Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) Stock Remains a Steal for Dividend Investors

Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) dipped following its Q3 2018 earnings. Here’s why income investors should be buying.

| More on:

Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) shares fell 4% after clocking in a $91 million loss for Q3 2018 thanks to its free-falling Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX:CJR.B) investment, which management wants to sell at some point in the near future.

The devaluation of Corus is a one-off event that I believe is nothing more than noise that’s distracting investors from the real long-term story: wireless growth.

Shaw continues to pick up traction with its wireless business Freedom Mobile, and with no signs of slowing down, it appears that it’ll just be a matter of time before the company grabs a 25% share of the Canadian wireless market. The company added 54,200 new wireless customers for the quarter, which was what the Street was expecting. Unfortunately, after clocking in record Q2 wireless growth numbers, the in-line Q3 wireless growth wasn’t anything to write home about.

During the conference call, management stated that it expects sequential average revenue per user (ARPU) growth, as it continues to move forward with aggressive promos designed to poach subscribers away from the Big Three incumbents.

Phillip Huang, an analyst at Barclays Capital, noted that Shaw is “improving its distribution footprint,” which will play a significant role in wireless subscriber growth going forward. Shaw stated that it intends to have Freedom Mobile at over 600 retail locations by early 2019.

Wireline numbers were underwhelming for the third- quarter, but management was quick to note that it expects additions to return in the fourth quarter, citing a seasonal pattern of deactivations caused by university students.

Huge value for income-oriented investors

The stock currently trades at a 20 forward P/E, a 2.3 P/B, a 2.6 P/S, and a 10.5 P/CF, all of which are relatively in line with the company’s five-year historical average multiples of 18.6, 2.5, 2.4, and 8, respectively. Although shares appear fairly valued at current levels, I believe investors are heavily discounting the high growth ceiling of Shaw’s wireless business.

Over the long term, I’m confident that the wireless business will continue to surge at the expense of its rivals thanks to a combination of aggressive promos, price undercutting, continuously network improvement, and a competitive advantage that’s likely to be granted by federal regulators.

As such, the recent Q3 post-earnings dip is nothing more than an opportunity for long-term dividend investors to back up the truck.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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 Joey Frenette owns shares of SHAW COMMUNICATIONS INC., CL.B, NV.

More on Dividend Stocks

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »