S&P upgrades IQ’s credit rating to ‘AA-’
S&P upgrades Industries Qatar’s credit rating to ‘AA-’ from ‘A+’ with a stable outlook Moody’s affirms IQ’s long-term rating at A1, upgrades outlook to positive from stable
INDUSTRIES Qatar (IQ) on Sunday announced that Standard & Poor’s Financial Services (S&P) has upgraded IQ’s credit rating to ‘AA-’ from ‘A+’ with a stable outlook and Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) has affirmed IQ’s credit ratings but upgraded the outlook to positive from stable.
These strong credit ratings were issued by the respective international credit rating agencies based on their review of IQ’s current and future financial & operational performance.
Consideration was given to several factors in assigning these current ratings, including IQ’s healthy liquidity profile; robust cash flow generation capability; strong competitive market position; and greater integration with the Parent entity (QatarEnergy).
In an open statement, S&P said, “We expect that IQ will retain its superior profitability and cost competitiveness, owing to efficient operations.”
Moody’s said, “The Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) is underpinned by IQ’s strong competitive position as a lowcost producer; a very strong
financial profile, and a high degree of integration and coordination between IQ and QatarEnergy.”
This is a testament to IQ’s enhanced asset quality and robust
liquidity position based on sound operating and financial management processes & policies. Where IQ’s competitive strengths will leverage stability during the present
unpredictable times and empower the ability to generate positive cash flows, given the Group’s efficient cost structures and robust working capital management capabilities.