In accordance with S&P's relevant policies and procedures, the
Rating Committee was composed of analysts that are qualified to
vote in the committee, with sufficient experience to convey the
appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of the methodology
applicable. At the onset of the committee, the chair confirmed that
the information provided to the Rating Committee by the primary
analyst had been distributed in a timely manner and was sufficient
for Committee members to make an informed decision.
After the primary analyst gave opening remarks and explained the
recommendation, the Committee discussed key rating factors and
critical issues in accordance with the relevant criteria.
Qualitative and quantitative risk factors were considered and
discussed, looking at track-record and forecasts.
The committee's assessment of the key rating factors is reflected
in the Rating Component Scores above.
The chair ensured every voting member was given the opportunity to
articulate his/her opinion. The chair or designee reviewed the
draft report to ensure consistency with the Committee decision. The
views and the decision of the rating committee are summarized in
the above rationale and outlook. The weighting of all rating
factors is described in the methodology used in this rating
action.
Ratings List
Upgraded
To From
Bahamas
Sovereign Credit Rating BB-/Stable/B B+/Stable/B
Transfer & Convertibility Assessment
Local Currency BB BB-
Senior Unsecured BB- B+
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B R A Z I L
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AGEAGLE AERIAL: Rebrands as EagleNXT to Reflect Evolution
---------------------------------------------------------
AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) announced that it has
completed a comprehensive rebrand and will begin operating under
the name EagleNXT. The new brand reflects the Company's evolution,
its sharpened strategic focus, and its mission to deliver the
intelligence that safeguards and empowers the world.
EagleNXT CEO Bill Irby commented, "For years, we have built a
reputation as a trusted leader in aerial intelligence-designing
products our partners rely on " whether commercial, agricultural,
or for defense -- forging relationships across critical industries,
and assembling a team dedicated to creating what comes next. As
EagleNXT, we honor our legacy while embracing our future. Our
solutions will continue to evolve, our innovations will advance,
and our reach will expand into new, high-growth markets. At our
core, we remain committed to delivering intelligence that
strengthens security, improves productivity, and drives sustainable
value for our customers and shareholders."
The rebrand to EagleNXT underscores the Company's commitment to
advancing best-in-class drones, sensors, and software that serve
both government and commercial markets. With over one million
global flights, record-setting contracts, and industry-first
regulatory approvals, EagleNXT is well positioned to expand its
leadership in rapidly growing markets including defense, public
safety, agriculture, and environmental monitoring and research.
The Company's mission statement- EagleNXT protects what matters
most: lives, land, and the pursuit of peaceâ€" serves as the
foundation of the rebrand and communicates EagleNXT's focus on
innovation, resilience, and long-term value creation.
About EagleNXT
AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (dba, EagleNXT) (NYSE: UAVS) is a
leading developer of high-performance drones, advanced sensors, and
intelligent software solutions that deliver critical aerial
intelligence to customers around the world. With more than one
million flights conducted globally, EagleNXT's platforms are
trusted across defense, public safety, agriculture, infrastructure,
and environmental monitoring applications. The Company's drone
systems have achieved multiple industry firsts, including FAA
approvals for Operations Over People (OOP) and Beyond Visual Line
of Sight (BVLOS), as well as EASA C2 certification in Europe and
inclusion on the U.S. Department of Defense's Blue UAS list.
EagleNXT's sensors are integrated on more than 150 different drone
models and are used in over 100 research publications worldwide,
reinforcing its leadership in precision agriculture, surveying, and
environmental sustainability initiatives.
About AgEagle
AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas,
and operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, focusing on
designing and delivering top-tier drones, sensors, and software to
address critical customer needs. Founded in 2010, AgEagle initially
pioneered proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-wing drones and
aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for
the agriculture sector. Today, the company is recognized as a
globally respected market leader, offering customer-centric,
advanced, autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that generate
revenue at the intersection of flight hardware, sensors, and
software across industries, including agriculture,
military/defense, public safety, surveying/mapping, and
utilities/engineering. AgEagle has achieved numerous regulatory
milestones, including government approvals for its commercial and
tactical drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and/or
Operations Over People (OOP) in the United States, Canada, Brazil,
and the European Union. It has also received Blue UAS certification
from the Defense Innovation Unit of the U.S. Department of
Defense.
More information can be found at www.ageagle.com.
Orlando, Florida-based WithumSmith+Brown, PC, the company's auditor
since 2020, issued a "going concern" qualification in its report
dated March 31, 2025, attached to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, citing that the Company
has suffered recurring losses from operations, has experienced cash
used from operations in excess of its current cash position, and
has an accumulated deficit that raise substantial doubt about its
ability to continue as a going concern.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, the Company had $20.6 million in total assets,
$26.3 million in total liabilities, and a total stockholders'
deficit of $5.7 million.
BRASKEM SA: S&P Lowers ICR to 'CCC-' on Risk of Debt Restructuring
------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P Global Ratings lowered its global scale issuer credit rating on
Braskem S.A. to 'CCC-' from 'B+'. S&P also lowered its issue-level
ratings on the company's senior unsecured notes to 'CCC-' from
'B+', and on its subordinated notes to 'C' from 'CCC+'.
The negative outlook reflects the potential for a downgrade within
the next six months should the company announce a debt
restructuring process that S&P considers to be equivalent to a
default.
The engagement of financial and legal advisors, in S&P's view,
indicates an increased probability of a debt restructuring.
Braskem S.A. has retained advisors to evaluate financial options to
improve its capital structure. Considering the ongoing challenging
industry conditions, the company's sustained high leverage, and a
weakening liquidity position, S&P assesses there is a heightened
likelihood that Braskem may initiate negotiations for a debt
restructuring in the short term.
Braskem's liquidity could rapidly decline depending on its cash
burn rate and company's ability to renew its revolving credit line
due in December 2026. As of June 2025, Braskem had a cash position
of R$9.3 billion and the revolving credit facility equivalent to
about R$5.5 billion available until December 2026. However, under
current conditions, S&P thinks it may be difficult for the company
to renew the revolving credit facility with similar terms.
S&P said, "The negative outlook reflects the potential for a
downgrade within the next six months if Braskem announces a debt
restructuring process that we consider to be equivalent to a
default.
"We could lower the ratings on Braskem if it announces a debt
restructuring that we consider as equivalent to a default or if the
company misses any principal or interest payments."
A positive rating action would depend on our assessment of whether
the risk of a debt restructuring has considerably declined. This
could occur if the company manages to improve its liquidity,
extending its revolving credit line, and/or if the REIQ and PRESIQ
tax relief for the Brazilian chemical industry is approved,
supporting expectations of stronger cash flows.
BRAZIL: Central Bank Sees Inflation Missing Target in Early 2028
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globalinsolvency.com, citing Reuters, reports that Brazil's central
bank projected that inflation will hover near the official goal in
the first quarter of 2028, but still fail to meet it, according to
the bank's latest quarterly monetary policy report.
After projecting in early September annual inflation at 3.4% for
the first quarter of 2027, the relevant horizon for policy
decisions, policymakers unveiled a 3.1% forecast for the first
quarter of 2028, the final period covered by the report, according
to globalinsolvency.com.
The bank targets inflation at 3%, with a tolerance band of 1.5
percentage points in either direction, the report notes.
About Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and third largest
in the Americas. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the 2022 Brazilian
general election. He was sworn in on January 1, 2023, as the 39th
president of Brazil, succeeding Jair Bolsonaro.
In October 2024, Moody's Ratings upgraded the Government of
Brazil's long-term issuer and senior unsecured bond ratings to Ba1
from Ba2, the senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)Ba1 from (P)Ba2;
and maintained the positive outlook. S&P Global Ratings raised on
Dec. 19, 2023, its long-term global scale ratings on Brazil to
'BB' from 'BB-'. Fitch Ratings affirmed on Dec. 15, 2023, Brazil's
Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB' with
a Stable Outlook. DBRS' credit rating for Brazil was last reported
at BB with stable outlook at July 2023.
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C H I L E
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VTR FINANCE: Fitch Hikes LongTerm IDRs to 'CCC+'
------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings has upgraded VTR Finance N.V.'s Long-Term Local
Currency and Foreign Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to
'CCC+' from 'CCC'. Fitch has also upgraded VTR Finance's USD483
million notes due 2028 to 'CCC-' with a Recovery Rating of 'RR6'
from 'CC'/'RR6', and VTR Comunicaciones SpA's notes due 2028 and
2029 to 'CCC+'/'RR4' from 'CCC-'/'RR5'.
The upgrade reflects stronger operational linkage between VTR and
America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. (AMX; A-/Stable) following a parent
contribution to VTR Finance used to repay part of its debt in 2024
and the repurchase of CLP384 billion of bonds in 2025. These
actions demonstrate increased financial support from AMX to Claro
Chile SpA and VTR. AMX acquired the remaining 8% stake in Claro
Chile and now fully controls its Chilean operations. While legal
linkage remains low, medium operational and strategic incentives
support a two-notch uplift from VTR's Standalone Credit Profile
(SCP).
Key Rating Drivers
PSL Linkage with AMX: Fitch applies its "Parent and Subsidiary
Linkage Rating Criteria" through the stronger parent path, viewing
AMX as the ultimate parent with a stronger credit profile, higher
diversification and a solid business model. Legal incentive is low,
as AMX does not guarantee VTR's debt, while strategic and
operational incentives are medium. This reflects strong financial
support to Claro Chile and, indirectly, to VTR to sustain the
business model and a capex plan focused on fiber subscriber
expansion and 5G network development.
Stronger Support from AMX: Fitch observes stronger financial and
operational linkages and clearer evidence of common management
among VTR Finance, Claro Chile and AMX. This is supported by the
parent's contribution to VTR Finance, used to repay about CLP333
billion of debt in 2024, Claro Chile's repurchase of approximately
CLP384 billion of VTR Finance and VTR Comunicaciones bonds in 1H25,
the control of 100% of Claro Chile's shares, and the announced
reorganization of the corporate structure, businesses and assets of
its Chilean operations.
High Leverage Despite Debt Reduction: Fitch expects VTR's leverage
to remain elevated in 2025-2026 due to negative free cash flow
(FCF), assuming AMX will maintain financial support to Claro Chile
and VTR. Leverage fell to about 15x as of June 2025 from 19.6x in
2024 on debt repayment, but is projected to stay high in 2026 given
expected negative FCF, despite gradual operating improvement. Capex
is anticipated at about 40% of revenue in 2025, moderating to
around 20% or lower thereafter, focused mainly on network
upgrades.
Gradual EBITDA Recovery: Fitch expects the EBITDA margin to recover
gradually during the rating horizon. VTR's EBITDA margin improved
to 12% for the LTM to June 2025 (16% in 1H25) from 9.5% in 2024,
with EBITDA rising to CLP54 billion from CLP42 billion on
consolidation synergies. As of June 2025, VTR has been unable to
grow RGUs amid fierce price competition despite an incipient ARPU
recovery. Broadband subscribers fell to fewer than 1.03 million
from 1.3 million since the pandemic, pressuring earnings.
ESG - Limited Transparency: VTR's disclosure of its financial
policy, commercial strategy and future capital structure remains
limited, despite the company's full acquisition by AMX through
Claro Chile SpA. This lack of information on key credit
considerations persists amid high leverage and pressure on
metrics.
Peer Analysis
VTR's performance is affected by strong competition in the Chilean
broadband market. VTR's financial profile is among the most levered
in the region.
VTR's fixed-line operating profile is similar to Telefonica Chile
S.A. Claro Chile has scale and diversification comparable to
Telefonica Moviles Chile S.A. (TMCH; BB-/Negative) on a
consolidated basis, but TMCH has stronger financial metrics, with
net leverage around 6.0x.
Compared to Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A (Entel;
BBB-/Stable), VTR has higher exposure to fixed services and lower
exposure to mobile. Entel's geographic diversification is broader
given operations in Chile and Peru, and its financial profile is
stronger with net leverage consistently below 3.0x.
Relative to Millicom International Cellular S.A.'s (BB+/Stable)
subsidiaries Comcel (CT Trust; BB+/Stable) and Telefonica Celular
del Paraguay (Telecel; BB+/Stable), VTR operates in a more
competitive market but within a stronger operating environment. CT
Trust and Telecel have more dominant market positions and lower net
leverage. Their ratings reflect strong linkage to Millicom, which
relies on dividends from these wholly owned subsidiaries to service
its debt.
Key Assumptions
- Around 3% reduction in fixed business revenue in 2025 and flat in
2026, before showing a slight recovery of around 1.5% in the medium
term. Low single-digit ARPU growth;
- An EBITDA margin increase to 16%-17% in the medium term,
considering the consolidation synergies and a conservative recovery
of ARPU;
- Additional resources required to finance the operations and
investments will come from the AMX support, as Intercompany loans
with Claro Chile;
- Capex of 40% in 2025, before gradually declining to below 20% in
the medium term;
- No dividend distributions.
Recovery Analysis
Fitch's criteria apply a bespoke recovery analysis for issuers with
IDRs of 'B-' and below. The analysis assumes VTR would be treated
as a going concern in bankruptcy and reorganized rather than
liquidated. The going concern EBITDA of CLP61 billion is based on
sustainable, post-reorganization earnings that reflect intense
competition in the Chilean market. The value to EBITDA multiple
applied is 4.0x, reflecting deteriorated operating performance and
a softer financial profile, despite a strong market position.
Fitch applies a waterfall analysis to the post-default enterprise
value based on relative claims in the capital structure. The debt
waterfall uses the company's total consolidated debt as of June 30,
2025. These assumptions result in a Recovery Rating of 'RR4' for
VTR Comunicaciones' secured bonds which, per criteria, are
equalized with the IDR (CCC+). Due to structural subordination, the
analysis for VTR's USD483 million senior secured debt results in an
'RR6' rating, two notches below the IDR, leading to a 'CCC-'
rating. The improvement in recovery prospects mainly reflects the
partial repayment of VTR Comunicaciones' senior secured debt.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
- Weakening on operational or strategic incentives between VTR
Finance and AMX;
- Lack of clarity about a strategy for the combined operation to
improve VTR's financial flexibility and capital structure;
- Continued deterioration in operational performance.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
- Rapid turnaround in operating performance across subscriber base,
ARPU and EBITDA margin, with significant EBITDA margin gains from
consolidation synergies;
- Clear evidence of further integration with AMX such as a unified
brand, shared management, and guarantees on a significant share of
VTR's debt;
- Material improvements in leverage and liquidity position;
- Consistent and improved depth of disclosure surrounding strategy
and other credit considerations.
Liquidity and Debt Structure
VTR has weak financial flexibility given negative FFO expected in
the medium term and a capex requirement that will limit FCF while
the company continues to restructure and integrate fixed and mobile
operations. Additional funding to cover at least capex over the
medium term is expected to largely come from contributions from
Claro Chile. In 2024, capital contributions enabled a payment of
CLP338 billion toward current senior secured notes.
As of June 2025, VTR Finance's cash balance was CLP37 billion,
supported by improved operating performance and cash received from
derivative instruments. The next relevant maturities are VTR
Comunicaciones' 2028 bond of USD220 million due Jan. 15, 2028, and
VTR Finance's 2028 senior notes of USD483 million due July 15,
2028. The future treatment of repurchased debt of VTR Finance and
VTR Comunicaciones by Claro Chile SpA is not defined yet by the
holding company.
Issuer Profile
VTR is part of Claro Chile SpA, a direct affiliate of AMX. Claro
Chile SpA is the first provider of fixed broad band in Chile and
the largest provider of pay TV services.
Summary of Financial Adjustments
VTR financial debt is adjusted by the hedged value of derivatives.
Public Ratings with Credit Linkage to other ratings
VTR ratings are linked to AMX through Fitch's "Parent and
Subsidiary Linkage Rating Criteria."
MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND SECTOR FORECASTS
Fitch's latest quarterly Global Corporates Sector Forecasts Monitor
data file which aggregates key data points used in its credit
analysis. Fitch's macroeconomic forecasts, commodity price
assumptions, default rate forecasts, sector key performance
indicators and sector-level forecasts are among the data items
included.
ESG Considerations
VTR has an ESG Relevance Score of '5' for Financial Transparency
due to the limited disclosure surrounding the Claro Chile and VTR
group structure, its business model and its financial strategy
following the full acquisition of VTR by AMX. This has a negative
impact on the credit profile and is highly relevant to the rating,
resulting in an implicitly lower rating.
VTR has an ESG Relevance Score of '4' for Management Strategy due
to the lack of clarity regarding the business strategy after the
full acquisition by AMX. This has a negative impact on the credit
profile and is relevant to the rating in conjunction with other
factors.
The highest level of ESG credit relevance is a score of '3', unless
otherwise disclosed in this section. A score of '3' means ESG
issues are credit-neutral or have only a minimal credit impact on
the entity, either due to their nature or the way in which they are
being managed by the entity. Fitch's ESG Relevance Scores are not
inputs in the rating process; they are an observation on the
relevance and materiality of ESG factors in the rating decision.
Entity/Debt Rating Recovery Prior
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VTR Comunicaciones
SpA
senior secured LT CCC+ Upgrade RR4 CCC-
VTR Finance N.V. LT IDR CCC+ Upgrade CCC
LC LT IDR CCC+ Upgrade CCC
senior secured LT CCC- Upgrade RR6 CC
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J A M A I C A
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JAMAICA: Producer Prices Mixed for Mining & Manufacturing
---------------------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN)
says producer input costs in the mining sector rose by 0.2% in
August compared with July, while the manufacturing sector dipped by
0.1%.
STATIN says the increase in mining was due to higher costs in
bauxite and aluminum processing, while manufacturing was pulled
down by a decline in refined petroleum products, according to RJR
News.
Year-on-year the mining sector saw a 6.6?ll in input prices, while
the manufacturing sector increased by 1.9% driven by food,
beverages and tobacco, the report notes.
About Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica
is an upper-middle income country with an economy heavily dependent
on tourism. Other major sectors of the Jamaican economy include
agriculture, mining, manufacturing, petroleum refining, financial
and insurance services.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed Jamaica's Long-Term
Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB-', with a
positive rating outlook. In October 2023, Moody's upgraded the
Government of Jamaica's long-term issuer and senior unsecured
ratings to B1 from B2, and senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)B1
from (P)B2. The outlook has been changed to positive from stable.
In September 2024, S&P affirmed 'BB-/B' longterm foreign and local
currency sovereign credit ratings on Jamaica and revised outlook to
positive.
[] JAMAICA: Partners w/ Chicken & Tings to Boost Digital Currency
-----------------------------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that the Bank of Jamaica is partnering with
Chicken & Tings at its Cross Roads, Duhaney Park and Shortwood
locations to boost use of its digital currency, Jam-Dex.
Deputy Governor of the BOJ Natalie Haynes says the initiative is
aimed at lifting usage above the 30 per cent increase recorded
since the start of this year, according to RJR News.
Chicken & Tings CEO Emelio Madden says the promotion will be open
to the first 50 customers spending up to two thousand dollars,
including GCT, at each store, the report notes.
About Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica
is an upper-middle income country with an economy heavily dependent
on tourism. Other major sectors of the Jamaican economy include
agriculture, mining, manufacturing, petroleum refining, financial
and insurance services.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed Jamaica's Long-Term
Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB-', with a
positive rating outlook. In October 2023, Moody's upgraded the
Government of Jamaica's long-term issuer and senior unsecured
ratings to B1 from B2, and senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)B1
from (P)B2. The outlook has been changed to positive from stable.
In September 2024, S&P affirmed 'BB-/B' longterm foreign and local
currency sovereign credit ratings on Jamaica and revised outlook to
positive.
===========
M E X I C O
===========
CIS INTERNATIONAL: Case Summary & 20 Largest Unsecured Creditors
----------------------------------------------------------------
Debtor: CIS International Holdings (N.A.) Corporation
d/b/a E Tropical Fish
1405 W. 178th Street
Gardena, CA 90248
Business Description: CIS International Holdings (N.A.) Corp.,
doing business as DBA E Tropical Fish,
imports, breeds, and distributes ornamental
fish, aquatic plants, live rock, and
aquarium accessories. The Company sources
livestock and products from regions
including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives,
Fiji, Australia, China, and the United
Kingdom, and supplies customers across the
United States as well as in Canada and
Mexico. Founded in 1999, it is based in
Gardena, California.
Chapter 11 Petition Date: September 22, 2025
Court: United States Bankruptcy Court
Central District of California
Case No.: 25-18374
Debtor's Counsel: Byron Z. Moldo, Esq.
Chase A. Stone, Esq.
ERVIN COHEN & JESSUP LLP
9401 Wilshire Boulevard
Twelfth Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212-2974
Tel: 310-273-6333
E-mail: cstone@ecjlaw.com / bmoldo@ecjlaw.com
Estimated Assets: $1 million to $10 million
Estimated Liabilities: $1 million to $10 million
Charitha Samarasinghe signed the petition as president.
A full-text copy of the petition, which includes a list of the
Debtor's 20 largest unsecured creditors, is available for free on
PacerMonitor at:
https://www.pacermonitor.com/view/WVI3ALY/CIS_International_Holdings_NA__cacbke-25-18374__0001.0.pdf?mcid=tGE4TAMA
=====================
P U E R T O R I C O
=====================
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO: S&P Puts 'CC' Bond Rating on Watch Neg
-----------------------------------------------------------------
S&P Global Ratings placed its 'CC' long-term rating and underlying
rating (SPUR) on the University of Puerto Rico's (UPR) series P and
Q bonds on CreditWatch with negative implications.
S&P said, "We also placed our 'CC' SPUR on the series 2000A bonds
issued by the Puerto Rico Industrial, Tourist, Educational,
Medical, and Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority
for the Plaza Universitaria project on CreditWatch with negative
implications.
"The CreditWatch placement reflects our view of the lack of timely
and sufficient information to maintain the rating.
"We view UPR's lack of transparency and reporting as a governance
risk. Environmental and social factors are neutral considerations
in our credit rating analysis."
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credit factors for this
change in credit rating/outlook and/or CreditWatch status:
-- Governance risks
If UPR does not provide the necessary information within 30 days,
S&P could withdraw the rating. If S&P can meet with UPR and obtain
the necessary information within 30 days, it will conduct a full
review and take a rating action within 90 days.
=====================================
T R I N I D A D A N D T O B A G O
=====================================
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES: To Cut Flights From Jamaica to Fort Lauderdale
------------------------------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) says it will
discontinue its services from Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica
to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from November 2, 2025.
CAL says due to the continued economic challenges affecting the
Fort Lauderdale route from the airline's two Jamaica stations, the
commercial decision was made to discontinue service on these
routes, according to RJR News.
It also said that the adjustment forms part of Caribbean Airline's
ongoing network optimisation programme, which involves continuous
evaluation of routes to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of
operations across its network, the report relays.
Caribbean Airlines Limited provides passenger airline services in
the Caribbean, South America, and North America. The company also
offers freighter services for perishables, fish and seafood, live
animals, human remains, and dangerous goods. In addition, it
operates a duty free store in Trinidad. Caribbean Airlines Limited
was founded in 2006 and is based in Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean Airlines is among many airlines whose business has been
greatly affected in 2020 by the slowdown of international travel
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of Trinidad &
Tobago guaranteed a US$65 million loan for the airline, and that
funding has helped with the airlines' cash flow shortfall since May
2020. In September 2020, the airline related it will be taking
cost-cutting measures to help keep it afloat. The measures, which
was to affect some 1,700 employees, included salary deductions,
no-pay leaves and lay-offs.
===============
X X X X X X X X
===============
LATAM: IDB Lab Invests $2 Million in 500 LatAm Seed Fund IV
-----------------------------------------------------------
IDB Lab, the Inter-American Development Bank Group's innovation and
venture capital arm, announced a $2 million strategic investment in
the 500 LatAm Seed Fund IV, managed by 500 LatAm. The fund will
invest in approximately 40 early-stage tech startups in Latin
America and the Caribbean, including in emerging ecosystems such as
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, and
Uruguay.
This operation marks a new round of investment by IDB Lab in a 500
LatAm fund, following its participation in 2020 in the 500
Luchadores III fund, which supported over 100 startups that have
already generated more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and
reached more than 2.6 million users in the region.
The 500 LatAm Seed Fund IV will provide pre-seed and seed capital
to over 40 startups developing highly scalable technology solutions
in the region. It will also provide strategic support in areas such
as product development, talent recruitment, monetization, customer
acquisition, international expansion, and raising additional
capital.
"This investment in 500 LatAm Seed IV reflects our commitment to
strengthening regional integration and driving innovation in
emerging ecosystems. The fund's strategy democratizes access to
seed capital and gives entrepreneurs more opportunities to grow and
scale their solutions," said Magdalena Coronel, acting chief of IDB
Lab's Venture Capital Investments Division.
Currently, 500 LatAm IV is accepting applications from interested
startups. Selected companies will receive a $300,000 investment and
access to a personalized mentoring program.
This investment reaffirms IDB Lab's commitment to expanding access
to early-stage funding in Latin America and the Caribbean and to
supporting agents of innovation in emerging ecosystems,
contributing to regional growth and integration.
*********
S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
Troubled Company Reporter-Latin America is a daily newsletter
co-published by Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Fairless
Hills, Pennsylvania, USA, and Beard Group, Inc., Washington, D.C.,
USA, Marites O. Claro, Joy A. Agravante, Rousel Elaine T.
Fernandez, Julie Anne L. Toledo, Ivy B. Magdadaro, and Peter A.
Chapman, Editors.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. ISSN 1529-2746.
This material is copyrighted and any commercial use, resale or
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Information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to
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The TCR Latin America subscription rate is US$775 per half-year,
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of the same firm for the term of the initial subscription or
balance thereof are US$25 each. For subscription information,
contact Peter A. Chapman at 215-945-7000.
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* * * End of Transmission * * *