Investments In Wireless Still Paying Off

Article Excerpt

TELUS CORP. (Toronto symbols T $63 and T.A $62; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 334.4 million; Market cap: $21.1 billion; SI Rating: Above average) has gained 15% since BCE confirmed it is talking with potential buyers. Telus could also decide to bid for BCE. However, a BCE-Telus merger would face significant political opposition. Meanwhile, Telus continues to enjoy the benefits of its heavy wireless investments. Thanks to a 17% jump in wireless profits, overall earnings in the three months ended March 31, 2007 rose 50%, to $0.90 a share from $0.60 a year earlier. The most recent earnings figure excludes a non-recurring charge of $0.32 a share. Revenue grew 4.8%, to $2.2 billion from $2.1 billion. The company aims to pay out between 45% and 55% of its sustainable earnings as dividends; the current annual rate of $1.50 yields 2.4%. The payout ratio in the past 12 months was 46%, so Telus will probably increase its dividend before the end…