Vodafone Idea shares surge 7%: Is SBI-led debt deal finally nearing closure?

Vodafone Idea shares jumped 7.11% to Rs 15.07 on Tuesday, after reports that the telecom operator is nearing a larger debt package from a consortium of public-sector banks led by State Bank of India (SBI).

SBI is reportedly willing to sanction its portion of the proposed loan once the other lenders approve their respective commitments, as reported by Business Standard.

Vi is seeking funding as part of its broader Rs 45,000-crore requirement. The company has already raised around Rs 6,400 crore, including Rs 1,183 crore through warrant proceeds from promoter Aditya Birla Group.


The remaining funds came from foreign lenders through external commercial borrowings and private Indian banks.

As per the Business Standard report, ICICI Securities, in a note, said that the telecom company is negotiating with a consortium of six to seven public-sector banks to formalise the larger debt package. The company has also placed equipment and capital expenditure orders worth more than Rs 9,000 crore with network suppliers such as Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung.

The potential funding is expected to provide Vi with greater financial flexibility to expand its network and execute its capex plans, which has improved investor sentiment around the stock. However, the final loan approvals and disbursement remain key developments to watch.

Vodafone shares have gained 14.85% over the past month, compared with a 2.20% rise in the NSE. Its traded value stood at Rs 1,527.23 crore, while its free-float market capitalisation was Rs 41,427.95 crore. The stock has a face value of Rs 10, with the deliverable quantity accounting for 35.03% of the traded quantity.

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