Vita Group share price drops lower despite Telstra agreement extension

The Vita Group Limited (ASX:VTG) share price has tumbled lower despite having its agreement with Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS) extended…

| More on:
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 Vita Group Limited (ASX: VTG) share price has drifted lower in early afternoon trade despite the release of a positive announcement this morning.

At the time of writing the Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) retail store operator's shares are down almost 2% to $1.05.

What was announced this morning?

This morning Vita advised that after achieving the telco giant's FY 2018 performance criteria, as per its agreement, its Telstra Dealer Agreement and Master Licence has been extended and rolled on for a further year through to June 30 2024.

Vita's management believes that this extension demonstrates confidence in the long-standing partnership between the two companies, as well as Vita's ability to consistently execute strongly in market.

The company's CEO, Maxine Horne, stated: "We are very pleased with the extension of our agreement with Telstra. Our team continues to deliver against Telstra's performance expectations, and we remain focused on ensuring that our partnership remains strategically aligned and operationally strong."

Looking ahead, Horne believes that Vita can play a role in helping Telstra achieve its T22 goals.

She said: "Our role is to support Telstra in achieving its strategic and performance objectives, including the delivery of their T22 plan. This extension reflects the confidence Telstra continues to place in Vita Group to deliver results in line with our shared goals."

Should you invest?

I'm not a fan of companies that are so reliant on another party like Vita is with Telstra, so it isn't a share that I plan to buy.

But I must admit that at 7.5x earnings it does look attractive, especially given its first half earnings before interest and tax guidance of between $18 million and $19.4 million. This will be an increase of between 15% and 24% on the prior corresponding period.

However, I'd rather invest in top retail shares that control their own destinies such as Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL).

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 owns shares of Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. 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

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Healius, Light & Wonder, REA Group, and Regis Resources shares are falling today

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

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why ANZ, Brainchip, Light & Wonder, and Pilbara Minerals shares are falling today

These shares are tumbling on Thursday. But why?

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 Aurizon, JB Hi-FI, Nuix, and Platinum shares are tumbling today

These shares are falling on hump day. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why HMC Capital, Platinum, Sigma, and Skycity shares are dropping today

These shares are having a tough session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 energy shares plunge on shock OPEC move

ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Santos are tumbling on Monday. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

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

Why Brainchip, Helia Group, Reliance Worldwide, and Westpac shares are dropping 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 Block, Corporate Travel Management, Judo, and Zip shares are sinking today

These shares are missing out on the good times on Friday. 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

These were the worst-performing ASX 200 shares in April

These shares were out of form last month. But why?

Read more »