Beyond Telus: 2 Superior Canadian Dividend Alternatives for Smart Investors

Smart investors looking for sweet yields should look at Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) and another passive-income pick!

| More on:
A worker gives a business presentation.

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Telus (TSX:T) stock is a fantastic dividend play going into this new year. Undoubtedly, shares of the $30.3 billion telecom firm are coming off a bit of an “off year.” And though it’s been a solid January, I’m not so sure the name will be too kind to weak-stomached conservative investors who aren’t prepared for what could be another wild year of fluctuations. Indeed, the Canadian telecoms used to be a “steady” passive-income staple.

Nowadays, the high yields are only for those willing to stay aboard the roller-coaster ride, which has seen steep double-digit percentage drops. Indeed, if you can’t stand such drops, there’s no shame in taking a raincheck on the telecom plays. While Telus is probably one of the best Big Three telecom plays at the time of writing, with its 8% dividend yield and recent dividend increase, I simply do not see enough catalysts ahead that make me want to rush into the stock. Indeed, shares still don’t look all too cheap to get in here, given the potential risks and uncertainties surrounding its comeback plan.

At 19.76 times forward price to earnings (P/E), shares don’t necessarily scream deep value. Of course, I could be wrong if management can turn the tide this year and gain considerable share over its top rivals in the wireless scene. In any case, I’d much rather get my high yield elsewhere in 2025 and beyond. Here are two “smart” passive-income options for investors looking beyond the ultra-high-yielding telecom firms as they attempt to climb out of their industry rut.

Quebecor

Sure, Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) is another telecom — one that has been under a lot of pressure in recent years. That said, I think the name is cheaper and has a potentially more attractive long-term growth runway. The stock has done pretty much nothing in the past two years, with around 8.5% downside over the past five years.

Indeed, it’s been a rough stock to hang onto, but, at the very least, it’s somewhat close (around 14%) from all-time highs. And with 9.8 times trailing P/E and 9.2 times forward P/E, I view shares as deeply discounted. Of course, you’ll have to settle for the relatively small 4.3% dividend yield with the name. It’s a sustainable payout but almost half of what you’d get with Telus!

Is foregoing all that yield worthwhile? If you’re a bull on Quebecor’s move to become that fourth major national telecom player, I think shares are a solid bet for the long haul. Just a few weeks ago, the stock got a notable upgrade over its “risk-reward set-up.” I couldn’t agree more. Shares are too cheap, given the progress and the road ahead.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Quebecor PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

SmartCentres REIT

SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is another smart way to get yield for cheap. Shares sport a 7.64% yield at the time of writing, which is incredibly generous for a retail real estate investment trust (REIT) with such a high occupancy rate. Of course, retail REITs aren’t all too attractive, but if you recognize the staying power of physical retail and the need for strip malls, I find SRU.UN to be a severely undervalued bargain that’s hiding in plain sight.

Though I don’t know when shares will turn a corner (they’re in a nasty bear market right now), I’d be more than willing to buy more shares on further weakness (shares go for $24 and change per share today). If you’re looking for income alternatives, the retail REIT scene is a great place to look, in my view.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Should you invest $1,000 in Quebecor Inc. right now?

Before you buy stock in Quebecor Inc., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Quebecor Inc. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 has positions in SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool recommends SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest in Canadian Value Stocks for Both Stability and Growth

Three Canadian value stocks are buying opportunities for investors looking for stability and growth.

Read more »

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Got $15,000? 3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Consider

Here's why investing in blue-chip TSX stocks such as CNQ and CNR should derive outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Allocate $20,000 in 2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Retirement Needs

Here are two safer, high-yield dividend stocks I'm looking at for my retirement needs.

Read more »

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

3 Reasons I’m Considering Enbridge Stock for a $5,000 Investment This April

I'm considering Enbridge stock to provide some defensive appeal and a juicy dividend to my long-term portfolio.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

A 9.2% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Single Month

With one of the highest dividends out there, this dividend stock deserves attention in your portfolio.

Read more »

Happy golf player walks the course
Dividend Stocks

Build a Powerful Passive Income Portfolio With Just $20,000

If you are worried that the bear market could reduce your savings, these stocks can build a powerful passive income…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use My $7,000 TFSA Contribution to Start Retirement Planning

These TSX stocks have solid fundamentals and are well-positioned to deliver significant tax-free total returns over time.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn Your TFSA Into a Gold Mine Starting With Only $10,000

It doesn't have to be complicated or scary. You can turn any portfolio into a major gold mine.

Read more »