
TSE:BCE
Just announced a privatization deal with Bell Alliant (BA-T). Thinks this is good that they are taking some of their assets and consolidating them. He owns this mainly for its dividend play. Wireless is the way to go, and the growth engine for things. If you are a Bell Alliant shareholder, he would recommend taking the cash unless there are some capital gains complications.
Do you think entrants in the wireless spectrum auction will be a threat? It is a threat, but in the past it hasn’t tended to hit them too hard. More competition would benefit the sector. There are a lot of other factors such as the cable side with government regulation coming in and trying to break that a little. Dividend is hugely attractive in this low rate environment. If you own, you could continue to Hold, but just be aware that in the cell phone space and the cable space there could be some negative shocks to come.
Stock vs. Stock: BCE-T vs. VZ-N. They are two different stocks. BCE gives you a fantastic dividend close to 5% and decent cash flow. Telcos in general are getting up there in terms of valuations. VZ-N should provide more growth and less dividend than BCE. It depends what you are trying to accomplish.
Doesn’t own any telecommunications at this time. Because of 1) regulatory uncertainties that are coming down the pike, 2) increasing intense competition and 3) some are reaching the saturation point. He would stay away at this time.