Stock price when the opinion was issued
These were very, very cheap stocks from a European context and have been running up. A big issue is that there are way too many telecoms in Europe. Because they are big companies and viewed as important, mergers are not allowed very easily. Lack of consolidation has been the difficult part. Stocks are very cheap and they pay very good yield.
Share performance recently lagging, however performance strong all year.
Slowly growing with stable dividend.
Concerns for competition from the USA not a big worry.
CAPEX expected to come down which will help cash flow.
Expecting more increased dividends & more share buy backs.
Vodafone (VOD-Q) or Deutsche Telekom (DTE-FSE)? This one’s asset is the US asset which is currently looking to buy MetroPCS which should be announced fairly shortly. If they make the acquisition they will have a public vehicle because it is going to be a reverse takeover. Ultimately a special dividend will be paid. Reasonable dividend and great balance sheet. If they don’t get this, they will ultimately sell their T-Mobile holdings. Both are interesting and both could offer good upside.