Will Telus Corporation Be the Top Performing Telecom Stock in 2015?

Telus Corporation (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) has been one of the top performing telecom stocks in 2014 and it could continue higher in 2015. Should you be a long-term buyer today?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Telus Corporation (TSX: T)(NYSE: TU), one of the three largest telecommunications companies in Canada, has been one of the market’s best performing stocks in 2014, rising more than 15%, and it is well positioned to post a similar performance in 2015. Let’s take a look at four of the primary catalysts that could send its shares higher and determine if you should consider initiating a long-term position today.

1. Strong earnings to support a rising stock price

Telus has shown consistent earnings growth over the last few years and this trend continued when it released third-quarter earnings on November 6. Here’s a breakdown of what it accomplished compared to the same period a year ago:

  • Adjusted net income increased 6% to $387 million.
  • Adjusted earnings per share increased 10.3% to $0.64.
  • Revenue increased 5.4% to $3.03 billion.
  • Operating profit increased 6.7% to $1.96 billion.
  • The operating margin expanded 80 basis points to 64.8%.
  • Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 4.3% to $1.1 billion.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2014, Telus’ adjusted earnings per share increased 11.9% to $1.88 and its revenue increased 4.9% to $8.87 billion, putting it on track for the best financial performance in its history.

2. A growing customer base

In the third quarter, Telus added a total of 136,000 net new customer connections, which included 113,000 wireless postpaid customers, 23,000 TELUS TV subscribers, and 22,000 high-speed internet connections. In comparison to the third quarter of fiscal 2013, Telus’ total wireless subscriber base has increased 2.3% to 8 million, its high-speed internet connections have increased 5.7% to 1.45 million, and its TELUS TV subscriber base has increased 14% to 888,000, showing that its services are in high demand.

3. Inexpensive current and forward valuations

At current levels, Telus’ stock trades at approximately 17.9 times fiscal 2014’s estimated earnings per share of $2.35 and approximately 16.1 times fiscal 2015’s estimated earnings per share of $2.61, both of which are inexpensive compared to the company’s trailing 12 months price-to-earnings multiple of 18.8 and its long-term growth rate.

I think Telus’ stock could consistently trade at a fair multiple of around 18.5, which would place shares upwards of $48 by the conclusion of fiscal 2015, representing growth of more than 14% from current levels, and this does not include the additional returns from reinvested dividends.

4. A company that is dedicated to its shareholders

As Telus has grown its earnings and revenues, it has continued to increase its returns to shareholders, primarily in the form of dividends. Take a look at this chart of the total dividends paid per share by Telus since 2010:

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Dividends Per Share $1.00 $1.1025 $1.22 $1.36 $1.52

Source: Telus Corporation

On November 6, Telus announced an 11.1% increase to its quarterly dividend to $0.40 per share, or $1.60 annually, giving its stock a yield of approximately 3.8% at today’s levels. This marked the eighth dividend increase since the company began its Dividend Growth Program in 2011, in which it stated that it planned to increase its dividend by 10% or more annually through 2016. Telus has achieved the goals of the Dividend Growth Program thus far by increasing its dividend in May and November of each year, so I think it is safe to assume that this trend will continue in 2015.

Should you buy shares of Telus today?

Telus Corporation has been one of the market’s best performing stocks in 2014 and it could rally much higher in 2015, because it has the support of strong earnings, a growing customer base, trades at inexpensive current and forward valuations, and has a bountiful 3.8% dividend that will continue to attract investors. With these four factors in mind, I think Foolish investors should take a closer look at Telus and strongly consider initiating long-term positions today.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »

Payday ringed on a calendar
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Pay Me More Than $54.57 Per Month

These three dividend stocks have done me well over the years, so let's look at how much I've gotten in…

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Royalty: 3 Fabulous Stocks to Buy Now for Decades of Passive Income

Rogers Communications stock and Canadian Natural Resources stock could pay you dividends for decades to come.

Read more »