Rogers Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2026?

Rogers looks like a classic “boring winner” but price wars, debt, and heavy network spending can still bite.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Rogers has scale and bundling, plus strong free cash flow that supports its dividend.
  • The big worry is intense discounting and falling ARPU, which can slowly erode profits.
  • Debt is still high and telecom networks need constant spending, so stability matters more than flashy growth.

Telecom stocks can look simple, but the buy decision depends on a few unglamorous checks. You want steady demand, but also pricing power, manageable debt, and a regulator that does not change the rules. Watch churn, subscriber adds, and average revenue per user, because small moves there can swing profit. Then watch capital spending. Networks eat cash, so free cash flow matters more than headline revenue. So, where does Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B) sit?

man looks worried about something on his phone

Source: Getty Images

Buy

If you want a buy case for Rogers stock, it starts with scale and stickiness. The one-stop communications and media operator runs wireless, cable, and sports and media, so it can sell a bundle instead of one phone plan. Over the last year, it leaned into MLSE and expanded its channel lineup, which helped drive a big jump in media revenue in the latest quarter. Live sports can keep subscribers loyal when competitors wave discounts. Rogers also said it plans to buy the remaining 25% of MLSE by 2026, which would deepen that content moat.

The buy case also leans on cash generation and network execution. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Rogers stock reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $2.7 billion, adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.51, and free cash flow of $1 billion. Plus it declared a $0.50 dividend. It highlighted a satellite-to-mobile launch and 5G advanced deployment, which signals it still invests to protect coverage and reliability. If it keeps translating that into lower churn and steadier pricing, the stock can reward patient buyers.

Sell

Now the sell case. Rogers stock operates in a Canadian market that can turn promotional fast, and management called out “unsustainable” discounting from peers that continued into January. It also pointed to slower population growth tied to immigration policy changes, which can cool the pool of new subscribers. In its fourth-quarter materials, annual revenue per unit (ARPU) fell 2.8% year over year to $56.43. If discounting drags on, you can end up owning a cash cow that produces less milk each year.

The sell case also includes leverage and complexity. Rogers stock ended 2025 with an adjusted debt leverage ratio of about 3.9, which limits flexibility if the competitive cycle turns ugly. It still needs heavy network spending and wants to keep investing in content, so it cannot cut its way to growth. If rates stay higher for longer, debt costs can cap upside even when the business stays stable.

Hold

The hold case sits in the middle, and it rests on the idea that the core business still works even if growth cools. Wireless service revenue stayed flat year over year in the fourth quarter, while wireless adjusted EBITDA rose 1% to $1.4 billion and produced a 67% margin. Cable also posted a 59% adjusted EBITDA margin, up 30 basis points. Not thrilling, but it shows discipline, which often matters more than flash in telecom.

Holding also makes sense because Rogers stock now has more levers than a plain telecom, but those levers take time to play out. It added 37,000 postpaid wireless subscribers in the quarter and 22,000 retail internet net additions, even in a cooler market, and it used sports and new channels to lift media results. If you own it today, you can hold for the dividend and watch whether pricing stabilizes, rather than forcing a sell in a noisy moment. In fact, here’s what even $7,000 could bring in.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESANNUAL DIVIDENDANNUAL TOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYTOTAL INVESTMENT
RCI.B$50.82137$2.00$274.00Quarterly$6,952.34

Bottom line

For most investors, Rogers stock could be a buy if you want Canadian cash flow, a real dividend, and a company that can defend its base with bundles and network quality over time. It could also be a pass if you hate price wars, regulatory noise, and leverage in a capital-heavy sector. Valuation screens can look reasonable for a large telecom, but you should anchor on adjusted results and free cash flow, not one-off accounting swings.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Rogers Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

people ride a downhill dip on a roller coaster
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Stocks to Own if Volatility Sticks Around

These three TSX stocks aim to stay resilient amid volatility by leaning on essentials, recurring cash flow, and disciplined execution.

Read more »

holding coins in hand for the future
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding for the Next 7 Years

These companies have long track records of delivering dividend growth.

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

How to Make Your Retirement Savings Last a Full 30 Years

Canadian Natural Resources stock could be the retirement income anchor you need. Here is how to make your savings last…

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

Love Income Stocks? This High-Yield Alternative to Telus Might be Worth a Look

Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust offers a high-yield of 6.6%, with the benefits of diversification, strong returns, and growth.

Read more »

Forklift in a warehouse
Dividend Stocks

2 TFSA Dividend Stocks I’d Lock In Now for Long-Term Income

TFSA investors: Shield high-yield REIT income from taxes forever. Lock in SmartCentres REIT (6.6% yield) & Granite REIT now for…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Whose Passive Income Just Keeps Climbing

Here's a group of Canadian dividend stocks investors can look to buying on dips for growing passive income.

Read more »

real estate and REITs can be good investments for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy if Rates Stay Higher for Longer

These two high-yield TSX lenders look built for “higher-for-longer” rates, with dividends supported by earnings and loans that can reprice.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

3 Impressive Dividend Stocks With Yields Reaching as High as 6.9%

These three stocks offer a mix of reliability, growth potential and compelling dividend yields, which is why they're some of…

Read more »