The revised outlook reflects improved operating profitability brought by changes to the product portfolio, resulting in better credit metrics.

The affirmation is driven by the expectation that the ongoing ownership change will have no ratings impact, and Inotal manages to upkeep the comparatively strong financial risk profile amid rapidly changing market conditions.

Scope has taken no action on the ratings of Inotal Zrt. The decision incorporates the company’s solid financial risk profile while also considering intense pressure on operating profitability due to rising energy costs and raw materials prices.

The affirmation is driven by a strong performance in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, despite of the pandemic, driven by cost reduction and improved market conditions on the back of higher freight rates and EU anti-dumping duties.

The rating is supported by Inotal's established presence in international markets and flexible production, but is limited by weak product diversity, low margins, limited scale and lack of vertical integration.