Vodafone Idea shares surged up to 8.5% in intraday trade, extending gains amid key relief measures. The telco secured Rs 5,836 crore from Vodafone Group via an amended merger pact, with Rs 2,307 crore due in 12 months, plus earmarked shares worth Rs 3,529 crore. Coupled with the government's Cabinet-approved freeze on Rs 87,695 crore AGR dues—payable from FY32 over 10 years—this eases liquidity woes for the debt-burdened operator.
CLAM Settlement Windfall: Revised 2017 merger agreement delivers Rs 5,836 crore total; Vodafone Group sets aside 328 crore Vi shares for sale, boosting immediate funds.
AGR Dues Relief: Cabinet freezes dues at Rs 87,695 crore as of Dec 31; repayments start FY32-41 after DoT reassessment up to FY17—avoids Rs 18,000 crore annual outflow from FY25.
Stock Surge Details: Shares hit intraday high near Rs 11.65 from Rs 10.76 close; up 4-5% early, momentum built on high volumes amid sector optimism.
Strategic Impact: Bolsters Vi's 198 million subscribers and 18,000 employees; supports 5G rollout, ARPU growth (Q2FY26 at Rs 180, +8.7% YoY).
Market Context
The rally aligns with telecom sector tailwinds like tariff hikes and reduced competition. Vi, with 48.9% government stake, gains breathing room post-Supreme Court AGR verdict tweaks. Analysts eye sustained uptrend if funding materializes.
Sources: Moneycontrol, News18, Economic Times, Business Standard.