OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has today assigned OJSC Novolipetsk Steel ("NLMK") an Issuer Default "BB+" rating, a Short-term "B" rating and a National Long-term "AA(rus)" rating. The Outlooks on the Issuer Default and National Long-term ratings are Stable.

The ratings reflect NLMK's strong financial profile and sound credit metrics, while the Stable Outlook indicates Fitch's expectations that the company will maintain this positive performance through the industry cycle. This is based on its scale, low-cost production base and high self-sufficiency in raw materials.