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[6-K] ARCOS DORADOS HOLDINGS INC. Current Report (Foreign Issuer)

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6-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) obtained an initial long-term issuer rating of “BBB-� with a Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings. The agency cited the Company’s:

  • Leading QSR market share in Latin America and exclusive McDonald’s Master Franchise Agreement, recently renewed through 2044 with a 20-year option.
  • Conservative leverage, with S&P-adjusted debt/EBITDA � 2.0x and FFO/debt � 35%.
  • Sound liquidity, no near-term maturities and committed credit facilities.
  • Geographic diversification and ability to endure a potential Brazilian sovereign stress scenario.

This is Arcos Dorados� second investment-grade rating, following Fitch’s upgrade to “BBB-� in January 2025, giving the Company full investment-grade status. Both agencies emphasized prudent financial policy, strong operating performance and a comfortable debt schedule. Management views the dual ratings as validation of its disciplined capital structure and long-term strategy.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) ha ottenuto un rating iniziale di emittente a lungo termine pari a “BBB-� con Outlook Stabile da S&P Global Ratings. L’agenzia ha evidenziato:

  • La posizione di leadership nel mercato QSR in America Latina e l’esclusivo Contratto di Master Franchise McDonald’s, recentemente rinnovato fino al 2044 con un’opzione di 20 anni.
  • Una leva finanziaria prudente, con debito rettificato da S&P/EBITDA � 2,0x e FFO/debito � 35%.
  • Una solida liquidità, assenza di scadenze a breve termine e linee di credito impegnate.
  • La diversificazione geografica e la capacità di resistere a un possibile scenario di tensione sovrana brasiliana.

Questo rappresenta il secondo rating investment-grade per Arcos Dorados, dopo l’upgrade di Fitch a “BBB-� nel gennaio 2025, conferendo all’azienda lo status completo di investment-grade. Entrambe le agenzie hanno sottolineato una politica finanziaria prudente, una forte performance operativa e un piano di debito sostenibile. La direzione considera i doppi rating una conferma della struttura di capitale disciplinata e della strategia a lungo termine.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) obtuvo una calificación inicial de emisor a largo plazo de “BBB-� con Perspectiva Estable por parte de S&P Global Ratings. La agencia destacó:

  • La posición líder en el mercado QSR en América Latina y el exclusivo Acuerdo de Master Franchise de McDonald’s, recientemente renovado hasta 2044 con una opción de 20 años.
  • Una apalancamiento conservador, con deuda ajustada por S&P/EBITDA � 2.0x y FFO/deuda � 35%.
  • Una sólida liquidez, sin vencimientos a corto plazo y líneas de crédito comprometidas.
  • La diversificación geográfica y la capacidad para soportar un posible escenario de estrés soberano brasileño.

Este es el segundo rating investment-grade para Arcos Dorados, tras la mejora de Fitch a “BBB-� en enero de 2025, otorgando a la compañía el estatus completo de grado de inversión. Ambas agencias destacaron una política financiera prudente, un sólido desempeño operativo y un calendario de deuda cómodo. La dirección considera las calificaciones duales como una validación de su estructura de capital disciplinada y estrategia a largo plazo.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO)� S&P 글로벌 레이팅스로부� 장기 발행� 신용등급 'BBB-'와 안정� 전망� 처음으로 받았습니�. 기관은 회사� 다음 사항� 언급했습니다:

  • 라틴 아메리카 QSR 시장 점유� 선도 � 2044년까지 20� 옵션� 포함� 독점 맥도날드 마스� 프랜차이� 계약 갱신.
  • S&P 조정 부�/EBITDA � 2.0�, FFO/부� � 35%� 보수적인 레버리지.
  • 견고� 유동�, 단기 만기 없음, 확정� 신용 시설.
  • 지리적 다각� � 잠재� 브라� 주권 위기 시나리오� 견딜 � 있는 능력.

이번� Arcos Dorados� � 번째 투자등급 신용평가�, 2025� 1� Fitch� 'BBB-' 상향 조정 이후 회사� 완전� 투자등급 지위를 부여합니다. � 기관 모두 신중� 재무 정책, 강력� 운영 실적, 안정적인 부� 일정� 주목했습니다. 경영진은 이중 등급� 자사� 엄격� 자본 구조 � 장기 전략� 대� 검증으� 보고 있습니다.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE : ARCO) a obtenu une première notation d’émetteur à long terme de « BBB- » avec une perspective stable de la part de S&P Global Ratings. L’agence a souligné :

  • La part de marché dominante dans le secteur QSR en Amérique latine et l’accord exclusif de franchise maître McDonald’s, récemment renouvelé jusqu’en 2044 avec une option de 20 ans.
  • Un levier financier prudent, avec une dette ajustée par S&P/EBITDA � 2,0x et un FFO/dette � 35 %.
  • Une liquidité solide, aucune échéance à court terme et des facilités de crédit engagées.
  • La diversification géographique et la capacité à supporter un éventuel scénario de stress souverain brésilien.

Il s’agit de la deuxième notation investment-grade pour Arcos Dorados, suite à la montée en gamme de Fitch à « BBB- » en janvier 2025, conférant à la société un statut pleinement investment-grade. Les deux agences ont mis en avant une politique financière prudente, une solide performance opérationnelle et un calendrier d’endettement confortable. La direction considère ces doubles notations comme une validation de sa structure de capital disciplinée et de sa stratégie à long terme.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) erhielt von S&P Global Ratings eine erste langfristige Emittentenbewertung von „BBB-� mit stabilem Ausblick. Die Agentur hob hervor:

  • Marktführerschaft im QSR-Bereich in Lateinamerika und den exklusiven McDonald’s Master Franchise-Vertrag, der kürzlich bis 2044 mit einer 20-jährigen Option verlängert wurde.
  • Konservative Verschuldung mit einem S&P-bereinigten Verschuldungsgrad von ca. 2,0x Debt/EBITDA und FFO/Schulden von ca. 35 %.
  • Solide Liquidität, keine kurzfristigen Fälligkeiten und zugesagte Kreditlinien.
  • Geografische Diversifikation und die Fähigkeit, ein mögliches brasilianisches Staatsrisiko zu bewältigen.

Dies ist die zweite Investment-Grade-Bewertung für Arcos Dorados, nach dem Upgrade von Fitch auf „BBB-� im Januar 2025, das dem Unternehmen den vollen Investment-Grade-Status verleiht. Beide Agenturen betonten eine vorsichtige Finanzpolitik, starke operative Leistung und einen komfortablen Schuldenplan. Das Management sieht die Doppelbewertung als Bestätigung der disziplinierten Kapitalstruktur und langfristigen Strategie.

Positive
  • S&P assigned inaugural investment-grade rating of “BBB-� with Stable Outlook.
  • Full investment-grade status now confirmed by both S&P and Fitch.
  • Conservative leverage: S&P-adjusted debt/EBITDA � 2.0×; FFO/debt � 35%.
  • Renewed Master Franchise Agreement with McDonald’s valid through 2044 plus 20-year option.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

TL;DR: Second “BBB-� rating secures full investment grade, underscoring low leverage and ample liquidity—clearly positive for ARCO’s credit profile.

S&P’s inaugural rating aligns with Fitch’s January action, confirming ARCO’s creditworthiness at the lowest investment-grade notch. Key credit metrics�2.0× adjusted debt/EBITDA and 35% FFO/debt—sit comfortably within IG thresholds, while the renewed Master Franchise Agreement through 2044 locks in brand access for two decades. The stable outlook and absence of near-term maturities reduce refinancing risk. From a bondholder perspective, tighter spreads and broader institutional demand are likely; equity holders benefit indirectly via lower financing costs and strategic flexibility.

TL;DR: Dual IG ratings broaden investor base and may lower cost of capital; operational dominance in LATAM underpins credit strength.

Achieving full investment grade allows ARCO to access IG-only mandates and EM crossover funds, expanding liquidity for future debt issuance. S&P’s stress test on Brazil—ARCO’s largest market—suggests resilience, mitigating sovereign-linked volatility. The renewed 20-year McDonald’s agreement locks in brand equity and supply-chain advantages, supporting cash-flow visibility. With leverage at 2.0×, management retains headroom for growth or shareholder returns without jeopardizing ratings. Overall impact is materially positive for both debt and equity investors.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) ha ottenuto un rating iniziale di emittente a lungo termine pari a “BBB-� con Outlook Stabile da S&P Global Ratings. L’agenzia ha evidenziato:

  • La posizione di leadership nel mercato QSR in America Latina e l’esclusivo Contratto di Master Franchise McDonald’s, recentemente rinnovato fino al 2044 con un’opzione di 20 anni.
  • Una leva finanziaria prudente, con debito rettificato da S&P/EBITDA � 2,0x e FFO/debito � 35%.
  • Una solida liquidità, assenza di scadenze a breve termine e linee di credito impegnate.
  • La diversificazione geografica e la capacità di resistere a un possibile scenario di tensione sovrana brasiliana.

Questo rappresenta il secondo rating investment-grade per Arcos Dorados, dopo l’upgrade di Fitch a “BBB-� nel gennaio 2025, conferendo all’azienda lo status completo di investment-grade. Entrambe le agenzie hanno sottolineato una politica finanziaria prudente, una forte performance operativa e un piano di debito sostenibile. La direzione considera i doppi rating una conferma della struttura di capitale disciplinata e della strategia a lungo termine.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) obtuvo una calificación inicial de emisor a largo plazo de “BBB-� con Perspectiva Estable por parte de S&P Global Ratings. La agencia destacó:

  • La posición líder en el mercado QSR en América Latina y el exclusivo Acuerdo de Master Franchise de McDonald’s, recientemente renovado hasta 2044 con una opción de 20 años.
  • Una apalancamiento conservador, con deuda ajustada por S&P/EBITDA � 2.0x y FFO/deuda � 35%.
  • Una sólida liquidez, sin vencimientos a corto plazo y líneas de crédito comprometidas.
  • La diversificación geográfica y la capacidad para soportar un posible escenario de estrés soberano brasileño.

Este es el segundo rating investment-grade para Arcos Dorados, tras la mejora de Fitch a “BBB-� en enero de 2025, otorgando a la compañía el estatus completo de grado de inversión. Ambas agencias destacaron una política financiera prudente, un sólido desempeño operativo y un calendario de deuda cómodo. La dirección considera las calificaciones duales como una validación de su estructura de capital disciplinada y estrategia a largo plazo.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO)� S&P 글로벌 레이팅스로부� 장기 발행� 신용등급 'BBB-'와 안정� 전망� 처음으로 받았습니�. 기관은 회사� 다음 사항� 언급했습니다:

  • 라틴 아메리카 QSR 시장 점유� 선도 � 2044년까지 20� 옵션� 포함� 독점 맥도날드 마스� 프랜차이� 계약 갱신.
  • S&P 조정 부�/EBITDA � 2.0�, FFO/부� � 35%� 보수적인 레버리지.
  • 견고� 유동�, 단기 만기 없음, 확정� 신용 시설.
  • 지리적 다각� � 잠재� 브라� 주권 위기 시나리오� 견딜 � 있는 능력.

이번� Arcos Dorados� � 번째 투자등급 신용평가�, 2025� 1� Fitch� 'BBB-' 상향 조정 이후 회사� 완전� 투자등급 지위를 부여합니다. � 기관 모두 신중� 재무 정책, 강력� 운영 실적, 안정적인 부� 일정� 주목했습니다. 경영진은 이중 등급� 자사� 엄격� 자본 구조 � 장기 전략� 대� 검증으� 보고 있습니다.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE : ARCO) a obtenu une première notation d’émetteur à long terme de « BBB- » avec une perspective stable de la part de S&P Global Ratings. L’agence a souligné :

  • La part de marché dominante dans le secteur QSR en Amérique latine et l’accord exclusif de franchise maître McDonald’s, récemment renouvelé jusqu’en 2044 avec une option de 20 ans.
  • Un levier financier prudent, avec une dette ajustée par S&P/EBITDA � 2,0x et un FFO/dette � 35 %.
  • Une liquidité solide, aucune échéance à court terme et des facilités de crédit engagées.
  • La diversification géographique et la capacité à supporter un éventuel scénario de stress souverain brésilien.

Il s’agit de la deuxième notation investment-grade pour Arcos Dorados, suite à la montée en gamme de Fitch à « BBB- » en janvier 2025, conférant à la société un statut pleinement investment-grade. Les deux agences ont mis en avant une politique financière prudente, une solide performance opérationnelle et un calendrier d’endettement confortable. La direction considère ces doubles notations comme une validation de sa structure de capital disciplinée et de sa stratégie à long terme.

Arcos Dorados (NYSE: ARCO) erhielt von S&P Global Ratings eine erste langfristige Emittentenbewertung von „BBB-� mit stabilem Ausblick. Die Agentur hob hervor:

  • Marktführerschaft im QSR-Bereich in Lateinamerika und den exklusiven McDonald’s Master Franchise-Vertrag, der kürzlich bis 2044 mit einer 20-jährigen Option verlängert wurde.
  • Konservative Verschuldung mit einem S&P-bereinigten Verschuldungsgrad von ca. 2,0x Debt/EBITDA und FFO/Schulden von ca. 35 %.
  • Solide Liquidität, keine kurzfristigen Fälligkeiten und zugesagte Kreditlinien.
  • Geografische Diversifikation und die Fähigkeit, ein mögliches brasilianisches Staatsrisiko zu bewältigen.

Dies ist die zweite Investment-Grade-Bewertung für Arcos Dorados, nach dem Upgrade von Fitch auf „BBB-� im Januar 2025, das dem Unternehmen den vollen Investment-Grade-Status verleiht. Beide Agenturen betonten eine vorsichtige Finanzpolitik, starke operative Leistung und einen komfortablen Schuldenplan. Das Management sieht die Doppelbewertung als Bestätigung der disziplinierten Kapitalstruktur und langfristigen Strategie.

 

 

 

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K
 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16

OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of July, 2025


Commission File Number: 001-35129

 

Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Río Negro 1338, First Floor 

Montevideo, Uruguay, 11100 

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

  Form 20-F X   Form 40-F    

 

 

  

 

 

ARCOS DORADOS HOLDINGS INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM  
1. Press Release dated July 31, 2025 titled “Arcos Dorados Achieves Full Investment Grade with S&P’S Initial Rating of ‘BBB-’”

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc.
   
   
  By: /s/ Juan David Bastidas
    Name: Juan David Bastidas
    Title: Chief Legal Counsel

 

Date: July 31, 2025

 

 

 

Item 1

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

 

 

ARCOS DORADOS ACHIEVES FULL INVESTMENT GRADE WITH S&P’S INITIAL RATING OF ‘BBB-’

 

Montevideo, Uruguay, July 31, 2025 – Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ARCO) (“Arcos Dorados” or the “Company”) announced that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) assigned an investment grade long-term issuer credit rating of ‘BBB-’ with a Stable Outlook for the Company. This marks the second investment grade rating received by Arcos Dorados, following Fitch Ratings’ upgrade to ‘BBB-’ in January 2025, thereby achieving full investment grade status.

 

In its report, the agency highlighted Arcos Dorados’ leading position in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in Latin America, its exclusive rights to the McDonald’s brand through its Master Franchise Agreement (MFA), and its consistent track record of maintaining a conservative financial profile. These strengths support stable credit metrics, with S&P-adjusted debt to EBITDA of approximately 2.0x and S&P-adjusted Funds from Operations to Debt near 35%.

 

S&P also emphasized the strategic benefits of the recently renewed MFA with McDonald’s, valid through the end of 2044, with an additional 20-year renewal option. This agreement grants Arcos Dorados exclusive access to one of the world’s most recognized brands across 20 countries in the region, providing a significant competitive advantage in terms of brand strength, supply chain integration, and access to global operational know-how.

 

S&P further noted Arcos Dorados’ sound liquidity position, broad geographic footprint, and capacity to withstand a potential Brazilian sovereign stress scenario. The Company’s prudent financial risk management, lack of near-term debt maturities, and access to committed credit facilities further strengthen its credit profile according to the rating agency.

 

S&P and Fitch both highlighted Arcos Dorados’ operating performance and prudent financial policy as key drivers of long-term credit quality. Fitch pointed to the Company’s continued strong operating performance, good liquidity and comfortable debt maturity profile to support its upgrade in January 2025.

 

Achieving full investment grade status reinforces Arcos Dorados’ commitment to maintaining a solid financial position and enhances its standing in global capital markets, reflecting strong confidence in the Company’s financial discipline and long-term strategic execution.

 

 

Investor Relations Contact

Dan Schleiniger

VP of Investor Relations

Arcos Dorados

[email protected]

Media Contact

David Grinberg

VP of Corporate Communications

Arcos Dorados

[email protected]

 

 

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About Arcos Dorados

 

Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee, operating in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has the exclusive right to own, operate and grant franchises of McDonald’s restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories with more than 2,400 restaurants, operated or franchised by the Company or by its sub-franchisees, that together employ more than 100,000 people (as of 03/31/2025). The Company is also committed to the development of the communities in which it operates, to providing young people their first formal job opportunities and to utilize its Recipe for the Future to achieve a positive environmental impact. Arcos Dorados is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ARCO). To learn more about the Company, please visit the Investors section of our website: www.arcosdorados.com/ir.

 

 

FAQ

What rating did S&P assign to Arcos Dorados (ARCO)?

S&P Global Ratings issued a BBB- long-term issuer credit rating with a Stable Outlook.

Why did S&P give Arcos Dorados an investment-grade rating?

S&P cited ARCO’s leading LATAM QSR position, conservative leverage (�2.0× debt/EBITDA) and strong liquidity.

Is this Arcos Dorados� first investment-grade rating?

No. Fitch upgraded ARCO to BBB- in January 2025; S&P’s rating brings full investment-grade coverage.

How long is the McDonald’s Master Franchise Agreement valid?

The MFA was recently renewed through 2044 with an additional 20-year renewal option.

What leverage metrics did S&P highlight for Arcos Dorados?

S&P-adjusted debt/EBITDA � 2.0× and FFO/debt � 35% support the rating.
Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc

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ARCO Stock Data

1.44B
200.89M
4.53%
53.36%
0.59%
Restaurants
Consumer Cyclical
Uruguay
Montevideo