BUZZ-India's Vodafone Idea falls as Q4 recovery seen as fragile
Citigroup Inc. C | 0.00 |
** Shares of Vodafone Idea VODA.NS fall 2.6% to 12.74 rupees
** Stock set for worst day in over one-month if losses hold
** VODA reports surprise Q4 profit, driven by one-time gain in statutory liabilities
** Promoter Aditya Birla Group to invest 47.3 billion rupees ($500 million) through fully convertible warrants
** Brokerages warn that growth remains fragile and early-stage, with UBS highlighting only marginal net subscriber decline and limited evidence of sustained recovery
** Citi notes promoter support could help unlock long-pending bank financing, while UBS said a significantly larger capital raise is still required
** Both analysts say VODA turnaround remains contingent on securing significant external funding, with its high debt burden and ongoing losses still posing risks despite improving operating metrics
** Of 19 analysts tracking stock, 13 rate "hold" or lower, while six rate "buy" or higher
** YTD, VODA up 17.3%
