KT vs. TEF: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at KT and TEF, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
Both KT and TEF are American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). This provides U.S. investors with straightforward access to investing in these foreign-listed companies.
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | KT Corporation | Telefónica, S.A. |
| Country | South Korea | Spain |
| GICS Sector | Communication Services | Communication Services |
| GICS Industry | Diversified Telecommunication Services | Diversified Telecommunication Services |
| Market Capitalization | 9.34 billion USD | 28.61 billion USD |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| Listing Date | May 26, 1999 | June 12, 1987 |
| Security Type | ADR | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of KT and TEF by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | 0.20% | -1.03% |
| 13-Week Price Return | -9.38% | -4.29% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 2.71% | -3.31% |
| 52-Week Price Return | -10.58% | -2.19% |
| Month-to-Date Return | 1.39% | -1.68% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 16.76% | 9.83% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 0.27M | 6.28M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 0.33M | 7.26M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 20.07% | 15.29% |
| Beta | 0.08 | 0.69 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
KT
5.53%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 34.76%
- Q3
- 16.39%
- Median
- 9.92%
- Q1
- 1.36%
- Min
- -10.54%
KT’s Return on Equity of 5.53% is on par with the norm for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
TEF
-19.12%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 34.76%
- Q3
- 16.39%
- Median
- 9.92%
- Q1
- 1.36%
- Min
- -10.54%
TEF has a negative Return on Equity of -19.12%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
KT
3.38%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.17%
- Median
- 7.18%
- Q1
- 1.75%
- Min
- -14.73%
KT’s Net Profit Margin of 3.38% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
TEF
-7.64%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.17%
- Median
- 7.18%
- Q1
- 1.75%
- Min
- -14.73%
TEF has a negative Net Profit Margin of -7.64%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
KT
5.11%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 14.86%
- Q1
- 9.46%
- Min
- -9.42%
KT’s Operating Profit Margin of 5.11% is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
TEF
8.91%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 14.86%
- Q1
- 9.46%
- Min
- -9.42%
TEF’s Operating Profit Margin of 8.91% is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 5.53% | -19.12% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 2.20% | -3.73% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 3.38% | -7.64% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 5.11% | 8.91% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 65.13% | 66.46% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
KT
1.19
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.53
- Q3
- 1.09
- Median
- 0.91
- Q1
- 0.70
- Min
- 0.18
KT’s Current Ratio of 1.19 is in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
TEF
0.85
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.53
- Q3
- 1.09
- Median
- 0.91
- Q1
- 0.70
- Min
- 0.18
TEF’s Current Ratio of 0.85 aligns with the median group of the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
KT
0.69
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.13
- Median
- 1.40
- Q1
- 0.71
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.69 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
TEF
2.59
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.13
- Median
- 1.40
- Q1
- 0.71
- Min
- 0.00
TEF’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.59. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
KT
12.43
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 16.05
- Q3
- 8.06
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.36
- Min
- -2.60
KT’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 12.43 is in the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.
TEF
1.36
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 16.05
- Q3
- 8.06
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.36
- Min
- -2.60
TEF’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 1.36 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.19 | 0.85 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.15 | 0.75 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.69 | 2.59 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 12.43 | 1.36 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
KT
4.33%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.69%
- Q3
- 5.66%
- Median
- 4.23%
- Q1
- 1.76%
- Min
- 0.00%
KT’s Dividend Yield of 4.33% is consistent with its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
TEF
7.56%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.69%
- Q3
- 5.66%
- Median
- 4.23%
- Q1
- 1.76%
- Min
- 0.00%
With a Dividend Yield of 7.56%, TEF offers a more attractive income stream than most of its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, signaling a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
KT
39.35%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 273.77%
- Q3
- 134.61%
- Median
- 76.89%
- Q1
- 41.79%
- Min
- 0.00%
KT’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 39.35% is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This suggests a conservative dividend policy, with a strategic focus on reinvesting profits for future growth.
TEF
110.52%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 273.77%
- Q3
- 134.61%
- Median
- 76.89%
- Q1
- 41.79%
- Min
- 0.00%
TEF’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 110.52% is within the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 4.33% | 7.56% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 39.35% | 110.52% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
KT
13.28
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 42.43
- Q3
- 27.51
- Median
- 18.10
- Q1
- 13.52
- Min
- 4.10
In the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s P/E Ratio of 13.28 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
TEF
--
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 42.43
- Q3
- 27.51
- Median
- 18.10
- Q1
- 13.52
- Min
- 4.10
P/E Ratio data for TEF is currently unavailable.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
KT
0.45
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.55
- Q3
- 2.45
- Median
- 1.74
- Q1
- 0.98
- Min
- 0.36
In the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, KT’s P/S Ratio of 0.45 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
TEF
0.51
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.55
- Q3
- 2.45
- Median
- 1.74
- Q1
- 0.98
- Min
- 0.36
In the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, TEF’s P/S Ratio of 0.51 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
KT
0.82
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 7.27
- Q3
- 3.97
- Median
- 2.45
- Q1
- 1.25
- Min
- 0.27
KT’s P/B Ratio of 0.82 is in the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
TEF
1.46
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 7.27
- Q3
- 3.97
- Median
- 2.45
- Q1
- 1.25
- Min
- 0.27
TEF’s P/B Ratio of 1.46 is within the conventional range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | KT | TEF |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 13.28 | -- |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 0.45 | 0.51 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 0.82 | 1.46 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 7.49 | 4.36 |