Yes Bank, SBI and others want Vodafone Idea to be saved, here’s why

• Vodafone Idea’s shareholders saw their wealth go up by 10% today.
• In September alone, the telco’s share price surged by over 43%.
• The reason behind the latest uptick could be the fact that banks want the government to provide relief to Vodafone Ideas.

The share price of Vodafone Idea spiked by over 10% on Tuesday after reports suggested that banks have asked the government to offer relief to the struggling telecom provider.

According to a Reuters report, the state-run State Bank of India led the banks, calling on the Indian government to give additional time to Vodafone Idea to clear the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and spectrum dues, amounting to over ₹58,000 crore.

Shares of Vodafone Idea were hovering around ₹8.75 per share, up by more than 10% over the previous closing price.

In September alone, Vodafone Idea’s shares have jumped by more than 43% - this is over just 9 trading days.

What are the banks saying?

According to the report, banks want the government to ease pressure on Vodafone Idea, and offer timely relief to the struggling telco.

“All eyes are on New Delhi right now as banks are getting increasingly nervous,” the report said, quoting an unnamed banking official.

Here’s how much Vodafone Idea and Airtel owe the government in the form of AGR dues:


Source: AGR dues case in the Supreme Court

Vodafone Idea also pays approximately ₹5,000 crore per year towards licence fee and spectrum usage charges. Additionally, according to a report by The Economic Times, the telco will have to pay ₹14,000 crore annually towards spectrum payments, taking its annual liability to ₹19,000 crore.

Vodafone Idea’s debt currently stands at ₹1.9 lakh crore, according to the company’s June quarter report.

While banks and financial institutions which have lent money to the telco don’t face any immediate threat of default, things may not remain the same for long.

Banks’ exposure to Vodafone Idea:


Source: Nomura

SEE ALSO:

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