The TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) share price has been an extraordinary performer in 2020 so far. TPG shares are up more than 23% year to date, compared with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which is still down around 13% from where it started the year.
In contrast to TPG, the Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is having a pretty average year. Telstra shares have more or less tracked the ASX 200 and are down around 11.5% year to date.
But despite the disparity in these 2 companies' fortunes in 2020 so far (not to mention the excitement TPG has been generating of late), I would much rather buy Telstra shares today for a long-term buy.
Why TPG shares are outperforming in 2020
TPG shares have been benefiting from a perfect storm in their favour. Firstly, the long-proposed merger between TPG and Vodafone has been green-lit by the Federal Courts. This was despite the ACCC attempting to block the marriage on competition grounds.
The two companies are set to become one over the next few months, which will also involve a hefty special dividend and another spin-off of TPG's Singapore operations.
Investors are liking what they see here, and have subsequently pushed up TPG shares over the last few months.
Why Telstra shares are a better bet
Despite all this exciting news, I'm still betting on Telstra as an investment. TPG is a well-run company with a great CEO and a great brand. However, I still don't think it has the firepower to really compete with Telstra. Telstra already commands a significant pricing premium on its mobile data products in the current market. It is able to do so (in my view) due to the superiority of its network coverage.
Many people go with Telstra because other providers simply can't offer the coverage that Telstra can.
Telstra has a very well-known brand which I think is superior to all of its competitors in attracting and keeping customers.
The company also offers more dividend potential that TPG. On current prices, Telstra shares come with a trailing yield of 5.05% (taking into account Telstra's special nbn dividend payments).
In contrast, TPG shares are only offering a 0.61% trailing yield on current prices. Even if you threw in the prospect of a post-merger special dividend, Telstra is still more attractive to me.
I also expect Telstra to be the market leader in the new 5G technology. Since the Chinese giant Huawei was banned from operating 5G networks in Australia, TPG has fallen behind in the 5G race. Thus, I would still bet on Telstra's heavy investment and brand power to carry it over the line first against TPG, Optus or any other competitor.
Foolish takeaway
TPG is a great company and one that has been especially lucrative to own in 2020. However, going forward I think Telstra will make a better investment overall, and that's why I would rather buy cheap Telstra shares today than TPG shares despite them being near their 52-week highs.
