Steelmakers’ Debt Rises 25% Amid Capex Drive
Steel

Steelmakers’ Debt Rises 25% Amid Capex Drive

Domestic steelmakers are expected to see a significant rise in their net leverage to over 3x this fiscal year, driven by a 25% increase in debt due to ongoing capital expenditure (capex) projects. According to a report by Crisil Ratings, the debt levels of major steelmakers will rise by more than Rs 40,000 crore this fiscal year, marking a return to levels seen in fiscal 2020. This increase in debt is largely due to the ongoing capex cycle, with Rs 70,000 crore planned for the current and next fiscal years, aimed at expanding steelmaking capacity by 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by fiscal 2027.

While the rise in debt may strain financial metrics, steelmakers are expected to improve efficiency and increase capacity, boosting long-term growth. However, profitability has come under pressure due to falling steel prices and rising imports. Steel prices are expected to fall by 10% this fiscal year, driven by increasing imports, especially from China. Despite an increase in demand and volume, lower realizations are expected to reduce operating profit margins.

Domestic steelmakers are expected to see a significant rise in their net leverage to over 3x this fiscal year, driven by a 25% increase in debt due to ongoing capital expenditure (capex) projects. According to a report by Crisil Ratings, the debt levels of major steelmakers will rise by more than Rs 40,000 crore this fiscal year, marking a return to levels seen in fiscal 2020. This increase in debt is largely due to the ongoing capex cycle, with Rs 70,000 crore planned for the current and next fiscal years, aimed at expanding steelmaking capacity by 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by fiscal 2027. While the rise in debt may strain financial metrics, steelmakers are expected to improve efficiency and increase capacity, boosting long-term growth. However, profitability has come under pressure due to falling steel prices and rising imports. Steel prices are expected to fall by 10% this fiscal year, driven by increasing imports, especially from China. Despite an increase in demand and volume, lower realizations are expected to reduce operating profit margins.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Next Story
Equipment

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Next Story
Equipment

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement