CRISIL raises Jindal Stainless Outlook to AA-/Positive

New Delhi, 7 April, 2023: India’s leading stainless steel manufacturer, Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL) hasearnedan outlook upgrade of ‘Positive’ from ‘Stable’from the CRISIL Ratingson the long-term bank facilities and debt programme, and a reaffirmed rating at ‘CRISIL AA-’. Meanwhile, the rating on the short-term bank facilities has been reaffirmed at ‘CRISIL A1+’. The rating agency has revised its outlookin view of the Company’s improved business risk profile,an expected uptick in scale and forward integration with capacity expansion and acquisitions.

Some of the parameters that CRISIL Ratings took note ofin order to elevate the outlook include the completion of the merger process of Jindal Stainless Hisar Limited (JSHL) with the Company, the healthy financial risk profile of the Company led by strong liquidity, its strategic acquisitions, an agile business model, and its capacity expansion to 2.9 million tonnes per annum. The Company’s leadership position in thedomestic stainlesssteel industry,efficient working capital management along with healthy demand outlookand sizable export presence were some of the other factors that contributed to the revised outlook.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, MrAbhyuday Jindal said, “The upgraded outlook by CRISIL Ratings is a significant recognition of Jindal Stainless’ strong business fundamentals and its commitment to mitigating environmental and social risks. With our focus on creating a sustainable ecosystem, enhancing our melting capacities to fulfill the growing stainless steel demand and improving our environmental, social, and governance profile, we will continue to deliver the best-in-class stainless steel solutions to India and the world.”

As per the report,a strong domestic demand outlook has led to significant capital expenditure, which, along withoperating efficiency, has led to sustainable improvement in EBITDA per tonne. Despite capacity addition, the Company’s financial risk profile is expected to remain healthy. According to CRISIL Ratings, the business risk profile of the Company will continue to improve, given its focus on high-margin segments, synergies arising from its recent acquisitions, and completion of its planned capex in fiscal 2024. Financial risk profile is expected to remain healthy despite capex, aided by sustenance of its margin profile.