TELUS(TU) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - TELUS achieved record free cash flow of CAD 2.2 billion for the full year 2025, representing an increase of 11% over 2024, exceeding the annual target [8][9] - The company reported a T-Tech adjusted EBITDA increase of 3.1% for 2025, demonstrating disciplined execution and a focus on cost efficiency [8][9] - The net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio improved to 3.4 times by the end of 2025, with expectations to reach approximately 3.3 times or lower by the end of 2026 [19][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TELUS reported 1.1 million full mobile and fixed customer net additions in 2025, including record connected device net additions of 716,000 and robust mobile phone net additions of 207,000 [6][7] - The wireline portfolio saw an industry-leading total wireline customer growth of 40,000 in Q4 2025, including 35,000 internet net additions [10][11] - TELUS Health experienced a 13% increase in operating revenues and a 10% increase in adjusted EBITDA, driven by the acquisition of Workplace Options and organic growth [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - TELUS achieved an industry-leading postpaid mobile phone churn of 0.97% for the full year 2025, marking the twelfth consecutive year below the 1% threshold [8][9] - The company reported a decline in ARPU of 1.6%, but noted an accelerated sequential improvement, the strongest among peers [22][23] - Fixed data services revenue in Q4 increased approximately 2%, driven by continued internet customer growth and higher internet ARPU [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - TELUS is focused on amplifying profitable revenue expansion while maintaining cost efficiencies, positioning itself for sustainable value-accretive growth [20][19] - The company plans to leverage its superior portfolio of bundled products and services to differentiate itself from competitors and create shareholder value [11][12] - TELUS aims to achieve double-digit EBITDA growth from both TELUS Digital and TELUS Health in 2026, with a focus on new product development and improving churn [49][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering sustained profitable growth, supported by a robust asset mix and diversified business portfolio [28] - The leadership transition to Victor Dodig is expected to maintain continuity in growth initiatives and capital allocation strategies [67][76] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy industry economics and brand differentiation amidst competitive pressures [34][35] Other Important Information - TELUS Digital's AI-enabling capabilities revenue increased by 44% to CAD 229 million in Q4, supporting a 35% increase for the full year [14] - The company is targeting CAD 7 billion of assets under management for monetization, which includes real estate and copper recycling [16][19] - TELUS is committed to reducing its DRIP discount to 1.75% from 2%, with further reductions planned through 2026 and into 2027 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current wireless environment and strategy - Management acknowledged the promotional nature of the current wireless environment and emphasized the importance of brand differentiation to maintain healthy industry economics [34][35] Question: ARPU growth expectations - Management indicated that the improvement in ARPU is organic and reflects a reestablishment of premium offerings, with expectations for continued growth [40][42] Question: Guidance for revenue and EBITDA growth - Management outlined three key areas for growth: telecom, TELUS Digital, and TELUS Health, with expectations for double-digit EBITDA growth from the latter two [49][50] Question: Changes in capital allocation or dividend policy with new CEO - Management assured continuity in growth initiatives and capital allocation strategies despite the leadership transition [67] Question: Sovereign AI strategy and chip ownership - Management confirmed that the chip strategy is included in the guidance and emphasized the cost efficiency of leveraging existing data centers for Sovereign AI initiatives [88][94]