We advise companies on rating agencies, applicable rating criteria and the potential rating impact of corporate decisions — helping management prepare for the best possible rating outcome. This includes an assessment of the potential rating outcome, rating agency selection, preparation of the credit information package, management meeting preparation and ongoing rating surveillance.
A structured approach built on senior banking and credit rating experience
We accompany companies through the entire rating process — bringing the perspective of how rating analysts and credit committees assess corporate issuers. The approach is sequential, structured, and tailored to your sector, ownership structure, and strategic objectives.
Before the rating
We begin with a potential rating outcome view, based on applicable rating criteria, analysis of comparable companies and available financial and operational information. We then support rating agency selection, helping management assess which agencies may be most appropriate for the company's industry, financing objectives and target market. From there, we prepare the credit story, review projections and credit metrics, and organize the materials needed for a disciplined rating process.
During the rating
We work alongside management throughout agency interaction — preparing analytical documents, structuring the management presentation, anticipating questions, conducting Q&A preparation sessions and, where appropriate, communicating directly with the rating agency at the client's request. The objective is to help the company communicate its credit profile with clarity, consistency and analytical discipline.
After the rating
After a rating is assigned, companies may need ongoing support to monitor financial headroom within the current rating, prepare for annual reviews, assess the credit impact of strategic decisions and respond to criteria changes. NorEste Global provides ongoing rating surveillance for companies that want a continuous credit perspective throughout the year.
A stronger rating can materially affect funding access and cost
Credit ratings influence funding costs, investor access and strategic flexibility. A stronger rating can support broader market access, lower spreads, longer tenors and fewer financing constraints. For Latin American issuers, preparation is particularly important because rating categories, investor appetite and market liquidity can shift quickly as perceived credit quality changes.
When companies typically engage us
- First-time issuers preparing for a bond issuance.
- Companies preparing for local or international rating processes.
- Companies that want to understand how a rating agency may assess them before deciding whether and when to engage one.
- Existing issuers anticipating a criteria update, annual review or sector review.
- Companies considering a strategic decision with potential rating implications, such as acquisitions, large investments, dividend decisions or material changes in financial policy.
- Issuers monitoring their financial headroom or potential pressure on the rating Outlook.
- Boards seeking independent credit perspective before formally engaging an agency.
Concrete analytical deliverables at every stage
Our work produces tangible, defensible documents that your team can use long after our engagement ends — from the very first indicative assessment through the surveillance period.