NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings says in its Latin American Protein dashboard that 2015 is a more difficult year for the Brazilian protein sector due to the weak economic environment because of high inflation, increased interest and unemployment rates and declining consumer confidence. High cattle price should put pressure on operating margin. However, the fundamental for the beef sector remains positive as Brazil remains the main platform to supply beef worldwide. Large Brazilian exporters should continue to report positive performance thanks to their geographic, product diversification and focus on improving cash flow generation.
The dashboard highlights current sector themes such as short-term outlook, consumer demand and grain and cattle supply impacts and cover the following companies: JBS S.A., Marfrig S.A., Minerva S.A. and BRF S.A.
Fitch does not expect any specific effect from these issues on the sector's rating outlook for large companies which remains stable.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Latin American Protein Dashboard
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