Is TELUS (TSX:T) Undervalued Amid Telecom Competition and Growth Prospects?

The question of whether TELUS (TSX:T) is undervalued hinges on a tension between its discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation and its current market price, as well as broader industry dynamics. While DCF models suggest intrinsic values ranging from C$21.83 to C$49.32 per share, the stock currently trades at approximately C$18.52, implying a potential discount of 15% to 62% depending on assumptions. This divergence invites scrutiny of TELUS's strategic expansion, competitive positioning, and financial discipline against the backdrop of a high P/E ratio and sector-specific risks.

DCF Valuation: A Tale of Two Estimates

The DCF analysis of TELUS reveals a spectrum of outcomes, driven by varying assumptions about free cash flow (FCF) growth and discount rates. A 2025 DCF model projects FCF to rise from C$1.48 billion in the trailing twelve months to C$4.27 billion by 2035, yielding an intrinsic value of C$49.32 per share. This suggests the stock is trading at a 62.2% discount to its estimated fair value. Conversely, Alpha Spread's analysis places intrinsic value at C$21.83, a 15% premium to the current price. The disparity underscores the sensitivity of DCF models to inputs such as long-term growth rates and terminal value assumptions.

TELUS's own guidance adds nuance. The company targets FCF growth of at least 10% annually from 2026 to 2028, aligning with the optimistic DCF projections. However, achieving these targets will require sustained investment in capital-intensive projects like its PureFibre and 5G networks, which demand over C$70 billion in infrastructure spending through 2029. Such commitments could strain margins if revenue growth or cost efficiencies fall short.

P/E Ratio: Overvaluation or Mispricing?

TELUS's trailing P/E ratio of 24.4x as of 2025 exceeds both the Global Telecom industry average of 16.3x and the peer group average of 8.9x. This suggests the market is pricing in robust earnings growth, yet it contrasts sharply with DCF-derived valuations that imply significant undervaluation. The disconnect may reflect skepticism about TELUS's ability to convert its capital expenditures into sustainable cash flows. For instance, while the company's TELUS Health segment grew Adjusted EBITDA by 30% in Q1 2025, its core telecom business faces pricing pressures and regulatory uncertainties that could dampen margins.

Strategic Expansion and Insider Confidence

TELUS's aggressive expansion into adjacent markets-such as healthcare, agriculture, and digital services-positions it to diversify revenue streams. The acquisition of Workplace Options, for example, expanded TELUS Health's reach to 88 million employees globally, while its rural broadband initiatives target underserved communities. These moves align with long-term DCF assumptions but also expose the company to execution risks.

Insider buying activity further complicates the valuation picture. Executives, including CEO Darren Entwistle, have acquired shares at prices ranging from C$12.60 to C$13.41 in late 2025, signaling confidence in the company's strategic direction. Such purchases may reflect a belief that the stock's intrinsic value is being overlooked, particularly as TELUS monetizes assets like its wireless tower infrastructure through partnerships.

Competitive Risks and Market Sentiment

Despite its growth ambitions, TELUS operates in a highly competitive telecom sector. Rivals like BCE and Rogers are also investing heavily in 5G and fiber networks, intensifying price competition. Moreover, the sector's capital intensity- TELUS's C$70 billion in infrastructure spending through 2029-raises concerns about debt sustainability, especially in a high-interest-rate environment.

Market sentiment also appears mixed. While DCF models highlight undervaluation, the elevated P/E ratio suggests investors are wary of near-term risks. This duality reflects a broader revaluation of telecom stocks, where long-term growth potential is weighed against short-term operational challenges.

Conclusion: A Risk-Aware Investment Case

TELUS presents a compelling but nuanced investment opportunity. The DCF analysis, particularly the C$49.32 intrinsic value estimate, implies substantial upside if the company meets its FCF growth targets. However, this scenario hinges on successful execution of its capital-intensive expansion plans and the ability to navigate competitive and regulatory headwinds. The current P/E ratio, while high, may not fully discount these risks, creating a potential mispricing.

For investors, the key lies in balancing optimism about TELUS's long-term growth with caution regarding its near-term challenges. Insider buying and strategic diversification into high-margin sectors like healthcare provide confidence, but the stock's valuation remains sensitive to assumptions about cash flow sustainability. In a risk-aware framework, TELUS could be a speculative buy for those comfortable with the company's execution risks and the broader telecom sector's structural dynamics.