Vodafone Share News (VOD)

Speculation regarding a host of possible different business combinations has kept Vodafone well bid, but the underlying logic may be questionable. For starters, the company need not acquire a smaller rival to play the game of 'digital convergence.' Similarly, a sale of its stake in Verizon Wireless would entail a very large tax bill. Finally, the firm need not sell that stake to finance a deal in Europe. Thus, the 'status quo' may be best, argues the Financial Times's Lex column. Oil services company Cape yesterday unveiled an enormous loss for last year, but those results were largely backwards looking. Indeed, in comments to The Telegraph´s Questor team management highlighted the contract wins which are expected to start coming through towards the end of 2013. Hence the outfit´s confidence in its own prospects and its decision to maintain its dividend pay-outs. As well, the company retains "solid" cash flows and 2012 may have been the nadir for the firm. Questor says hold. Staid old Legal & General is moving in the right direction, as it seeks to break out of the mature UK market even while at the same time sniffing out what growth opportunities remain here, such as in the business of annuities. Particularly notable in this regard is the expansion of the company´s investment management unit overseas, although it has come at a cost, so to speak. However, with operating profits no higher than in 2009 there is little to suggest the shares deserve a higher rating, Lex says. Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only as not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.AB