Fitch Ratings-London/Hong Kong: Although Lebanon technically retains foreign-exchange reserves sufficient to service its sovereign debt repayment obligations in 2020-21, the costs of meeting its obligations would be so high that this outcome appears politically unrealistic, says Fitch Ratings. We believe that some form of government debt restructuring is probable, as reflected in our decision to downgrade the sovereign's rating to 'CC' in December 2019.
We estimate Lebanon's gross external financing requirement in 2020 at around USD10 billion, moderating close to USD9 billion in 2021. We assume that the main financing item will be the foreign currency (FC) assets of the central bank (Banque du Liban; BdL). BdL had around USD29 billion in gross FC reserves at its disposal as of end-January 2020, according to our calculations, with reserves continuing their decline in February. However, the overall net FC position of BdL is negative, according to Fitch's estimates.
As part of its efforts to limit the drain on its FC reserves, BdL in January raised the idea of a debt exchange with Lebanese banks under which their holdings of Eurobonds maturing in March 2020 would be swapped for longer-dated Eurobonds in its portfolio. While the government suspended this idea, it may still be considering it.
Such a transaction might be considered a Distressed Debt Exchange (DDE), according to our published criteria. If so, we would likely downgrade the rating to 'C'. When the exchange was complete, the rating would likely be downgraded to Restricted Default 'RD'. We would make such a determination at the time of announcement of such a debt swap. In our view, to be considered a DDE there would need to be a material reduction in terms, which could include a maturity extension, and the exercise would be undertaken to avoid a default.
The prioritisation of available FC for debt service implies an ongoing and severe recession, accompanied by higher rates of inflation and unemployment and prolonged crisis in the financial sector. The difficulty of enacting fiscal and structural reforms against this background makes it unlikely that this strategy will ultimately lead to the government achieving a more sustainable financial position, or to a renewal of confidence in the financial and monetary system.
We regard the most likely scenario for external financial support as an agreement with the IMF, which would open up other sources of external finance, including from the World Bank and bilateral partners in the Gulf. An IMF deal would almost certainly require some restructuring of government debt.
Government debt restructuring could take different forms and negotiations with bondholders could prove complicated. Some restructuring of FC debt appears likely given Lebanon's unsustainable FC position. Nonetheless, more than 60% of government debt is denominated in Lebanese pounds. Even if Eurobonds were restructured with a 60% nominal haircut, this would reduce government debt by only 33% of GDP (assuming the current official exchange rate). This would leave total government debt at roughly 120% of GDP, still exceptionally high. Restructuring of domestic debt, which is all held locally, would help to address this.
Government debt restructuring will be only part of the challenge. To achieve economic stabilisation the authorities may also have to address the Central Bank's liabilities and the intertwined balance sheets of the BdL and the commercial banks, which could have implications for depositors. Fundamentally, debt sustainability will be contingent on a meaningful fiscal and structural reform process.
Our report, "Lebanon: Balance Sheet Analysis Points to Restructuring of Debt and Financial Sector", is available at www.fitchratings.com or by clicking the link here.
-Ends-
Contact:
Media Relations: Peter Fitzpatrick, London, Tel: +44 20 3530 1103, Email: peter.fitzpatrick@thefitchgroup.com
© Press Release 2020Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
