3 Reasons Why Telus Corporation Should Be One of Your Core Holdings

Here are three reasons why Telus Corporation (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) should be atop your long-term buy list.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Telus Corporation (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU), one of the three largest telecommunications companies in Canada, has watched its stock remain relatively flat in 2015, but it has the potential to be one of the market’s top performers in both the short and long term. Let’s take a look at three of the primary reasons why this could happen and why you should consider making it a core holding in your portfolio today.

1. Strong first-quarter earnings to support a near-term rally

Telus announced very strong first-quarter earnings results before the market opened on May 7, but its stock has remained relatively unchanged in the trading sessions since. Here’s a breakdown of 10 of the most notable statistics from the report compared with the year-ago period:

  1. Adjusted net income increased 11.5% to $427 million
  2. Adjusted earnings per share increased 12.9% to $0.70
  3. Operating revenues increased 4.6%% to $3.03 billion
  4. Revenues increased 7.5% to $1.67 billion in its Wireless segment
  5. Revenues increased 1.2% to $1.36 billion in its Wireline segment
  6. Total customer connections increased 2.5% to 13.87 million
  7. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization increased 6.2% to $1.15 billion
  8. Operating income increased 10.6% to $679 million
  9. Cash provided by operating activities increased 20.1% to $718 million
  10. Free cash flow decreased 6.9% to $271 million

2. The stock trades at inexpensive forward valuations

At today’s levels Telus’ stock trades at just 16.8 times its median earnings per share outlook of $2.50 for fiscal 2015 and only 15 times analysts’ estimated earnings per share of $2.79 for fiscal 2016, both of which are inexpensive compared with its long-term growth rate.

I think Telus’ stock could consistently command a fair multiple of at least 18, which would place its shares around $45 by the conclusion of fiscal 2015 and upwards of $50 by the conclusion of fiscal 2016, representing upside of more than 7% and 19%, respectively, from current levels.

3. A dedication to maximizing shareholder returns

Telus pays a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share, or $1.68 per share annually, giving its stock a 4% yield at today’s levels. The company has also increased its dividend nine times since announcing its multi-year dividend growth program in May of 2011, showing that it is strongly dedicated to maximizing the amount of capital it returns to shareholders.

Is there a place for Telus in your portfolio?

I think Telus Corporation represents one of the best short-term and long-term investment opportunities in the market today. It has the support of very strong first-quarter earnings results, its stock trades at inexpensive forward valuations, and it has a 4% dividend yield with an extensive track record of increasing its payout.

With of all the information provided above in mind, I think all Foolish investors should take a closer look and strongly consider making Telus a core holding 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

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Dividend Stocks

3 CRA Benefits Most Canadians Can Grab in 2024

You can save on taxes by claiming the dividend tax credit on Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) shares.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

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 »