
Petrobras Downgrade Can’t Be Ruled Out; Default Unlikely: BofA
2015-01-12 13:15:45.433 GMT
By Paula Sambo
(Bloomberg) - While bonds are already trading at high-yield levels, an actual downgrade to junk status could have far- reaching consequences for emerging markets as a whole, BofA says in report.
* “We certainly do not expect Petrobras to default and we see
sovereign support as highly likely. However, we cannot rule
out a downgrade by at least one agency in 2015 to HY
status,” BofA says
* With $55b in bonds outstanding, Petrobras would be the
largest HY issuer globally if it were downgraded, forcing
many investment grade holders to sell their positions
* BofA expect Petrobras EBITDA between $18b-$28b in 2015,
assuming $50-$60/bbl Brent and a 25%-40% premium of domestic fuel prices (currently at 60%)
* Main drivers behind EBITDA for 2015 will be production
levels, oil prices and FX rates: BofA