Moody's Revises Outlook on Hyundai Steel to Negative
Moody's Investors Service has changed the outlook on Hyundai Steel Company's rating to negative from stable. At the same time, Moody's has affirmed Hyundai Steel's Baa2 issuer rating. Mr Sean Hwang, a Moody's Analyst said that "The negative outlook reflects the increasing likelihood that Hyundai Steel's financial leverage will remain elevated over the next 12-18 months, because sluggish conditions in the domestic and Asian steel industry will continue to strain its profitability.”
At the same time, Hyundai Steel's debt (excluding lease obligations) increased to KRW12.0 trillion as of 30 September 2019 from KRW11.3 trillion as of the end of 2018, driven by sizeable working capital deficits stemming from higher raw material prices.
Weak operating conditions in Asia's steel industry will likely persist in 2020 because of slowing demand growth in China and softening conditions in key end-markets, such as the global auto and domestic construction sectors. These factors will likely limit the benefit of moderating raw material prices, and thereby keep Hyundai Steel's profitability -- as measured by EBITDA per ton -- at a subdued level in 2020, after falling 20%-25% in 2019.
The company's rating also factors in the following environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations:
First, Hyundai Steel's steel operations face "elevated" environmental risk. Korean steelmakers -- including Hyundai Steel -- have come under increased scrutiny this year from the public and the Korean government regarding possible pollutant emissions from their blast furnaces. Moody's expects Hyundai Steel to increase its environmental-related investments to cope with tightening regulations.
Second, Hyundai Steel is part of HMG's circular ownership, and the group exerts significant influence over Hyundai Steel's strategy and operations, in Moody's opinion. The related governance risk is mitigated by the oversight stemming from public shareholders and independent directors, which take up the majority of the company's board.
Third, Hyundai Steel until 2013 undertook aggressive debt-funded capacity expansions. However, following the successful ramp-up of the new capacities, Moody's believes Hyundai Steel is now more focused on reducing its leverage through modest capital spending and low dividend payments.
The outlook on Hyundai Steel could return to stable if the company improves its financial profile by enhancing its earnings or significantly reducing its debt, such that adjusted debt/EBITDA falls comfortably below 4.5x.
Source : Strategic Research Institute