Retirees: Forget BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)! This Income Stock Is Far Superior

BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) is a dud. Here’s a better income stock to buy instead.

| More on:
retired life

There’s no shortage of analyst coverage on BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) stock. It’s one of the most popular holdings among conservative income investors, like retirees. Despite fairly favourable analyst ratings, I think investors ought to be concerned over the vast number of long-term headwinds that stand to stunt growth for many years to come.

With recent fears over higher rates, an apparent lack of meaningful growth prospects, and a new competitor in Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR), which may threaten the price collusion of the Big Three incumbents in the Canadian telecom oligopoly, I think investors have a wealth of reasons to finally ditch long-time market darling BCE to the curb.

Shares of BCE have fallen around 14% from peak to trough with the dividend yield swelling to an attractive 5.55%. Based on traditional valuation metrics, the stock is the cheapest it’s been in a while, but given the bleak long-term outlook, the stock is anything but cheap! As such, I’d urge investors not to bite on the dividend at these levels, because shares can and likely will get even cheaper, despite favourable ratings by high-profile analysts.

Here are two other conservative income stocks that I believe will offer above-average dividend growth and far better capital gains over the next decade.

Shaw Communications Inc.

Naturally, it’d make sense to dump a disrupted firm like BCE and go with its disruptor.

Shaw only has a 4% slice of the Canadian wireless market. If management can achieve its goal of obtaining an equal 25% share of the pie over time, there’s a tonne of upside to be had for Shaw investors over the next five years or so. It looks like it’s going to be “open season” in the years ahead as Shaw gradually disrupts the pricing equilibrium of the Big Three.

Shaw’s wireless business, Freedom Mobile, has really been picking up a tonne traction of late, with wireless revenues surging 106% year over year to $290 million for Q2. A surprised analyst went as far as saying that the quarter was “almost too good,” as Shaw more than doubled analyst expectations of wireless subscriber additions for the quarter and almost tripled the number of additions on a year-over-year basis.

Although the quality of Shaw’s network is still vastly inferior to those of the Big Three incumbents, Freedom Mobile’s lower price point, aggressive promos, and commitment to improving infrastructure have clearly been enough to win over budget-conscious Canadians.

Furthermore, Canadian regulators are likely to grant Shaw a competitive edge to accelerate competition in Canada’s telecom scene to bring forth lower wireless rate to Canadian consumers.

The 4.3% dividend yield pales in comparison to BCE’s 5.5% yield, but in terms of a total return over the next decade, odds are, you’ll be much richer with Shaw at your portfolio’s core than you would with BCE, which may still have another 10-15% to correct before it can move higher.

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

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for $600 in Passive Income

Do you want to generate passive income? Forget the rental unit! This option will save you the mortgage yet still…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

TD Bank (TSX:TD) shares are way too cheap with way too swollen a yield for retirees to pass up right…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

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

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »