Ailing for a long time and with its very existence threatened, Vodafone Idea (Vi) is grappling with substantial debt and consistent quarterly losses, Vi is now on a fund raising drive.
That will be akin to a lifeline in an industry that has been taken over by just two major telecom operators, namely Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, with Vodafone Idea bringing up the rear, a very far distance behind. Amidst financial turmoil, Vodafone Idea has unveiled a significant Follow-On Public Offer (FPO) to raise up to ₹18,000 crore, marking a pivotal move in its quest for stability. And if things work out, perhaps it will even be able to raise its competitiveness against Airtel and Jio.
Fundraising Background
The telco’s announcement follows a recent fund infusion of ₹2,075 crore by the Aditya Birla Group, intended to bolster its financial standing. This move aligns with Vodafone Idea’s broader agenda of raising funds to the tune of ₹45,000 crore, encompassing both equity and debt components.
Objectives of the Fundraise
The funds garnered through the FPO aim to provide Vodafone Idea with the necessary resources to enhance its market position, particularly in light of the impending 5G rollout and the imperative need to fortify its 4G services. Additionally, the funds will be allocated towards clearing overdue payments to vendors, crucial for sustaining operational viability.
FPO Details
Vodafone Idea FPO, slated to commence on April 18 and conclude on April 22, has set a price band of ₹10-11 per share. The minimum bid lot is determined at 1,298 equity shares, with subsequent bids to be in multiples thereof.
Notably, the upper limit of the price band, ₹11 per share, represents a considerable discount compared to recent preferential issue prices and the company’s previous closing price.
Regulatory Approvals and Formalities
The company’s board, in a meeting held on April 11, approved the FPO and finalized the pricing details. Additionally, requisite resolutions have been passed for the filing of the red herring prospectus.
Strategic Outreach
Vodafone Idea plans an extensive engagement with investors and analysts through roadshows across various Indian cities, commencing from the week of April 15. An anchor investor bid/offer period has been set for April 16.
Subscriber Losses
Amidst its financial challenges, Vodafone Idea continues to grapple with subscriber exits, evidenced by a significant loss of wireless subscribers. This underscores the urgency for strategic interventions to stabilize its market position and regain consumer trust. As many as 15.2 lakh wireless subscribers were lost in January, plunging its mobile subscriber base to 22.15 crore. On the other hand, Jio and Airtel have been gaining subscribers in a big way.