Vedanta Resources Ltd, led by Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, is on the verge of a critical moment as the miner seeks approval for a proposal that could provide breathing room for meeting its debt obligations.
Bondholders have until January 2 to consent to a plan that aims to extend due dates on $3.2 billion in bond repayments. Vedanta needs approval from at least two-thirds of bondholders in each of the three securities to proceed with the plan, and a holder meeting is scheduled for January 4.
Key Points:
- Bond Repayment Extension: Vedanta seeks to extend the maturity on $3.2 billion in bonds by offering to pay by early February for notes due in and. The miner plans to extend the maturity on the remaining principal by up to four years.
- Credit Rating Impact: S&P Global Ratings downgraded Vedanta’s rating deeper into junk in December, expressing concerns about the company’s finances. The proposal to revise bond terms is part of Vedanta’s efforts to strengthen its balance sheet.
- Approval Requirement: Vedanta needs consent from at least two-thirds of bondholders in each of the three securities to implement the proposed plan. The outcome will be determined by the bondholders’ response, and a holder meeting is scheduled for January 4.
- Debt Reduction Initiatives: Vedanta has previously undertaken measures to reduce debt, including selling a stake in its Mumbai-listed subsidiary and securing a $1.25 billion private loan. However, concerns persist, underscored by the borrowing cost to refinance debt.
Proposal Details:
- The miner plans to pay by early February for notes due in and.
- The maturity on the remaining principal is intended to be extended by up to four years.
- No proposed changes to the principal amount or coupon on notes due in April .
- Vedanta is seeking approval to revise the fixed charge coverage ratio, a leverage covenant.
Vedanta’s ability to secure bondholders’ approval for the proposed extension will significantly impact the company’s financial trajectory and its ability to navigate debt obligations. The outcome of the holder meeting on January 4 will be a pivotal moment for Vedanta Resources.