
TSE:BCE
Dividends safe? Regulated businesses stand a better chance to keep dividends whole. BCE and ENB are both regulated entities. Canadian banks have had a history of not cutting dividends, but you never know. It will depend on how long COVID lasts -- if we are still locked down next year, he would be a seller.
telus vs bell He owns and likes both equally. Telus has less competition out west, so they enjoy a duopoly with Shaw. Telus has grown its subscriber base well. They will spin off their international division, maybe next year, and they made an acquisition in Germany. A great capital allocator. Bell has the media side, which distinguishes it from Telus. You can buy either now.
T-T, BCE-T, RCI.B-T, SJR.B-T. Telecom is the sector he is the most bullish on. It's his biggest position. It is the sector that is the most resilient. Online traffic has increased dramatically. T-T would not be the top of his telecom list. He would prefer SJR.B-T, BCE-T, and RCI.B-T because of their media businesses.
Increase dividend? The telcos are in a good spot. Work from home, the thirst for data, and the need to connect will do well for them. Their latest earnings said their pension is fully funded. They are a 5G play as well. He does not know if they will increase the dividend, when the payout ratio is already 85%. At this price level, he would prefer Telus, but you could buy here.