A $2.5 billion debt bill shows risks ahead for Vedanta
Indian mining company Vedanta Resources, which is rated junk by credit agencies, faces a record annual bill of $2bn due in 2024 and another $500m bond payment on 31 May. While the May bond is trading close to par, pricing data on other bonds suggest concerns over repayment. Vedanta's reliance on dividend payments from profitable subsidiaries has caused cash reserves to dwindle to the lowest level in at least a year, while a drop in prices for its metals could also impact profitability. Vedanta has borrowed $250m to refinance debt and signed a five-year loan for around $850m with JPMorgan and Oaktree.