Adani group shares faced a downward trajectory in Monday’s trading session, with Adani Enterprises Ltd, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, Adani Wilmar Ltd, and Adani Green Energy Ltd witnessing declines of up to 3 per cent. This slide in stock prices was triggered by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) seeking an additional 15-day extension from the Supreme Court to complete its investigation into allegations made by the US-based short seller Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group. The regulatory body had been expected to submit its report this week.
Adani Enterprises Ltd, the flagship company of the Adani Group, saw its shares trade 2.93 per cent lower at Rs 2,463.95. Similarly, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd experienced a decline of 1.96 per cent, settling at Rs 784.95. These developments are particularly significant given that the Supreme Court had initially set August 14 as the deadline for Sebi to furnish an updated status report on the matter. The court’s Chief Justice of India (CJI)-led bench had emphasized the gravity of the issue related to Hindenburg’s allegations concerning non-compliance with minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Adani Ports revealed that Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, the company’s statutory auditor, had tendered their resignation, along with that of its material subsidiaries. This development raises questions about the auditing process and oversight within the company. To address the void left by Deloitte, Adani Ports announced the appointment of MSKA & Associates Chartered Accountants as its new auditor, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring robust financial governance.
Other entities within the Adani Group faced a similar market sentiment. Adani Power’s shares dropped by 1.51 per cent, trading at Rs 283.75 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Adani Wilmar’s stock faced a dip of 2.07 per cent, while Adani Green Energy witnessed a decline of 1.79 per cent. Adani Total Gas also saw its shares fall by 1.77 per cent. Adani Energy Solutions experienced a more substantial drop, with its stock decreasing by 2.18 per cent, reaching Rs 812.55. These shifts in stock values underscore the overarching market concerns surrounding the ongoing Sebi investigation and its potential implications.
The allegations raised by Hindenburg Research have cast a shadow on the Adani Group’s operations. As Sebi extends its timeline for the investigation, market participants are closely monitoring the situation for any potential outcomes. The regulatory body’s thorough assessment and subsequent findings will play a pivotal role in shaping investor sentiment and the future trajectory of the Adani Group’s stocks.
Market participants, analysts, and investors are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant as the situation unfolds. The complex interplay between regulatory investigations, auditors’ resignations, and market sentiment underscores the need for comprehensive due diligence and a holistic understanding of the potential impact on the Adani Group’s financial health and credibility.
