Vedanta Limited has successfully raised ₹2,600 crore through the issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs), scaling down from its initial target of ₹3,500 crore due to tepid demand. The company offered headline yields of 9.40% and 9.50%, but ultimately agreed to pay investors an additional 25 basis points, effectively pushing the real cost to 9.65% and 9.75%.
Key Highlights:
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Fundraising Details: Vedanta issued two series of unsecured NCDs, with maturities in February 2027 (₹2,500 crore at 9.40%) and August 2027 (₹1,000 crore at 9.50%).
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Investor Participation: Major institutional investors, including ICICI Prudential, Nippon India, Axis AMC, Aditya Birla Sun Life, and Kotak Mahindra AMC, participated in the offering.
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Purpose of Funds: The proceeds will be used for debt refinancing and capital expenditure, but not for purchasing shares or land.
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Credit Rating Clause: The bonds include a step-up clause linked to Vedanta’s credit rating. A downgrade to A or below will trigger an acceleration event, while an upgrade from A+ to AA will reduce the coupon rate by 0.50% per annum.
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Strategic Debt Management: Vedanta has been actively managing its liabilities through bond issuances and asset sales, as it faces significant debt obligations.
This move comes at a crucial time for Vedanta, as the company navigates market volatility and investor sentiment. The decision to scale down the fundraising reflects cautious optimism, balancing liquidity needs with investor appetite.
Source: Economic Times