Forget BCE: Telus (TSX:T) Is the Best Dividend Stud for Your Money

Telus (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) and BCE (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) are dividend studs in the Canadian telecom scene, but the former may be best for most investors.

| More on:

Telus (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) and BCE (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) are two of the top Canadian telecom dividend studs that investors seem split over. The former has done a magnificent job of navigating the rough waters of 2020, and its growth profile looks far better. Still, the latter telecom stock has a richer dividend yield. But should that be the deciding factor for Canadian investors?

At the time of writing, Telus sports a solid 4.8% yield, while BCE commands a juicy 6.1% yield. While most income investors would immediately reach for those beaten-down BCE shares, I think that most investors seeking above-average total returns (that account for capital appreciation and dividends) would be best off in Telus stock at these levels.

A tale of two top dividend studs

BCE stock is in the gutter right now, with shares still off 10.5% from their pre-pandemic all-time highs. Meanwhile, Telus stock has been firing on all cylinders, heavily outperforming its peers in the Big Three telecom space over through this horrific pandemic. Shares of Telus flirted with all-time highs of $27 and change earlier this year before pulling back modestly to $25 and change, where the stock currently sits today.

Now off just over 6% from its 52-week high, Telus stock seems a tad more expensive than its bigger brother BCE. But I don’t think that’s the case. Despite Telus stock’s outperformance, I think its shares are actually pretty undervalued relative to what you’re getting from the name. As for BCE, many analysts think that the big dip is completely warranted, given the behemoth is lacking on the growth front, and its media business has been a major drag in recent years. Not to mention BCE has had a tougher time amid the pandemic compared to Telus, which managed to pull ahead of its competition amid its aggressive wireless and wireline buildout.

Telus offers a lot more in the way of long-term growth

Telus is investing heavily, and I think it has a competitive edge that warrants a premium multiple over its peers in the space. By opting for Telus stock over BCE, you’re giving up just over 1% in yield. But in return, you’re getting so much more on the growth front and in terms of resilience. Telus lacks a media segment and can focus its efforts on crushing the competition in its markets of interest as the new generation of telecom tech continues to roll out.

In any case, both BCE and Telus are members of the Big Three triopoly that should benefit over the long term from the elimination of the fourth major wireless carrier in Shaw Communications following its takeover by number three telecom rival Rogers Communications. The Shaw-Rogers deal was a big win for all telecoms and their future profitability prospects, but it’s bad news for everyday Canadians who will probably have to pay a pretty penny for their mobile data over the next decade.

Foolish takeaway

Telus looks to be a far better bet than BCE ahead of the Roaring 20s. What the name lacks in yield versus BCE is made up in growth. Analysts seem to agree, with a consensus price target of $31.45 (over 23% in upside) versus BCE, which has a target of just $59.68 (just over 3% in upside).

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in the Canadian telecom scene. I think Telus is the best dividend stud for your money right now.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS INC. CL B NV and TELUS CORPORATION.

More on Investing

Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now With $1,000

Investing in stocks is not about timing but consistency. If you have $1,000 to invest, these stocks offer an attractive…

Read more »

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

1 Way to Use a TFSA to Earn $250 Monthly Income

Here's one way long-term investors can utilize a Tax-Free Savings Account to generate $250 per month in passive income in…

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Is Manulife Stock a Buy for its 3.5% Dividend Yield?

Manulife stock has been a long-time dividend winner, but the average has come down over the last few years. So…

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Dividend Stocks

This 7.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month

Monthly dividend income can be a saviour, but especially when it provides passive income like this!

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Investing

3 No-Brainer TSX Stocks Under $50

Amid buoyant markets and improving optimism, these three under-$50 Canadian stocks are poised to earn superior returns in the long…

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These TSX stocks still offer attractive dividend yields.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Oil Price Outlook for 2025, Plus Smart Energy Stocks

If you are looking to buy some energy stocks now or next year, it's essential to consider the oil price…

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

2 Things to Know About Dye & Durham Stock Before You Buy

Dye & Durham stock has given some good returns to those who bought the dip. Is the stock still a…

Read more »