The telecommunications sector has been a difficult part of the market to invest in over the last 18 months.
Almost all shares in the industry have tumbled significantly lower during this time. Has this created a buying opportunity?
Amaysim Australia Ltd (ASX: AYS)
I thought that this junior telco company turned in a hugely disappointing half-year result in February. Although revenue more than doubled to $294 million, its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) sank 41% to $10.2 million. The main culprit for this decline was its mobile business which saw EBITDA drop from $17.27 million to $5.66 million. Amaysim also more than doubled its net loss to $2.38 million and cancelled its dividend. I intend to stay clear of the company until there is a major improvement in its financial performance.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)
This telco giant's shares fell to a multi-year low of $3.11 on Wednesday, stretching their 12-month decline to a sizeable 33%. While there is no guarantee that its decline is over, I do think that its shares look highly attractive at current levels. Especially if the Federal Government writes down the value of the NBN, allowing providers to have more generous margins. This and 5G internet could be just what Telstra needs to maintain its 22 cents per share dividend. This dividend provides a fully franked trailing 7% yield at the current share price.
TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM)
This telco company has also fallen significantly over the last 12 months. While I prefer Telstra over TPG Telecom, I do see a fair bit of value in its shares at the moment. Though, ultimately, a lot will depend on the success of its mobile launch. If TPG Telecom can win a decent share of the market then it could generate strong sales and earnings growth for many years to come. I would, however, suggest investors hang back and wait to see how it performs.
