HCOM Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. (delisted)

On Jan 9, 2014 we maintained our Neutral recommendation on Canadian telecom service provider Telus Corporation (TU). We remain optimistic on the company’s wireless segment, technology upgrade, post-paid plans, increased rollout of smartphones and expansion of the 4G LTE network. Furthermore, investments in Optik TV business and high-speed broadband technology and services will likely work in favor of Telus.

Nevertheless, continuous access lines erosion along with competitive threats and increased capital expenditures keep us cautious. Telus currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Why Maintained?

Deeper penetration of smartphones, improving churn, increasing average revenue per unit, accelerating wireless data services and growing wireline fiber optic networks are the catalysts for Telus’ growth. Launch of various rate plans, in particular the high-end post-paid plans will improve the financial performance of the company.

Expansion of 4G LTE network, offering of the latest LTE based handsets and launch of SharePlus rate plans that come with an unlimited talk and text option will expedite growth within Telus’ wireless segment. The company will also benefit from the launch of PTT service in Canada under the brand Telus Link, which allows walkie-talkie voice communications over the carrier’s HSPA and LTE networks.

In an attempt to compensate for access line loss, Telus continues to add features as well as upgrade the existing features of its Optik TV and Optik High-Speed Internet broadband services that are gaining traction across British Columbia, Alberta and Eastern Quebec. Further, Telus remains committed to enhance shareholders’ wealth and has increased its quarterly dividend to 36 cents. Telus also enhanced its share repurchase program to up to $2.5 billion by 2016.

However, the potential rollout of the 4G LTE wireless service in rural Canada might pose a serious threat if it fails to acquire the 700 MHz band from the expected auction in early 2014. Additionally, the wireline segment includes investments in broadband infrastructure, to bring in more business and residential customers directly under fiber optic cable. Substantial network investments could affect its bottom line.

Additionally, Telus continues to lose local access line to competition from cable TV operators that have started offering phone service based on the less costly Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP). We thus prefer to remain sidelined on the company.

Other Stocks

Other stocks worth mentioning are Hawaiian Telcom Holdco Inc. (HCOM), Level 3 Communications Inc. (LVLT) and BT Group plc (BT). HCOM and LVLT carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) while BT carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

 
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