Telus Stock Price, News & Analysis

TELUS, a global communications and IT company, released findings from its 2024 Data & Trust survey, revealing growing concerns about data privacy among American consumers. Key findings include:

• 82% believe data privacy matters more now than ever
• 74% worry about how organizations handle their personal data
• 88% consider a company's data handling reputation important for business decisions
• 86% agree trust in a business inspires them to buy or use its products/services
• 52% think about data privacy daily

The survey also highlighted concerns about AI development, with 86% wanting AI to be developed carefully and 81% emphasizing the importance of clarity and transparency. TELUS remains committed to leading in data trust, privacy, and security, having secured various certifications and awards for its practices.

TELUS has acquired 2,593,631 subordinate voting shares of TELUS Digital through market purchases on the Toronto Stock Exchange. This acquisition represents an additional 2.35% interest in TELUS Digital subordinate voting shares since TELUS' prior early warning report on August 16, 2024. TELUS now holds approximately 5.99% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares.

The purchase was made under the normal course purchase exemption. After the acquisition, TELUS holds 152,004,019 multiple voting shares and 6,624,822 subordinate voting shares, representing about 92.5% of outstanding multiple voting shares, 6.0% of outstanding subordinate voting shares, and 87.0% of outstanding voting rights of TELUS Digital.

TELUS CEO Darren Entwistle stated that these purchases reflect their confidence in TELUS Digital's long-term profitable growth strategy and are not part of a privatization plan.

TELUS has joined the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC), becoming the first Canadian telecom to participate in this initiative aimed at developing safe and trustworthy AI. The consortium, established by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, includes over 280 leading AI stakeholders from various sectors. TELUS's involvement underscores its commitment to responsible AI development and deployment.

TELUS has been a pioneer in AI ethics, recently launching a generative AI customer support tool that became the first in the world to be internationally certified in Privacy by Design (ISO 31700-1). The company also won an Outstanding Organization 2023 prize from the Responsible AI Institute and is the first Canadian telecom to sign the Government of Canada's voluntary code of conduct for generative AI.

TELUS Digital reported its Q2 2024 results, showcasing strong cash flows despite macroeconomic pressures.

Revenue decreased by 2% year-over-year to $652 million due to lower revenues from a leading social media client. Net loss was $3 million with a diluted EPS of $(0.08). However, Adjusted Net Income increased by 5% to $46 million, and Adjusted EBITDA rose by 10% to $130 million.

Full-year 2024 guidance has been revised: revenue between $2,610-$2,665 million, Adjusted EBITDA $465-$485 million, and Adjusted Diluted EPS $0.39-$0.44.

Key executive changes include Jeff Puritt's retirement as CEO, with Jason Macdonnell as Acting CEO, and Tobias Dengel elevated to President of TELUS Digital Solutions.

Notable achievements include growing AI-related business accounting for ~15% of total revenue and new contracts with prominent clients. Cash flows remain strong, supporting debt repayment and reinvestments.

TELUS reported its Q2 2024 results, highlighting a 13% increase in net income to $221 million and a 7.1% rise in EPS to $0.15. The company's consolidated EBITDA rose by 5.5% to $1.7 billion, while adjusted EBITDA saw a 5.6% increase to $1.8 billion. Key drivers included subscriber growth in mobile, internet, and security services, alongside efficiency improvements and cost reductions.

Customer additions reached a record 332,000, with notable contributions from 101,000 mobile phones and 161,000 connected devices. TELUS Health and TELUS Agriculture also showed strong performance, with healthcare lives covered increasing by 10% to 75.1 million and agriculture revenue up by 15%.

Despite a competitive environment, TELUS maintained its guidance for capital expenditures at $2.6 billion but revised its free cash flow forecast to $2.1 billion. The company continues to focus on driving margin-accretive customer growth and operational efficiency.

Mobile Klinik, TELUS' device care and repair subsidiary, and MCE Systems have launched a new end-to-end trade-in solution integrated into the Mobile Klinik Device Checkup app. This solution offers a seamless, digital-first trade-in journey for customers and operational efficiencies for TELUS. Key features include:

1. Instant assessment and valuation on the device through diagnostic tests
2. A connected retail experience using QR codes to transfer information from app to store
3. Reduced friction and uncertainty for customers
4. Accelerated in-store process
5. Integrated pricing and promotion engine
6. Direct connectivity to the warehouse for downstream efficiency

This innovation reinforces Mobile Klinik's position as Canada's leading smartphone repair brand and demonstrates TELUS' commitment to superior customer service.

Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, has been chosen by TELUS (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) as its preferred ad technology solutions partner in Canada. TELUS will utilize Magnite's SpringServe ad server and Streaming SSP for its Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) and online video advertising inventory. This partnership aligns with the growing trend of ad-supported streaming, as 74% of Canadian consumers now watch streaming TV. The collaboration aims to enhance TELUS's TV offerings at no additional cost to customers, while providing advertisers with better insights and control over their campaigns.

Magnite's technology will allow TELUS to manage and monetize its connected TV (CTV) inventory more effectively. TELUS has already deployed FAST channels like TIME, Tastemade, and The Washington Post to its TV+ customers, offering new opportunities for advertisers and agencies to connect with audiences. Both companies are excited about the potential to redefine the Canadian advertising landscape and deliver premium ad experiences to consumers and brands alike.

TELUS announced the election of directors at its annual meeting. The 14 nominees proposed by management were elected, with high percentages of votes in favor for each director. The detailed voting results were disclosed, showing strong support from shareholders.

Telus CEO, Darren Entwistle, has decided to receive his salary in shares indefinitely, reflecting his confidence in the company's financial health, long-term strategy, and the team's skill. This decision comes after Telus reported industry-leading customer additions and solid financial results. Entwistle's move demonstrates his alignment with shareholders and past practice of investing significantly in Telus shares.