Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Companies / Two months after Hindenburg report, Fitch affirms 'BBB-' rating on Adani Ports with stable outlook
BackBack

Two months after Hindenburg report, Fitch affirms 'BBB-' rating on Adani Ports with stable outlook

The Hindenburg report had alleged ‘brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud’ and use of offshore shell companies to inflate stock prices. The group has denied all Hindenburg allegations, calling them ‘malicious’, ‘baseless’ and a ‘calculated attack on India’.

Signage of Adani Group in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday (Bloomberg)Premium
Signage of Adani Group in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday (Bloomberg)

Fitch Ratings on Thursday affirmed its 'BBB-' rating on Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited with a stable outlook. The development comes exactly two months after a report by US-based Hindenburg Research triggered a massive rout in Adani Group stocks and bonds. The ratings agency said that the the controversial report has a limited near-term impact on APSEZ's cost of funding.

"Fitch Ratings has affirmed India-based port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited's (APSEZ) Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB-'. The Outlook is Stable. The affirmation reflects its view that the Hindenburg report alleging governance issues at the Adani group has a limited near-term impact on APSEZ's cost of funding and access at the current rating level," it said.

Fitch expects the company's financial flexibility to remain supported by its robust portfolio of seaports, which comprises strategically located assets with best-in-class operational efficiency and an adequate liquidity position. It opined that APSEZ has timing flexibility in its expansion projects.

About half of APSEZ's cargo is sticky. This includes contractual take-or-pay cargo, cargo that is unlikely to be diverted to other ports due to infrastructure restrictions and cargo from joint-venture partners. 

"APSEZ's internal cash surplus is sufficient to cover its near-term operations and debt obligations as well as its budgeted capex," the ratings agency noted.

ALSO READ: After Adani, Hindenburg accuses Block of $1B fraud and misleading investors

The US-based short seller had accused the Gautam Adani-led group of ‘brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud’. The lengthy report had also claimed that the company was using offshore shell companies to inflate stock prices. 

While Opposition leaders continue to issue calls for a probe into the matter, the conglomerate has vehemently denied all allegations. The Adani Group has dismissed Hindenburg's claims - calling them "malicious", "baseless" and a "calculated attack on India".

As part of the comeback strategy, the group has cancelled a 7,000 crore coal plant purchase as well as shelved plans to bid for stake in power trader PTC to conserve expenses. It has repaid some debt and pre-paid some of the finances raised by pledging promoter stake in group companies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Corporate news and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
More Less
Published: 23 Mar 2023, 09:44 PM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App

Chat with MintGenie