Telefonica is considering the sale of its former headquarters in downtown Madrid, following an unsolicited approach for the asset, according to people familiar with the matter https://t.co/9VWlMIND19 ...

Summary of J.P. Morgan's 2025 Mid-Year Update on Investment Grade TMT Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) in Europe - **Current Market Sentiment**: The report indicates a generally positive outlook for the TMT sector, particularly in telecommunications, with expectations for continued growth and potential consolidation opportunities in the market [1][4][12]. Key Themes and Insights - **Telecom Sector**: - The telecom sector is rated as **Overweight** due to solid earnings performance and expectations for year-over-year growth in 2025. The sector is increasingly viewed as strategic, with potential for lighter regulation and consolidation in four-player markets [4][12][36]. - Notable operators have passed "peak capex," leading to improved free cash flow (FCF) as investments in fiber rollouts begin to stabilize [12]. - **Media Sector**: - Rated as **Neutral**, the media sector has shown resilience in advertising spend, despite challenges from trade friction and geopolitical tensions. The European satellite sector has gained strategic importance, with solid balance sheets across the industry [4][13]. - **Technology Sector**: - Also rated as **Neutral**, the technology sector is characterized by a mix of defensive and cyclical subsectors. Demand remains uncertain, particularly for equipment makers and semiconductors [4][14]. Trade Recommendations - **Top Trades**: The report includes specific trade ideas for both EUR and GBP currencies, highlighting various long and short positions in telecom, media, and technology sectors [5][6]. - **Rating Changes**: - Upgrades: KPN and Verizon to **Overweight** - Downgrades: AT&T, Orange, SAP, and Wolters Kluwer to **Neutral** [4]. Market Dynamics - **YTD Supply and Maturities**: - Total supply in the European TMT sector reached €32.3 billion in 2025, with telecoms accounting for €20.1 billion, media for €4.5 billion, and technology for €7.7 billion. This reflects strong demand and favorable rates [17][18]. - **Upcoming Maturities**: Significant maturities are expected for major players like AT&T, Orange, Vodafone, and Telefonica, indicating a need for refinancing and potential market activity [18][20]. Sector Performance Metrics - **Benchmark Spreads**: - As of July 25, 2025, the IG Iboxx Benchmark spread was 91 basis points, with telecommunications at 89 bps, technology at 91 bps, and media at 82 bps, indicating varying levels of risk perception across sectors [16]. Additional Insights - **External Risks**: The report highlights external threats such as oil price volatility and US tariffs, which could impact market stability. However, the overall market has shown resilience to these risks [9][10]. - **Hybrid Securities**: The report notes a preference for hybrid securities, which have performed well year-to-date, with expectations for continued demand despite a relatively low supply [21][22]. Conclusion - The J.P. Morgan report presents a cautiously optimistic view of the European TMT sector, emphasizing the strategic importance of telecommunications and the potential for consolidation. The media and technology sectors are viewed with a more neutral stance, reflecting ongoing challenges and opportunities. Investors are advised to consider the outlined trade ideas and monitor external risks that may affect market dynamics [1][4][12][36].

Telefonica has identified an opportunity to grow its defense business outside Spain as countries across Europe ramp up military spending, its executive chairman says https://t.co/aVDbo0lDXj ...

Core Viewpoint - The article compares Telefonica (TEF) and Telus (TU) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors, highlighting TEF's stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [1][3]. Valuation Metrics - TEF has a forward P/E ratio of 14.22, while TU has a forward P/E of 21.25, indicating that TEF is potentially undervalued compared to TU [5]. - TEF's PEG ratio is 0.83, suggesting a favorable valuation in relation to its expected earnings growth, whereas TU's PEG ratio is significantly higher at 5.05 [5]. - TEF's P/B ratio stands at 1.2, compared to TU's P/B of 2.08, further indicating TEF's relative undervaluation [6]. Earnings Outlook - TEF is noted for having an improving earnings outlook, which contributes to its higher Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), compared to TU's Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][7].

Investment Ratings - European Real Estate sector is rated as "Sell" for Kojamo due to weak operating trends and high valuation [2] - Allianz has been downgraded to "Neutral" while AXA is preferred in the multi-line insurance sector [3] - Ryanair is reiterated as a "Buy" following a strong outlook for FY26 results [5][35] Core Insights - European Real Estate remains volatile, but M&A activity is increasing, with a 28% year-over-year rise in M&A volumes [2] - Allianz shares have increased by 22% since September 2024, but the stock is now trading at the high end of its historical valuation range [3] - Investors are focusing on high-quality names in the European Chemicals sector, with cautious sentiment towards Symrise and Croda [4] Summary by Sections Real Estate - M&A activity in European Real Estate is on the rise, with companies like Assura and Warehouse REIT being potential takeover targets [2] - Coverage trades at a significant 36% discount to NTA, compared to a 16% long-term average [2] Insurance - Allianz's earnings estimates for 2025 have been cut by 8%, leading to a reduced price target [3] - AXA is highlighted as a preferred multi-line insurance play due to its undemanding valuation and buyback potential [3] Chemicals - High-quality names such as Givaudan and Air Liquide are favored, while there is caution regarding Symrise and Croda due to destocking risks [4] Transportation - Ryanair's net profit estimate for FY26 has been increased by 3%, indicating a positive outlook [5] - The company is expected to benefit from share buybacks and the removal of ownership restrictions, supporting its inclusion in MSCI global indices [7]

Core Insights - Tenable announced the recipients of its Global Partner Awards during the fifth annual Tenable AssureWorld virtual partner conference, recognizing partners for their contributions to customer success in exposure management [1][2] - The awards included categories such as Global System Integrator of the Year awarded to IBM, Tenable OT Security Partner of the Year awarded to Siemens Energy, MSSP Partner of the Year awarded to Telefonica, and Global Technology Partner of the Year awarded to AWS [1] - Tenable emphasizes a partner-first approach, focusing on investing in and supporting channel partners to achieve collective success in cybersecurity [2] Company Overview - Tenable is positioned as the exposure management company, addressing cybersecurity gaps that can impact business value, reputation, and trust [4] - The company offers an AI-powered exposure management platform that integrates security visibility and action across various environments, including IT infrastructure and cloud [4] - Tenable serves approximately 44,000 customers globally, aiming to reduce business risk through effective exposure management [4] Partner Program - The Tenable Assure Partner Program provides partners with sales and marketing support, training, certification opportunities, and technical assistance to enhance their business capabilities [3] - The program is designed to help partners deliver exceptional exposure management and risk mitigation solutions [3]

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2025 results on April 23, after the closing bell. In the to-be-reported quarter, the company is likely to have recorded higher revenues from the Software segment with a strong focus on product innovation and healthy AI traction across various sectors. Factors at PlayIBM’s Software segment includes Hybrid Platform & Solutions and Transaction Processing, focusing on technologies that enhance enterprise productivity and inno ...

Core Viewpoint - Telefonica (TEF) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [4]. Recent Performance and Outlook - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Telefonica is expected to earn $0.33 per share, reflecting a -15.4% change from the previous year [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Telefonica has increased by 1.5%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Telefonica to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Viewpoint - Akanda Corp. has announced a Share Exchange Agreement with First Towers & Fiber Corp, focusing on expanding its telecommunications infrastructure in Mexico while discontinuing its cannabis distribution business in the UK [2][4][12]. Company Overview - Akanda Corp. is an international cannabis company dedicated to cultivating and distributing high-quality medical cannabis and wellness products [20]. - First Towers specializes in telecommunications infrastructure development in Mexico, operating a 700+ km fiber optic network and focusing on expanding its services to other Latin American countries [6][9]. Transaction Details - The Share Exchange Agreement will result in First Towers shareholders receiving one share of Akanda for every 2.5 shares held, totaling approximately 15.3 million shares, with an additional US$14.1 million payable 18 months post-transaction [4][5]. - Upon closing, First Towers shareholders are expected to own approximately 83.1% of the combined company [5]. Market Opportunity - The telecommunications industry in Latin America is valued at approximately US$81 billion, with Mexico being the second-largest market [7]. - There is a significant demand for new wireless towers in Mexico, with First Towers estimating that several thousand towers are needed to achieve 4G LTE coverage for 96.4% of the population [8][15]. - An estimated 244 million people in Latin America lack internet access, presenting a substantial opportunity for 5G network deployment, projected to develop into a market exceeding US$21 billion annually [10]. Business Strategy - Akanda Corp. plans to focus on the growth of its pre-revenue Canadian farming property in British Columbia, where it intends to develop THC and CBD facilities [13]. - The decision to cease operations in the UK was influenced by challenges in management and the cost-effectiveness of maintaining the business in light of projected revenues [12].