Tata Steel's improved financial performance along with equity inflow from a planned rights issue may help strengthen its balance sheet even as it aims to expand capacity in India, says Fitch Ratings.
However, Tata Steel Ltd's (TSL) rating remains on 'Rating Watch Evolving' as the agency awaits details on the JV with Thyssenkrupp AG, Germany, following the signing of definitive agreements.
"TSL's improved EBITDA so far in 2017-18 and equity inflow from a planned rights issue should enable the company to deleverage and strengthen its balance sheet even as it aims to expand capacity in India," Fitch Ratings said.
The company's consolidated EBITDA jumped 54 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2017-18, with Indian operations accounting for more than 60 percent of the incremental EBITDA, it said.
TSL plans to hold a Rs 128 billion rights issue of ordinary shares from February 14-28, 2018, it added.
Steel prices in India have also moved in tandem with the increase in international steel prices over April-December, supported by steady domestic demand growth.
Hot rolled steel sheet spot prices in China have increased to USD 650/tonne, from around USD 450/tonne in April 2017, driven by the improved balance in demand and supply in the world's largest market and an increase in raw material costs, it said.
In India, TSL benefited from 18 percent increase in steel sales in April-December as its plant in Kalinganagar ramped up output, and a 22 percent improvement in EBITDA per tonne.
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