JSW Steel: Strong operational performance lifts future prospects

Rising volumes, higher realisations, better product and geography mix to drive earnings

JSW Steel's (JSW) better-than-expected performance for the September quarter (Q2) instils confidence in its prospects. The steel major not only posted 9.6 per cent year-on-year (63.5 per cent sequentially) growth in the consolidated revenue to Rs 19,264 crore, led by improving volumes and realisations, but its operational performance also beat estimates. An improving business outlook is keeping many analysts positive on the stock, but the Street will keep an eye on debt levels.

While sales volumes of its Indian operations grew 14 per cent year-on-year to 4.12 million tonne (MT) (47 per cent sequentially) in Q2, rising domestic demand meant reduced