2 TSX Telecom Stocks That Are Top Value Picks

Two telco stocks, an industry giant and a soon-to-be second-largest, are top value picks today.

| More on:
gaming, tech

Image source: Getty Images

A mega-merger in Canada’s telecom sector is coming soon. Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B)(NYSE:RCI) needs to overcome two more major hurdles to proceed with the takeover of Shaw Communications. The business combination will unseat TELUS as the country’s second-largest telco.

In all likelihood, Rogers will become a top value pick for investors in the space alongside BCE (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE). As of this writing, Rogers is the top-performing 5G stock among the big three telcos with its 20.77% year-to-date return.

Conditional approval

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) granted Rogers a conditional approval to acquire Shaw last month. CRTC assessed the broadcasting elements of the $26 billion deal and said the merger would be in the public interest. It adds that it would not impact the competitive landscape.

Rogers said before that Canada is no longer an island in an ocean alone. It argued that besides industry peers BCE and TELUS, the competition globally is also increasingly. Among the salient conditions is for Rogers to contribute $27.2 million to various media and local news initiatives and funds. The amount is five times greater than the original commitment of the buying entity.

Rogers must also distribute 45 independent English and French-language services, at least, on each of its cable and satellite services. It should ensure that independent programming services would not be disadvantaged during negotiations with Rogers.

Regarding rate increases, Rogers said that any price increases would be in line with Shaw’s decades-long pricing scheme. Also, the stiff competition from Telus is the best check against it raising prices, said Rogers. The Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will review the wireless, phone, and internet acquisitions next.

While Rogers awaits the next phase of hearings, the $36.53 billion telco launched Canada’s first commercial 5G standalone (SA) network. According to Jorge Fernandes, Rogers’ chief technology officer, the milestone underscores the telco’s ongoing leadership in 5G.

Furthermore, Rogers has a $300 million partnership with Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN). The partners aim to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable wireless connectivity across Eastern Ontario. For would-be investors, Rogers trades at $72.21 per share and pays a 2.8% dividend.

Buy-and-hold

Canada’s largest telco is a buy-and-hold stock. Besides the dividend growth streak of 13 consecutive years, BCE’s dividend track record dates back to 1881, or 140 years. If you invest today, the share price is $72.12, while the dividend yield is 5.16%. On April 6, 2022, the telco stock hit a 52-week high of $72.24.

The compelling reason to invest in BCE is the recurring income streams. Income-investors or retirees can receive pension-like income if they buy the stock today and hold forever. In the last 46.29 years, the total return is 84,444.30% (15.67% CAGR). The $65.63 billion industry giant generates billions of dollars in revenue every year, so the dividend payouts should be safe and sustainable.

Blaik Kirby, group president of BCE Consumer and Small and Medium Business, said, “I’m so proud that Bell is once again leading the way in delivering faster internet speeds for our customers.”

High chances of approval

Industry analysts predict that the Competition Bureau and ISED will also approve the telco merger, although there could be more conditions compared to CRTC. The timetable is late this year.

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

More on Dividend Stocks

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy the 3 Highest-Paying Dividend Stocks in Canada?

A few dividend stocks saw a sharp correction in November, increasing their yields. Are they a buy for high dividends?

Read more »

money while you sleep
Dividend Stocks

Buy These 2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Today and Sleep Soundly for a Decade

These stocks pay attractive dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

$15,000 Windfall? This Dividend Stock Is the Perfect Buy for Monthly Passive Income

If you get a windfall, after debt investing should be your next top option to create even more passive income!

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Worry-Free Income

These Canadian stocks have consistently paid dividends, generating a worry-free passive income for investors.

Read more »

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for a Potential $4,781.70 in Total Returns

A dividend stock doesn't have to be risky, or without growth. And in the case of this one, the growth…

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

2 Top TSX ETFs to Buy and Hold in a TFSA Forever

Don't get crazy. Just think simple growth with these two ETFs that are perfect in any TFSA.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $900 Per Month in Tax-Free Income

This covered call ETF plus a TFSA could be your ticket to high tax-free passive income.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn a $15,000 TFSA Into $171,000

$15,000 may not seem like a lot, but over time that amount can balloon into serious cash.

Read more »