By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant vote of confidence for Costa Rica’s state-owned utility and telecommunications provider, Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Grupo ICE’s international risk rating to Ba1 with a stable outlook. The announcement, made on Monday, September 29, marks the third consecutive upgrade for the corporation since 2022 and places it just a single step away from achieving the coveted investment-grade status.
The upgrade from the previous Ba2 rating reflects a substantial improvement in the company’s financial health and operational stability. This positive momentum not only bolsters the confidence of the international investment community but also unlocks access to more favorable financing conditions for future projects. The Reventazón Hydroelectric Plant Trust also received an identical rating improvement, signaling broad strength across the group’s key assets.
To provide a deeper legal and business perspective on the current situation facing Grupo ICE, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Grupo ICE faces a fundamental structural challenge: balancing its historical mandate as a public service institution with the pressing need to operate with the agility and efficiency of a private company in highly competitive markets like telecommunications. Navigating this requires not only internal modernization but also a clear and updated regulatory framework that allows it to compete fairly without compromising its essential role for the country’s development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas precisely pinpoints the core challenge facing the institution: successfully navigating its dual identity as both a strategic state asset and an agile market competitor. This balancing act will undoubtedly define its future relevance for the nation, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
Reaching the Ba1 level is a critical milestone, positioning Grupo ICE on the threshold of the investment-grade category (Baa3 or higher). Companies with this status are generally considered to have a lower risk of default, making their bonds and debt instruments more attractive to a wider range of institutional investors. This can translate directly into lower borrowing costs and greater financial flexibility, crucial for a company planning long-term infrastructure investments.
Marco Acuña, President of Grupo ICE, framed the achievement as the culmination of a dramatic corporate turnaround. He highlighted the challenging conditions the current administration inherited and contrasted them with the company’s present financial standing.
In 2022, we took over an institution with no project portfolio, tied up from investing, and without materials to handle outages. Today, we are one step away from reaching an extremely attractive level, where very few arrive.
Marco Acuña, President of Grupo ICE
According to the Moody’s report, the decision was underpinned by several key factors. The rating agency cited growing national electricity demand, the strength of Grupo ICE’s diversified revenue streams from its telecommunications division, and proactive measures taken to mitigate currency exchange risks. A notable success in this area has been the reduction of its US dollar-denominated debt by 10% over the last four years, a prudent strategy in a fluctuating global economy.
The market has already responded favorably to ICE’s improved financial narrative. The value of the company’s international bonds has seen a significant surge. Since November 2022, the prices for its various bond issues have climbed by as much as 18% and 39%, respectively, demonstrating tangible investor enthusiasm for the company’s trajectory.
Keiner Arce, Finance Manager for ICE, emphasized that this market reaction is a direct result of the company’s consistent performance and perceived operational strength. He noted that the renewed confidence is a testament to the firm’s capacity to honor its financial commitments.
The financial performance we have shown, added to the perception of the solidity of our operations, has increased investor confidence in our ability to meet our payment obligations.
Keiner Arce, Finance Manager of ICE
This latest upgrade from Moody’s is more than just a letter on a ratings scale; it represents a validation of Grupo ICE’s strategic financial management and operational reforms. As the corporation continues to strengthen its balance sheet and invest in Costa Rica’s infrastructure, its proximity to investment-grade status will be a key enabler of its future growth and its role in the national economy.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Grupo ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Grupo ICE) is the autonomous state-owned enterprise responsible for electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, it has been instrumental in the country’s development by expanding the electrical grid and modernizing its communication networks. The group manages a diverse portfolio of energy generation, including hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind power, and operates the Kölbi telecommunications brand.
For further information, visit moodys.com
About Moody’s Ratings:
Moody’s Ratings is a leading global provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis. As the credit rating agency arm of Moody’s Corporation, it plays a crucial role in global capital markets by providing assessments of the creditworthiness of a wide range of debt issuers. Its ratings and analysis help investors make informed decisions and are a benchmark for risk in financial markets worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience in advising a wide array of clients to pioneer innovative legal strategies and solutions. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a profound commitment to public service, actively working to demystify complex legal topics and thereby empower the broader community with essential knowledge.
