Stockchase Opinions

Paul Harris, CFAVodafone Group PLCVODDON'T BUYAug 20, 2020

Not a tech company, but does provide access to the internet. Overexpanded and took on a lot of debt. Great business in the UK and Europe. How do they integrate 5G and the cable business? Will have a lot of capex going forward. He'd rather own a Canadian telecom like BCE. Good yield.

$15.27

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$14.87

As of May 27, 2026. Market Open.

Telecommunications
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DON'T BUY

Acts like a utility and pays a reasonable yield. But don't get too excited. The age of telcos with lots of growth are past.

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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 07/23, Down 2.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with VOD has triggered its stop at $9.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  When combined with previous buy recommendations, this will result in a net investment loss of 4%.  

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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 07/23, Up 0%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with VOD is stalling.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $8) to $9 at this time.  

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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate VOD, who is teaming up with Amazon to provide satellite based service into Africa and Europe, as a TOP PICK.  The project is set to begin in 2024 and avoids land-based fibre optic investment.  It trades at 13x earnings and under book value, while supporting a 20% ROE and growing cash reserves.  We continue to recommend a stop at $8, looking to achieve $12 -- upside over 25%.  Yield 0.9%   

(Analysts’ price target is $13.72)
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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

The recently announced proposed merger with another network provider has great upside potential and is called a "game changer" for bringing more competition to the UK mobile market, while allowing economies of scale for a 5G rollout.  The company trades at 9x earnings, under book value, is growing cash reserves, and supports a 20% ROE.  We recommend placing a stop-loss at $8, looking to achieve $13 -- upside potential of 33%.  Yield 0.9% 

(Analysts’ price target is $13.38)
COMMENT
When dividends were negative in Europe, there was weak demand for dividend-paying stocks. So, the question is whether the market will embrace an income component with VOD. He thinks so, but it will take time. Deutsche Telecom is better, which he owns. European telcos are wait and see, but Canadian ones are good.
DON'T BUY
Does not own stock. Europe not presenting good telecom investments. Inflation & negative European interest rates not good for company. Waiting to see funds flow into defensive space. Longer term, may be a good investment.
BUY
A head-scratcher. Attractive dividend as a bond proxy. A buy at these levels for income. Undervalued. If you're looking for growth, this isn't the one for you.
DON'T BUY
Telecoms everywhere are suffering. Everyone has a cell phone and internet, but no TV or cable. In stagnation mode, cutting costs, and trying to find ways to grow. Doesn't see a lot of upside.
BUY

A hard one to look at. You will see red if you have held it for a while. This is due to their spinout. Your book price is higher due to the fact it does not take into account of the dividend from the spinout. Tends to build up companies and then spins them out. There is growth however. Brexit was the biggest impediment for them. UK based companies now should do pretty well. Good for income.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 13/20, Down 7%) An interesting story when looking at global telcos. Has elevated dividends. Their tower portfolio is being spun out to be monetized. Spinouts in the past have been in the form of dividends. Likes the dividend and acquisitions it has been doing. At these levels, it is a great space for elevated yields.
BUY
The yield is very elevated. It is relative to the bifurcated market. Anything with an attractive dividend, the market does not want it. Longer term, the lion's share of profits for investors comes from dividends. If you can lock in attractive dividends, relative to bond returns, you will make money. If they do not get the valuation they want, they have stated they will spinout the towers.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 11/19, Up 2%) The telcos outside of Canada have performed quite poorly. This is quite an attractive level. VOD0N will improve as well as dividends increasing over time. He is prepared to hold this.
WATCH
Data use is way less than most of the rest of the western world. They are going to move to unlimited data. He is looking at it but has not made a decision on it.