Jefferies Names Top Latin America Stocks Led by Assai and YDUQS

Claro, a Brazilian operator, has finalized the purchase of a 72.83% stake in fiber broadband provider Desktop. The deal, completed via subsidiary Claro NXT, involves 84.68 million shares. Claro plans to seek approval for a tender offer for the remaining shares. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Claro's position in Brazil's fixed broadband market.

Carlos Slim Helú, Mexico’s richest man, said the Pemex crisis is Mexico’s main problem. He cited falling output, limited investment and about $85bn in debt. Pemex reportedly ended 2025 with ~$2.5bn losses, while the government provides a bailout. Slim also backed Sheinbaum’s economic management, criticized Moody’s sovereign downgrade, and said $5bn in investments are planned, arguing output could rise by ~800,000 bpd with new investment.

IHS Holding’s board backed MTN Group’s plan to take the telecom tower operator private, according to an SEC Schedule 13E-3 filing. Shareholders will vote at an EGM in London later this year on a $2.2 billion deal to buy all outstanding IHS shares for $8.50 cash each. If approved, IHS will be delisted from the NYSE. MTN affiliates and Oranje-Nassau Développement have support totaling over 40% of votes.

SFL Corporation ordered two 93,000 cbm ammonia carriers for $216 million, deliverable in 2028. The company also secured long-term charters with an oil major, adding $162 million to its backlog. CEO Ole B. Hjertaker highlighted the investment's accretive nature and the charterer's investment-grade status. The total fixed-rate charter backlog for 2026 exceeds $1.3 billion.

Chevron (CVX) announced senior leadership changes effective January 1, 2027. Mark Nelson will focus on strategy and business development, Eimear Bonner will lead Oil, Products & Gas, Jeff Gustavson will become CFO, and Brent Gros will head New Energies and AI strategy. CEO Mike Wirth praised the new leaders' expertise and commitment.

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: RARE) agreed to sell a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher for $210M, nearly half its cash reserves. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, follows the FDA's August approval of its Genglycos gene therapy. Shares rose 2.97% on the news. Ultragenyx plans to use proceeds to advance rare disease therapies and support profitability. The price is within the range of recent voucher transactions, such as Rocket Pharmaceuticals' $180M deal.