International credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's has announced that it has lowered the global steel giant
ArcelorMittal's long- and short-term ratings from 'BBB-/A-3' to 'BB+/B' which is considered as ‘junk status', confirming the outlook as negative.
The agency stated that the downgrade was a result of the further weakening in the sector and
ArcelorMittal's weaker-than-expected second quarter results, as well as the uncertainty in the debt reduction plans of the steelmaker. S&P also cited the downward revision in its view for European economic growth and weakening purchasing manager indices for other parts of the world as the reason for the downgrade.
Meanwhile, Moody's, another credit ratings agency, also lowered
ArcelorMittal's rating outlook from stable to negative, maintaining its rating of 'Baa3'. "The change in outlook reflects Moody's more negative appraisal of worldwide steel market conditions over the next six months, in combination with
ArcelorMittal's relatively weak credit metrics," Moody's said.
Moody's expects the company will reduce its debt in the second half of 2012 as it has been active in selling non-core investments and in 2012 has closed on or announced disposals representing $1.5 billion in cash proceeds, with the majority of the proceeds used to repay debt.
ArcelorMittal reported a net income of $1.5 billion in the second quarter, falling significantly compared to the corresponding quarter of 2011.