Stockchase Opinions

Greg Newman Telus Corp T-T TOP PICK Mar 28, 2025

At these levels, this whole area is a buy, and this name is a very strong buy. Probably washed out, multi-year lows. Culprits for that are too much debt, imperfect CRTC decisions, increased competition, and less immigration. Yield is 7.8%, and safer than BCE's.

Valuation ~15x is much more reasonable than it's been in years. 2025 won't be great, but beyond that he's modeling decent growth around 13%. Asset sale of towers is a really good catalyst to right the balance sheet. Better use of capital than to have it tied up in that kind of infrastructure.

(Analysts’ price target is $23.21)
$20.355

Stock price when the opinion was issued

telephone utilities
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 05/24, Up 7%)

Picked it because she was worried about the economy (still is), and would be happy with the dividend. Same reason she owns it today for the 7.4% yield. Slower growth, but very defensive industry. Price competition has lessened. Better financial position than peers.

BUY

The worries over telcos have passed, with worries over Quebecor, the fourth player, entering, and in lower immigration to buy phone plans. Telus pays a high dividend, his favourite among the big three in terms of income alone.

TOP PICK

Best telco in Canada. Dividend sustainable, but will also grow faster than peers; proof is in 7% increase this past year. Price war is fizzling out. More financial strength and optionality than competitors, and less distracted by acquisitions. Plans to monetize $3B of surplus real estate. Yield is 7.55%, elevated relative to its 10-year average of 5%.

(Analysts’ price target is $23.49)
WEAK BUY

It's as though you're at an ugly dog show, but there's one that's less ugly. That's Telus. Spending lots of $$ on their network. Raised dividend recently -- nice, growing, relatively secure. Stable business, stable cashflow. Attractive valuation. Not a bad income stock.

In a protected environment. The whole sector will be in trouble if the government opens the door to foreign competition.

COMMENT

It is his favourite carrier for personal use.. There is pressure to open up competition in the space.

BUY

Hopes to see stability in the wireless market. Has always been very well-managed. Owns Bell, also. Telus remains fairly valued and the dividend of over 7% is safe.

WEAK BUY

Telcos has been struggling, but remains bullish on Telus. Scores 9 for value. They announced a partnership to monetize their wireless tower infrastructure, and will buy completely Telus Digital. Q2 earnings affirmed guidance. Stable cash flow. Not an exciting growth, but will get an over 7% dividend (safe) and diversified growth. Caveat: heavy debt. Lower rates will give telcos some relief.

HOLD

Competitive, tough times in the industry now. Catalyst in 9-10 months when it spins off healthcare division, thinks this will be successful. More successful than TIXT, since brought back into the fold (which some analysts weren't happy with). Committed to growing dividend, though he'd rather see dividend growth slowed and debt paid down.

If you're a long-term investor, hold. For new $$, start looking around $20.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 05/24, Up 4%)

Up ~11% YTD. She recommended this defensive play when she anticipated softness in the stock market. (If she liked it a year ago on concerns of economic weakness, she definitely likes it now ;) About to start its copper decommissioning. Capex should come off in next few quarters. Yield is 7.6%.

WEAK BUY

Whole sector struggles on its growth outlook. Good cashflow. Margins hit by recent price competition. Premium valuation in the space. An appropriate space for retirees looking for income. He chose RCI.B.