
TSE:BCE
The Wall Street Journal reported on lead sheafing (a health hazard) on cables in the U.S. This will costs ATA& and Verizon a lot to replace those cables. Canada is different with more advanced, newer cables, so the problem is smaller here. Rather, subscriber numbers, profitability and competition--all three look decent to him. Pays a 6.8% dividend which means doubling your money in 10 years. We could see a general pullback, so buy a tranche now.
Debt servicing costs are going up. Regulatory environment in Canada is uncertain. Consolidation in the communication space, driving price competition. Market share gains are really tough. As interest rates tick higher, dividend yield is less compelling when you can get the same return from bond-type investments.
ATD has more growth prospects. Total acquisition is really important, as it gives them more geographical diversification in Europe, and they get more stores. Acquisition was at a good price. Debt to EBITDA has gone up, but this is typical and will come down. Great job of buying businesses and integrating.
BCE has a 6.4% dividend yield. Reported decent numbers, except media division was hurt by advertising. Own it for a nice dividend yield that will slowly grow.
ATD gets the nod, but he owns both.
Big runup through 2021, pullback in line with broader markets. Moved sideways through October. For the stock to really get going, he'd want to see a series of higher highs. Seeing higher lows, which is positive, but not seeing the higher highs. Doesn't mind nibbling to add exposure here. But reduce exposure if it takes out lows of the last couple of weeks and especially those at the end of December, as that would tell you it's really going to retest the October lows.
Loves the dividend of 6.75%, happy to hold. Share price has been tough lately, as with most telcos. In a rising rate environment, these dividends look less attractive. Hopefully, these names will look better in 2024 with lower rates.