Analysts warn that the Indian government s plans to convert statutory dues into equity in Vodafone Idea could limit the cash-strapped telco s ability to attract external equity funding from third-party investors. Vodafone Idea faces more than Rs 40,000 crore worth of annual payouts in regulatory dues post moratorium.
In a July 28 note, Vodafone Idea requested additional time till the quarter ending December, to pay the remaining 50% and 90% licence fees and SUC for the March quarter of FY23 and June quarter of FY24, respectively.
Vodafone Idea: Vi is likely to have sought time till October to clear its June quarter licence fee and SUC dues to minimise operational continuity risks and also balance all stakeholder interests, especially as it is yet to conclude its much delayed fundraise, the two people said.
".the fundraising for Vi is still critical in order to clear past dues. (We) await clarity (from the company) on past recoveries," JP Morgan said in a note after hosting an investor conference with Indus chief financial officer Vikas Poddar. Poddar has also said Indus may consider dividend payouts this financial year if collections from Vi don t worsen.
Shares of Vodafone Idea (VIL) on Tuesday tumbled nearly 19 per cent after the debt-ridden firm announced converting about Rs 16,000 crore interest dues liability payable to the government into equity.