MRC Global Announces S&P Upgrade in Credit Rating To “B” from “B–”, Outlook Stable
MRC Global (NYSE: MRC) has announced an upgrade in its issuer credit rating from 'B-' to 'B' by S&P Global Ratings, with the outlook adjusted to 'Stable' from 'Developing'.
The upgrade is attributed to MRC Global's ability to address its Term Loan B maturity with cash on hand, expected strong operating cash flow, and reduced debt leverage, while maintaining availability on its asset-based lending facility.
Moody's also revised its outlook on MRC Global to 'Positive' from 'Stable', affirming a corporate family rating of B2 based on improved financial performance and credit profile.
CEO Rob Saltiel expressed satisfaction with the upgrades, highlighting the company's progress in strengthening its balance sheet and generating consistent cash flows.
- Issuer credit rating upgraded from 'B-' to 'B' by S&P Global Ratings.
- Outlook changed from 'Developing' to 'Stable' by S&P.
- Ability to address Term Loan B maturity with cash on hand.
- Expected strong operating cash flow generation.
- Reduced debt leverage.
- Ample availability on the asset-based lending facility.
- Moody’s revised outlook to 'Positive' from 'Stable'.
- Moody’s affirmed corporate family rating of B2.
- Improved financial performance and credit profile.
- CEO acknowledges strengthened balance sheet and consistent cash flows.
- Issuer credit rating remains below investment grade at 'B'.
- Revised outlook signals potential but not yet achieved stability.
- Continued dependence on operating cash flow to manage debt reduction.
- Maintaining ample availability on asset-based lending indicates reliance on borrowing.
Insights
MRC Global Inc.'s recent credit rating upgrade by S&P Global Ratings from “B–” to “B” is a strong indicator of the company's improved financial health and reduced risk profile. This upgrade reflects MRC Global's ability to handle its upcoming Term Loan B maturity effectively, utilizing cash on hand and maintaining a robust operating cash flow. Additionally, the company's reduced debt leverage and ample availability on its asset-based lending facility further supports this positive outlook.
From an investor perspective, this credit rating improvement reduces the company's perceived risk, potentially lowering the cost of borrowing in the future. This can enhance net income margins and contribute to long-term growth. Furthermore, the stable outlook assigned by S&P suggests confidence in the company's ability to maintain its current financial performance, which should make the stock more attractive to risk-averse investors.
For context, credit ratings are important as they influence the interest rates at which companies can borrow money. A better rating typically means lower interest payments, further improving financial stability. This rating change, coupled with Moody’s previous revision to a positive outlook, should be read as a clear signal of the company's financial recovery and stability.
The upgrade of MRC Global’s credit rating by S&P places a spotlight on the company's operational and financial strategy success. The rating elevation largely stems from MRC Global's capability of addressing its term loan maturity with available cash and maintaining a robust cash flow. This development is significant in the industrial and energy market space, where financial health and leverage management are critical for sustained operations and market confidence.
For retail investors, understanding the implications of such upgrades is vital. A company with an improved credit rating is better positioned to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and customers, which can lead to better pricing and improved competitive positioning. Additionally, the assurance of financial stability may attract new institutional investors, potentially driving up the stock price.
It's also worth noting that MRC Global operates in a sector heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as commodity prices and industrial demand. An enhanced credit rating can offer a buffer against cyclical downturns, providing a cushion of confidence to investors.
HOUSTON, May 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRC Global Inc. (NYSE: MRC), (the “Company”), the leading global distributor of pipe, valves, fittings and infrastructure products and services to diversified energy, industrial and gas utilities end-markets, today announced the Company’s issuer credit rating has been upgraded to “B” from “B–” by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”).
S&P based its ratings upgrade in part due to the Company’s ability to address its upcoming Term Loan B maturity with cash on hand, expected strong operating cash flow generation and reduced debt leverage, while maintaining ample availability on the Company’s asset-based lending facility. The outlook was changed to “Stable” from “Developing” based on S&P’s view that the Company’s performance will remain stable, and that cash flow generation will support further debt reduction, resulting in a low leverage ratio.
Last month, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) also revised its outlook on the Company’s rating to “Positive” from “Stable” and at the same time, affirmed MRC Global's corporate family rating of B2. Moody’s change to a positive outlook was based on the Company’s improved financial performance and credit profile as well as Moody's expectations that the Company will be able to sustain its currently strong credit metrics.
Rob Saltiel, MRC Global’s President and CEO commented, “I am pleased with the recent credit rating upgrade and outlook revisions, which reaffirm the progress we have made to strengthen our balance sheet and generate strong, consistent cash flows.”
About MRC Global Inc.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, MRC Global (NYSE: MRC) is the leading global distributor of pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) and other infrastructure products and services to diversified end-markets including the gas utilities, downstream, industrial and energy transition, and production and transmission sectors. With over 100 years of experience, MRC Global has provided customers with innovative supply chain solutions, technical product expertise and a robust digital platform from a worldwide network of 214 locations including valve and engineering centers. The company’s unmatched quality assurance program offers over 300,000 SKUs from over 8,500 suppliers, simplifying the supply chain for approximately 10,000 customers. Find out more at www.mrcglobal.com.
Contact:
Monica Broughton
VP, Investor Relations & Treasury
MRC Global Inc.
Monica.Broughton@mrcglobal.com
832-308-2847
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