- Improved credit quality validated by resilient EBITDA, tight cost control and continuous debt reduction
- Positive outlook indicates possible further rating upgrade within the next 12 months if current credit profile will be maintained
- Issue rating on Hapag-Lloyd's senior unsecured debt raised to 'B' from 'B-'
S&P argued, that it expects Hapag-Lloyd to continue its solid 2019 EBITDA performance in 2020. Positively mentioned was also that Hapag-Lloyd’s strengthened cash flow generation, coupled with gradually reducing adjusted debt from free operating cash flow, will result in stronger than previously expected credit metrics in 2020. Furthermore, S&P recognised that Hapag-Lloyd has outperformed its cost-reduction targets, enhanced its operating efficiency, decreased cost per container shipped, and improved its profitability. As a result, Hapag-Lloyd has posted above-industry-average EBITDA margins over the past few years. The positive outlook reflects S&P’s view that Hapag-Lloyd has the capacity to further reduce leverage and to increase credit quality.
“We are very pleased that our earnings performance and our consistent cost management as well as our deleveraging efforts are positively recognized with this S&P rating action. Going forward, our prudent financial policy remains unchanged with a clear focus on profitability, cost control, debt reduction and balance sheet stability. At the same time we are focusing on the consequent implementation of our Strategy 2023,” said Mark Frese, Chief Financial Officer of Hapag-Lloyd AG.