Vodafone Idea will bounce back despite AGR stress, says Bharti Infratel

New Delhi: Telecom infrastructure company Bharti Infratel on Friday said it believes that Vodafone Idea will bounce back, and the entity “will be around” despite the stress faced by the operator on account of statutory dues.

In an earnings call, Akhil Gupta, Chairman of Bharti Infratel, also said the company believes in returning surplus to shareholders be it by way of dividend or buyback, and while it has used the dividend route, the firm is open to considering buyback, in case there is any scope.

“Since we do give…dividend I don’t think we have too much scope for buyback but if ever there would be, we would actively consider it…I will ask my tax people if they feel buyback is a better option, we have no problem. Our theory is whatever is extra, we would like to return to shareholders be it by way of dividend or buyback. We will have a look at it,” he said.