Vodafone Group Public Limited Company provides telecommunication services in Europe and internationally. It offers mobile connectivity services comprising end-to-end services for mobile voice and data, messaging, device management, BYOx, and telecoms management, as well as professional and consulting services; and fixed line connectivity, such as fixed voice and data, broadband, software-defined networks, managed WAN, LAN, ethernet, and satellite; and financial services, as well as business and merchant services. The company also provides consumer Internet of Things (IoT) propositions, as well as security and insurance products; mobile services; logistics, fleet management, and smart metering services; WiFi; digital services comprising mobile application development, multi-access edge computing, worker insights, AI assistant, drone detection, visual inspection, and mixed reality, as well as Vodafone Analytics platform; and traditional IT hosting services, including colocation, managed hosting, security, hosting infrastructure, and flexible computing for government. In addition, it offers integrated business communication services, as well as fixed mobile convergence services; and carrier services, as well as IoT devices comprising managed tablets and integrated terminals. Further, it offers M-Pesa, an African mobile money platform to make payments and provide financial services; Vodafone Business multi-cloud platform; and productivity solutions, as well as operates digital cloud-based television platforms. It serves private and public sector customers in the manufacturing, retail, automotive, banking finance, healthcare, smart cities and public, agriculture, transport and logistics, and energy and utilities management industries. It offers its products and services through digital and physical channels. Vodafone Group Public Limited Company has a strategic partnership with Open Fiber. The company was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Newbury, the United Kingdom.

Vodafone Group Plc

Key Points
AST SpaceMobile has surged 135% year to date and projects $50 million to $75 million in revenue for H2 2025 from satellite deployments.
Rigetti Computing just raised $35 million from Quanta Computer and delivered the industry's largest demonstrated multi-chip quantum system.
Both stocks carry enormous risk but offer asymmetric upside if their technologies achieve commercial scale.
Growth investors hunting for the next big thing face a classic dilemma: Wait for proven winners at premium valuations, or take calculated risks on emerging technologies before Wall Street catches on.
This week, two speculative plays deserve attention -- not because they're safe, but because their risk-reward profiles have shifted dramatically. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) and Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) are attacking trillion-dollar problems with revolutionary solutions, and recent developments suggest the market might be underestimating their potential.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
The anti-Starlink play
While SpaceX dominates headlines with Starlink, AST SpaceMobile is building something potentially more disruptive: satellites that connect directly to unmodified smartphones. No special equipment, no new devices -- just your regular phone connecting to space when terrestrial towers can't reach you. Partners include AT&T, Verizon, Alphabet's Google, and Vodafone, covering billions of potential subscribers through carrier relationships.
The numbers are turning real. AST projects $50 million to $75 million in revenue for the second half of 2025 from government and commercial sources. Six satellites orbit now, with 45 to 60 fully funded birds planned by 2026. The stock has responded accordingly, up 135% year to date.
Wall Street maintains a "buy" consensus with a $49 average 12-month target, barely above current levels. But here's what skeptics miss: AST isn't competing with Starlink. Starlink typically requires dedicated hardware and about $120 monthly for residential service. AST makes your existing phone work everywhere, partnering with carriers rather than competing against them. Different market, different economics.
The risks are real: massive capital requirements, launch risks, regulatory hurdles across jurisdictions. Shares, accordingly, have whipsawed between $20 and $50 this year alone. But for investors who believe ubiquitous connectivity is inevitable, AST offers the most direct play on connecting 2.5 billion unconnected people globally.
A quantum's pure play
Quantum computing promises to solve problems classical computers can't touch -- drug discovery, materials science, cryptography, financial modeling. While IBM, Alphabet, and Microsoft run substantial quantum programs within diversified portfolios, Rigetti lives it as a pure-play hardware company.
The company recently announced what it calls the industry's largest demonstrated multichip quantum system using its chiplet-based architecture, a technical milestone that matters more than quarterly earnings at this stage. Second-quarter numbers were weak: Revenue fell 42% year over year to $1.8 million, and the adjusted loss was $0.13 per share. Yet Quanta Computer invested $35 million, providing validation from a Tier-1 manufacturer.
The bear case writes itself: Commercial quantum computing remains years away, IBM and Alphabet have deeper pockets, and cash burn continues with no clear path to profitability. Revenue could stay minimal while development costs climb. That's exactly why the opportunity exists -- markets hate uncertainty, creating asymmetric upside for those betting on 2030, not 2025.
Two moonshots worth buying and holding
Neither AST nor Rigetti belongs in conservative portfolios. These are conviction plays on transformative technologies that could reshape industries or flame out spectacularly.
AST offers nearer-term catalysts with satellite deployments and targeted intermittent U.S. service in late 2025, alongside a ramp-up in government and commercial revenue. Rigetti requires patience, with payoff potentially years away as quantum computing matures. AST around $48 could be cheap if it captures even 1% of the global mobile market. Rigetti in the mid-teens could be a bargain if quantum delivers on its promise later in the decade.
The key is position sizing -- these are portfolio accelerators, not core holdings. For those embracing the risk, both represent genuine innovation at valuations that don't yet price in success. In a market that often overpays for certainty, mispriced innovation can be rare. AST and Rigetti, in turn, could be stellar bargains for investors willing to take the long view.
Should you invest $1,000 in AST SpaceMobile right now?
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George Budwell has positions in Microsoft and Rigetti Computing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, International Business Machines, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Public and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 High-Powered Growth Stocks to Buy This Week

(RTTNews) - Vodafone Group Plc reported that its first-quarter operating profit decreased by 34.3% to 1.0 billion euros, primarily due to higher other income in the prior year arising from the sale of stake in Indus Towers. Adjusted EBITDAaL was up 4.9% on an organic basis to 2.7 billion euros, as service revenue growth in most markets was partially offset by the impact of the TV law change in Germany and continued commercial investments. Adjusted EBITDAaL margin was 29.3%, 0.2 percentage points higher year-over-year on an organic basis.
First quarter Group total revenue increased by 3.9% to 9.4 billion euros, with strong service revenue growth. Revenue growth was also impacted by the consolidation of Three UK, offset by foreign exchange movements. Group service revenue was up 5.3% to 7.9 billion euros, with higher revenue from the consolidation of Three UK offset by foreign exchange movements. On an organic basis, service revenue increased 5.5%.
Vodafone Group Plc reiterated its Group fiscal 2026 guidance including impact of UK merger.
"We have had a good start to the year with strong revenue and EBITDAaL growth. Germany has started its improvement trajectory and our emerging markets are delivering strong broad-based growth. In the UK, we have completed the merger with Three and are moving quickly to combine our networks to benefit customers," said Margherita Della Valle, Group Chief Executive.
Vodafone Group Plc also announced that it will commence a share repurchase programme of ordinary shares in the share capital of Vodafone of $0.20 20/21 each up to a maximum consideration of 500 million euros. Vodafone has given a non-discretionary instruction to Goldman Sachs in relation to the purchase by GSI, acting as riskless principal during the period commencing on 24 July 2025 and ending no later than 10 November 2025, of ordinary shares for a target expense amount of no greater than 500 million euros and the simultaneous on-sale of such ordinary shares by GSI to Vodafone.
For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Vodafone Posts Revenue, EBITDAaL Growth In Q1; Reiterates FY26 Guidance

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 21, 2025 – The stocks in this week’s article are Carnival Corp. CCL, Levi Strauss & Co. LEVI, Vodafone Group VOD and Invesco IVZ.
4 Finest PEG-Rated GARP Stocks to Boost Your Portfolio Now
In the equity market, investments need to be prudently hedged to overcome uncertainties and limit losses related to external shocks. A question that arises often is whether one should resort to a value strategy that seeks discounted stocks or opt for growth investing in times of extreme market instability.
The investing track of the Oracle of Omaha over the past few decades and his gradual shift from being a pure-play value investor to a GARP (growth at a reasonable price) investor might give us all the answers.
Per the GARP theory, the strategic mingling of growth and value-investing principles gives us a hybrid strategy, offering an ideal investment by utilizing the best features of both. What GARPers look for is whether or not the stocks are somewhat undervalued and have solid, sustainable growth potential (Investopedia).
Several stocks that have surged significantly in recent years have demonstrated the overwhelming success of this hybrid investing strategy over pure-play value and growth investments. Here, we will discuss the success of four such stocks. These include Carnival Corp., Levi Strauss & Co., Vodafone Group and Invesco.
A Few More Words on GARP
GARP investing gives priority to one of the popular value metrics — the price/earnings growth (PEG) ratio. Although it is categorized under value investing, this strategy follows the principles of both growth and value investing.
The PEG ratio is defined as (Price/ Earnings)/Earnings Growth Rate
It relates the stocks’ P/E ratio with the future earnings growth rates.
While P/E alone gives an idea of stocks that are trading at a discount, PEG, while adding the growth element to it, helps identify stocks with solid future potential.
A lower PEG ratio, preferably less than 1, is always better for GARP investors.
Say for example, if a stock's P/E ratio is 10 and the expected long-term growth rate is 15%, the company's PEG will come down to 0.66, a ratio indicating both undervaluation and future growth potential.
Unfortunately, this ratio is often neglected due to investors' limitations in calculating the future earnings growth rate of a stock.
There are some drawbacks to using the PEG ratio though. It does not consider the very common situation of changing growth rates, such as the forecast of the first three years at a very high growth rate, followed by a sustainable but lower growth rate over the long term.
Hence, PEG-based investing can be even more rewarding if some other relevant parameters are also taken into consideration.
Here are four out of the 11 stocks that qualified the screening:
Carnival: Headquartered in Miami, FL, Carnival operates as a cruise and vacation company. As a single economic entity, Carnival Corporation & Carnival plc forms the largest cruise operator in the world. It is the world’s leading leisure travel firm and carries nearly half of the global cruise guests. The company operates in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia.
Carnival can also be an impressive GARP investment pick with its Zacks Rank #2 and a Value Score of A. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, the stock has an impressive long-term historical growth rate of 28.5%.
Levi: It designs, markets and sells apparel and accessories for men, women, and children globally. Its offerings include jeans, pants, tops, jackets, footwear, and more under the Levi's, Dockers, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., Denizen, and Beyond Yoga brands. LEVI also licenses its trademarks for products like belts, bags, outerwear and kidswear.
Levi stock can also be an impressive GARP investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of B. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, LEVI has a solid long-term historical growth rate of 9.5%.
Vodafone: The company provides telecom services across Germany, the UK, Europe, Turkey and South Africa. It offers mobile, fixed and connectivity solutions, including IoT, cloud, edge computing and digital services. Vodafone also operates M-PESA, a mobile money platform in Africa, and provides international voice, roaming and infrastructure services.
Vodafone stock can be an impressive value investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of A. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, VOD also has an impressive long-term historical growth rate of 11.8%.
Invesco: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment manager with $1.84 trillion in AUM as of March 31, 2025. The company operates in over 20 countries and offers a wide range of investment products, including ETFs, fixed income, equities, private markets, multi-asset solutions and QQQ.
Invesco can also be an impressive value investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of B. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, the stock also has a solid long-term expected growth rate of 6.3%.
You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge.
The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.
For the rest of this Screen of the Week article please visit Zacks.com at: https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2592635/4-finest-peg-rated-garp-stocks-to-boost-your-portfolio-now
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Zacks.com featured highlights Carnival, Levi Strauss, Vodafone and Invesco

In the equity market, investments need to be prudently hedged to overcome uncertainties and limit losses related to external shocks. A question that arises often is whether one should resort to a value strategy that seeks discounted stocks or opt for growth investing in times of extreme market instability.
The investing track of the Oracle of Omaha over the past few decades and his gradual shift from being a pure-play value investor to a GARP (growth at a reasonable price) investor might give us all the answers.
Per the GARP theory, the strategic mingling of growth and value-investing principles gives us a hybrid strategy, offering an ideal investment by utilizing the best features of both. What GARPers look for is whether or not the stocks are somewhat undervalued and have solid, sustainable growth potential (Investopedia).
Several stocks that have surged significantly in recent years have demonstrated the overwhelming success of this hybrid investing strategy over pure-play value and growth investments. Here, we will discuss the success of four such stocks. These include Carnival Corporation CCL, Levi Strauss & Co. LEVI, Vodafone Group VOD and Invesco IVZ.
A Few More Words on GARP
GARP investing gives priority to one of the popular value metrics — the price/earnings growth (PEG) ratio. Although it is categorized under value investing, this strategy follows the principles of both growth and value investing.
The PEG ratio is defined as (Price/ Earnings)/Earnings Growth Rate
It relates the stocks’ P/E ratio with the future earnings growth rates.
While P/E alone gives an idea of stocks that are trading at a discount, PEG, while adding the growth element to it, helps identify stocks with solid future potential.
A lower PEG ratio, preferably less than 1, is always better for GARP investors.
Say for example, if a stock's P/E ratio is 10 and the expected long-term growth rate is 15%, the company's PEG will come down to 0.66, a ratio indicating both undervaluation and future growth potential.
Unfortunately, this ratio is often neglected due to investors' limitations in calculating the future earnings growth rate of a stock.
There are some drawbacks to using the PEG ratio though. It does not consider the very common situation of changing growth rates, such as the forecast of the first three years at a very high growth rate, followed by a sustainable but lower growth rate over the long term.
Hence, PEG-based investing can be even more rewarding if some other relevant parameters are also taken into consideration.
Here are the screening criteria for a winning strategy:
PEG Ratio less than X Industry Median
P/E Ratio (using F1) less than X Industry Median (For more accurate valuation purpose)
Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) (Whether good market conditions or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 have a proven history of success.)
Market Capitalization greater than $1 Billion (This helps us to focus on companies that have strong liquidity.)
Average 20-Day Volume greater than 50,000: A substantial trading volume ensures that the stock is easily tradable.
Percentage Change F1 Earnings Estimate Revisions (4 Weeks) greater than 5%: Upward estimate revisions add to the optimism, suggesting further bullishness.
Value Score of less than or equal to B: Our research shows that stocks with a Value Style Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 (Hold), offer the best upside potential.
Our PEG-Driven Picks
Here are four out of the 11 stocks that qualified the screening:
Carnival: Headquartered in Miami, FL, Carnival operates as a cruise and vacation company. As a single economic entity, Carnival Corporation & Carnival plc forms the largest cruise operator in the world. It is the world’s leading leisure travel firm and carries nearly half of the global cruise guests. The company operates in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia.
Carnival can also be an impressive GARP investment pick with its Zacks Rank #2 and a Value Score of A. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, the stock has an impressive long-term historical growth rate of 28.5%.
Levi: It designs, markets and sells apparel and accessories for men, women, and children globally. Its offerings include jeans, pants, tops, jackets, footwear, and more under the Levi's, Dockers, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., Denizen, and Beyond Yoga brands. LEVI also licenses its trademarks for products like belts, bags, outerwear and kidswear.
Levi stock can also be an impressive GARP investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of B. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, LEVI has a solid long-term historical growth rate of 9.5%.
Vodafone: The company provides telecom services across Germany, the UK, Europe, Turkey and South Africa. It offers mobile, fixed and connectivity solutions, including IoT, cloud, edge computing and digital services. Vodafone also operates M-PESA, a mobile money platform in Africa, and provides international voice, roaming and infrastructure services.
Vodafone stock can be an impressive value investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of A. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, VOD also has an impressive long-term historical growth rate of 11.8%.
Invesco: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment manager with $1.84 trillion in AUM as of March 31, 2025. The company operates in over 20 countries and offers a wide range of investment products, including ETFs, fixed income, equities, private markets, multi-asset solutions and QQQ.
Invesco can also be an impressive value investment pick with its Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of B. Apart from a discounted PEG and P/E, the stock also has a solid long-term expected growth rate of 6.3%.
You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge.
The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.
Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.
Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks’ portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.
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4 Finest PEG-Rated GARP Stocks to Boost Your Portfolio Now

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. ASTS has selected Luxembourg as the new headquarters of its joint venture firm SatCo, which is formed in association with Vodafone Group Public Limited Company VOD. Luxembourg is situated in the heart of Western Europe, bordering Belgium, France and Germany. This makes it a key hub for trade and finance, facilitating extensive cross-border economic activity and easy access to major European markets. In addition, Luxembourg’s strong digital credentials make it an ideal spot for AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone to launch SatCo’s wholesale direct-to-device mobile broadband satellite services to leading European mobile network operators under a single turnkey arrangement.
The direct-to-device mobile broadband satellite services will complement the terrestrial networks and provide a secure and resilient digital communications infrastructure to help eliminate dead zones and empower remote areas of the region with space-based connectivity. Although the commercial services of SatCo are expected to commence from 2026, it has generated expressions of interest from network operators in 21 EU member states, as well as in other European markets. AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone aim to forge private and public sector partnerships to position Europe at the forefront of direct-to-mobile space-based broadband connectivity with everyday smartphones.
The Luxembourg headquarters will deploy a small network of earth stations to seamlessly integrate with terrestrial network operators, providing secure backhaul links and an extended coverage across Europe from the AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. This will enable users to switch automatically between space and land-based networks. The joint venture supports European digital sovereignty by creating a unified platform to deliver a cohesive space strategy across the continent, duly supported by the Luxembourg Government, key European policymakers, EU Member States and industry stakeholders.
ASTS Redefines Connectivity With BlueWalker Satellites
ASTS boasts a diverse portfolio of more than 3,650 patent and patent-pending claims worldwide for the direct-to-cell satellite ecosystem from space to Earth. Its SpaceMobile service is compatible with all major brands available in the market and connects directly to everyday mobile phones. It is based on a novel technology that delivers broadband connectivity from space to unmodified mobile devices, providing a service to fill cellular coverage gaps in a differentiated approach compared to other space-based communication services.
AST SpaceMobile's in-orbit BlueWalker 3 satellite has helped it to achieve its mission of creating a space-based cellular broadband network that directly links with mobile devices, eliminating the need for ground-based infrastructure. By expanding its connectivity to remote areas, the company aims to ensure that more people have access to vital communication services.
ASTS Gets Support From Leading U.S. Carriers
AST SpaceMobile has partnered with leading carriers such as AT&T Inc. T and Verizon Communications Inc. to tap into a pre-existing pool of cell customers and avail funds to help build a worldwide satellite network. With AT&T, ASTS has entered into a definitive commercial agreement, extending until 2030, to offer a space-based direct-to-mobile technology that complements and integrates with the former’s mobile network. This approach aims to provide customers with connectivity in locations previously deemed unreachable, enhancing AT&T’s industry leadership in utilizing emerging satellite technologies.
ASTS also collaborated with Verizon, wherein the latter made a $100 million commitment for satellite direct-to-cellular service for its customers. The two back-to-back deals sent ASTS’ stock price soaring. It further enhanced cellular coverage in the United States, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas of the country with space-based connectivity.
ASTS Income Statement Bleeds Red
However, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, capital market volatility, tariff imposition and geopolitical conflicts, are negatively impacting the company’s operations. These factors have led to continued fluctuations in satellite material prices, resulting in increased capital costs and pressure on the company’s financial performance.
Owing to high infrastructure set-up costs and research and development expenses for a highly sophisticated technology for developing satellites, AST SpaceMobile has reported losses for the past few years. Management also envisions significant expenditures in the upcoming months for building and launching the next crop of satellites in tune with its expansion plans to serve the full spectrum of U.S. subscribers. This has made ASTS a high-risk investment option.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Estimate Revision Trend of ASTS
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AST SpaceMobile for 2025 and 2026 has widened 284.6% and 176.9%, respectively, to a loss of $1.00 and a loss of 90 cents per share over the past year. The negative estimate revision depicts pessimism about the stock’s growth potential as investors remain skeptical about the success of its business model.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance of ASTS
ASTS has gained a stellar 336% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 37.3%. It has also outperformed its peers like Aviat Networks, Inc. AVNW and Comtech Telecommunications Corp. CMTL over this period. While Aviat has declined 13.1%, Comtech has plunged 19.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
End Note
The collaboration with leading carriers is seen as a pathway to unlocking the potential of space-based cellular broadband, promising seamless, reliable service across the continental United States. The establishment of Luxembourg as SatCo’s headquarters is expected to transform Europe’s network connectivity and help bridge the digital divide, expanding its global presence and enhancing AST SpaceMobile’s capabilities in providing ubiquitous connectivity.
However, with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), AST SpaceMobile appears to be treading in the middle of the road, and new investors could be better off if they trade with caution. The downtrend in estimate revisions further portrays skepticism about the company’s business model. It has also incurred losses over the past couple of years and is not likely to overcome this trend in the near future, given the high infrastructure investments lined up. Consequently, it might not be a prudent investment decision to bet on the stock at the moment. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

ASTS Chooses Luxembourg as SatCo Headquarters: More Focus on Europe?

(RTTNews) - Telecom major Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L, VOD) announced Thursday the appointment of Pilar López as Chief Financial Officer Designate, effective October 1. López will succeed Luka Mucic, who previously informed the decision to leave the firm.
López's formal appointment as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director to the Vodafone Board will commence on December 1, following Mucic's departure from Vodafone on November 30.
Once appointed as Chief Financial Officer Designate, López will begin a period of handover from Mucic. Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO said, "I am delighted that Pilar will be joining Vodafone in October. She has deep-rooted knowledge of both the telecoms and technology sectors, across a range of international leadership positions. Following a significant period of change at Vodafone, Pilar is joining us as we continue to drive operational excellence across the Group."
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Founded in the late 1990s by Andrew Mariathasan in New York, with the goal of covering Wall Street for a new generation of investors, RTTNews has expanded steadily over the years to become a trusted provider of content for a wide array of subjects across several platforms. RTT's Financial Newswire is relied upon by some of the world's largest financial institutions, including banks, brokerages, trading platforms and financial exchanges.

Vodafone Names Pilar López CFO Designate Effective Oct. 1; To Be Named CFO On Dec. 1

(RTTNews) - Vodafone Group (VOD.L, VOD) and Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), Tuesday announced an extended partnership to provide their converged networking and cybersecurity services in countries across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Under this collaboration, Fortinet's software-defined wide area network, and FortiSASE cloud-based security solutions will be integrated with Vodafone Business, ensuring secure digital transformation worldwide.
Vodafone said that the collaboration will provide customers with the benefits of new digital connectivity to more places whilst ensuring that their digital assets, employees, partners and users are protected.
Currently, Vodafone's stock is trading at $9.60, up 0.37 percent, and Fortinet's stock is trading at $102.81, up 0.17 percent on the Nasdaq.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Vodafone Extends Partnership With Fortinet To Offer Converged Networking And Cybersecurity Services

American Tower (NYSE:AMT), a leader in wireless communication infrastructure, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 on February 25, 2025.
The results indicated robust performance, with earnings per share and revenue exceeding expectations. Adjusted EPS reached $2.62, a significant rise from the estimated $1.75. Additionally, total revenue was reported at $2,548 million, higher than the anticipated $2,510 million. This achievement reflects strong demand across its communication site network and strategic investments.
Overall, the quarter was positive, though challenges such as high tenant concentration remain.
Metric
Q4 2024
Q4 Estimate
Q4 2023
Y/Y Change
EPS
$2.62
$1.75
$0.18
1,356%
Revenue
$2,548M
$2,510M
$2,456M
3.7%
Net Income
$1,231M
N/A
$13M
9,152%
Adjusted EBITDA
$1,692M
N/A
$1,610M
5.1%
Source: SEC filings. Analyst estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet.
Business Overview
American Tower specializes in leasing space on its large portfolio of global communication sites. These sites include towers, distributed antenna systems, and a recently acquired network of data center facilities. This sector forms the crux of the company's revenue, contributing about 99% to the total.
As of December 31, 2024, American Tower managed 148,097 sites worldwide, with U.S. and Canada representing more than half of its revenue. The company has been focusing on strategic growth initiatives, including expansions in data centers to capture new opportunities, which is a key determinant for its future successes.
Recent business focus lies in strategic site acquisitions and optimizing existing operations to leverage the growing demand for wireless data services, especially with technological advancements like 5G networks. Their forward strategy involves sustaining operating leverage while expanding their global footprint.
Quarterly Highlights
In the fourth quarter, American Tower reported a significant hike in net income, reaching $1,231 million from $13 million a year ago, demonstrating successful growth initiatives and cost controls. Property revenue grew modestly to $2,484 million, underlining continued demand across its communication site network. The global portfolio contributed to a 5.1% increase in Adjusted EBITDA, now at $1,692 million, reflecting efficient operations and strategic site management.
The company's EPS increased phenomenally from $0.18 last year to $2.62, underscoring a clear outperformance against the estimated $1.75. This boost was largely driven by strategic investments, including acquisitions like CoreSite Realty Corporation, enhancing its data center assets and positioning it for advances in edge computing.
Despite high tenant loyalty, with large carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon accounting for 87% of U.S. and Canada segment revenue, challenges exist. Such concentration risk underscores the potential financial impact should these tenants face disruptions. Additionally, issues with Vodafone Idea Limited in India have historically affected earnings, highlighting the impact of payment uncertainties.
Regulatory compliance across diverse markets continues to influence operations, demanding vigilant navigation to mitigate subsequent operational risks or increased costs. Currency fluctuations also affected earnings, with foreign exchange headwinds influencing EBITDA and free cash flow margins.
Outlook
Looking ahead, American Tower management anticipates stable revenue from U.S. and Canada operations, thanks to strong durable data demand and plans to increase investments in CoreSite. The heightened focus is on developed markets for potentially greater returns, while strategically disposing of less lucrative regions like its India operations as seen recently.
For 2025, the company projects total property revenue between $9,920 million and $10,070 million, with modest growth expectations. Despite forecasting a decrease in AFFO, the company anticipates adjusted growth of 4.6%, emphasizing strategic reinvestments and tenant churn management as vital steps for sustained profitability.
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JesterAI is a Foolish AI, based on a variety of Large Language Models (LLMs) and proprietary Motley Fool systems. All articles published by JesterAI are reviewed by our editorial team, and The Motley Fool takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this article. JesterAI cannot own stocks and so it has no positions in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends American Tower. The Motley Fool recommends T-Mobile US, Verizon Communications, and Vodafone Group Public and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $180 calls on American Tower and short January 2026 $185 calls on American Tower. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

American Tower Delivers EPS Surprise

RingCentral RNG is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2024 results on Feb. 20.
For fourth-quarter 2024, the company expects earnings in the range of 96-97 cents per share.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2024 earnings is pegged at 96 cents per share, unchanged in the past 30 days. The figure indicates an increase of 11.63% year over year.
Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Ringcentral, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Ringcentral, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Ringcentral, Inc. Quote
For the fourth quarter of 2024, RingCentral expects revenues between $611 million and $613 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 7%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $612.24 million, suggesting an increase of 7.17% from the year-ago quarter’s reported number.
The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in all the trailing four quarters the average surprise being 4.76%.
Let’s see how things have shaped up for RNG prior to this announcement.
Factors to Note
RingCentral’s fourth-quarter performance is expected to have benefited from its robust product portfolio and strong subscription revenue growth.
Subscription revenues for the fourth quarter are expected to be between $587 million and $589 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 7% to 8%.
RingCX, an AI-powered CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service) platform, along with RingSense (conversation intelligence) and RingCentral Events (virtual and hybrid events platform), are showing strong traction. These platforms performances are expected to have driven revenue and ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) growth in the to-be-reported quarter.
The introduction of RingCentral AI Assistant is expected to enhance businesses' value proposition, particularly in improving productivity through AI-driven note-taking and insights. As AI becomes increasingly integral to businesses' offerings, it is expected to fuel growth.
RingCentral has been targeting specific industries, such as healthcare, retail, and finance, which are showing strong demand for unified communication solutions. This targeted approach is likely to have yielded positive results in the fourth quarter.
With the increasing shift toward remote and hybrid work environments, the demand for unified communications and collaboration solutions continues to rise. This trend is expected to have driven customer acquisition and retention in the to-be-reported quarter.
However, challenging macroeconomic conditions, unfavorable forex rates and stiff competition are expected to have hurt RNG’s top line in the to-be-reported quarter.
Robust Partnerships and Client Base Bode Well for RNG
Ongoing partnerships with global service providers such as Vodafone VOD, AT&T T, Optus, and others have helped expand RingCentral's global footprint. This is expected to continue driving growth in the fourth quarter.
RNG announced an expanded strategic partnership with Vodafone Business to offer Vodafone Business Contact Center with RingCentral, powered by RingCX, extending to 30 markets by early 2025. Benefits from this partnership are likely to have been reflected in the to-be-reported quarter.
In the third quarter of 2024, RNG renewed its agreement with AT&T, enhancing access to AI-driven communications platforms for businesses of all sizes. This is likely to have boosted RNG’s top line in the fourth quarter as well.
What Our Model Says
Per the Zacks model, the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that’s not the case here.
Ring Central currently has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
A Stock to Consider
Here is a company worth considering, as our model shows that it has the right combination of elements to beat on earnings in the quarter to be reported.
Autohome ATHM has an Earnings ESP of +7.27% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Autohome shares have gained 8.4% year to date. ATHM is slated to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on Feb. 20.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

RingCentral Set to Report Q4 Earnings: What's in Store for the Stock?

(RTTNews) - Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L, VOD) announced that it will commence a share repurchase programme of ordinary shares in the share capital of Vodafone of $0.20 each. The maximum consideration of share repurchase would be 480 million euros.
The firm has given a non-discretionary instruction to Goldman Sachs International in relation to the purchase by GSI. The company noted that GSI is acting as riskless principal during the period commencing on February 4 and ending no later than May 19.
In London, Vodafone shares were trading at 65.76 pence, down 6.08 percent.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Vodafone Group Plc

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