The Vocus Group share price has sunk 6% lower today: Is this a buying opportunity?

The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX:VOC) share price has fallen 6% on Friday. Is this a buying opportunity?

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price is on course to finish the week with a day deep in the red.

At the time of writing the telco company's shares are down almost 6.5% to $3.12.

Why is the Vocus share price tumbling lower?

With no news out of the company, today's decline is a bit of a mystery.

However, it is worth noting that the Vocus share price has been on fire over the last six months and absolutely thumped the ASX 200 and its peers.

Prior to today, the company's shares were up 33% over the period. This compares to an 11.5% decline by the benchmark index, a 5% gain by the Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price, and a 20% gain by the TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) share price. The latter's gain has been driven largely by its plans to merge with Vodafone Australia.

Why has Vocus outperformed?

A better than expected full year result in August has been a key driver of its strong share price return over the last six months.

In FY 2018 the company reported a 4% increase in revenue to $1.9 billion and a 7% lift in underlying EBITDA to $360 million.

While underlying NPAT for the year declined 17% to $127 million, it is worth noting that this means it had a stellar second half. In the first half Vocus reported NPAT of just $37.3 million, which was down significantly on the prior corresponding period.

Should you invest?

I was impressed with the way the company performed in the second half of FY 2018, but I think the post-results rally means its shares are fully valued now.

Though, it will be worth keeping an eye on the ACCC's decision on the proposed merger of TPG Telecom and Vodafone Australia. If that goes ahead it could make trading conditions easier in the telco space and lift the margins of Vocus, possibly justifying a higher valuation.

But until then, I would suggest investors wait for a better entry point further down the line.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended TPG Telecom Limited and Vocus Communications Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Fallers

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why Domino's, HMC Capital, Regis Healthcare, and WiseTech shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Boss Energy, Paragon Care, Treasury Wine, and Woodside shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough session on Thursday.

Read more »

an oil worker holds his hands in the air in celebration in silhouette against a seitting sun with oil drilling equipment in the background.
Share Fallers

Why ASX oil stocks Woodside, Santos and Ampol are sliding today

Oil prices have slipped below US$60 a barrel.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why DroneShield, Graincorp, Treasury Wine, and Woodside shares are sinking today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why AIC Mines, ASX, Karoon Energy, and Life360 shares are falling today

These shares are falling more than most on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why ASX, CSL, Galan Lithium, and NextDC shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why Austal, Fenix Resources, Metcash, and Polynovo shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Chalice Mining, Predictive Discovery, Premier Investments, and St Barbara shares are sinking today

These shares are missing out on the good time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »