TPG Telecom Limited (ASX: TPM), Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) and Platinum Asset Management Limited (ASX: PTM) are three ASX companies firmly on my watchlist.
TPG Telecom
TPG Telecom is Australia's third-largest telecommunications company, behind Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Optus. TPG took the fight to Telstra and Optus in the home phone and broadband markets and is now rolling out its own mobile network. The company is founder-run by David Teoh, who is also a major shareholder.
Following a hefty fall in the company's share price over the past year, TPG shares currently trade at 12x profit and the company is forecast to pay dividends of 2.8%.
Washington H. Soul Pattinson (WHSP)
WHSP is one of Australia's leading conglomerate style businesses. It buys large stakes in other companies and holds them for the long term. For example, it is one of the largest investors in TPG Telecom. And like TPG, WHSP is family run. In fact, the business has been in the family for many decades and has performed exceptionally well.
At today's prices, WHSP shares do not appear to be standout value in my opinion.
Platinum
Platinum Asset Management was the talk of the town late last year and earlier this year as the funds management business was criticised for losing employees and clients. However, it appears the business has started to turn itself around. Over the past three months, Platinum shares are up 34%.
I am a shareholder of Platinum, having told readers why I wanted to buy it in May. I would like to buy more, but its current valuation leaves a little to be desired. That's why I have not bought more shares for my portfolio.
Foolish Takeaway
At today's prices, I have each of these companies on my watchlist. The company that is most tempting to me right now is TPG Telecom, given its quality franchise, leadership, and modest valuation.
