Welcome to our dedicated page for BCE news (Ticker: BCE), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on BCE stock.
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE), formerly known as Bell Canada Enterprises Inc., is a leading Canadian holding company. It operates through its subsidiaries, primarily Bell Canada, which provides a wide range of telecommunication services including wireless, broadband, television, and landline phone services. BCE is a major player in the Canadian telecom industry, serving over 10 million customers and holding around 30% of the national wireless market.
Telecommunications and Media: BCE is one of the incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC) in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces. Its media segment, Bell Media Inc., controls a significant share of television, radio, and digital media assets. Bell Media holds licensing rights for major international movie channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz, enhancing its content portfolio.
Recent Achievements: BCE's investments in broadband and fibre networks have paid off, with record fibre Internet activations and significant growth in wireless subscribers. PCMag recognized Bell as the Best Major ISP in Canada for 2023, reflecting high Internet speed, customer satisfaction, and coverage.
Innovations and Partnerships: BCE is at the forefront of 5G innovation, collaborating with global telecom leaders like Verizon and Vodafone. The company's recent partnership with Google Cloud to provide AI-driven customer service solutions epitomizes its commitment to digital transformation.
Media Expansion: Bell Media has expanded its footprint by acquiring the Canadian business of OUTFRONT Media and launching new ad-supported streaming channels on platforms like LG Channels and Samsung TV Plus. Strategic deals with FOX Entertainment enhance Bell Media’s content distribution.
Commitment to ESG: BCE emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The company has significantly invested in clean energy projects and social programs, including mental health initiatives through the Bell Let’s Talk campaign. BCE was recognized with the Clean50 Top Project Award for its sustainable practices.
Financial Performance: BCE continues to deliver strong financial results, with adjusted EBITDA growth and consistent dividend payouts. The company's disciplined cost management and strategic investments in core areas are expected to sustain its growth momentum.
Future Outlook: Looking ahead, BCE remains focused on expanding its 5G network, enhancing digital services, and maintaining its leadership in the Canadian telecom and media markets. The company’s continued emphasis on innovation, customer experience, and sustainable practices positions it well for long-term growth.
Bell Media has partnered with Shopsense AI to introduce second-screen shopping experiences to Canadian viewers, marking Shopsense's first expansion outside the U.S. The integration will debut on CTV's shows 'The Good Stuff with Mary Berg' and 'Etalk', offering viewers the ability to shop for items seen on screen.
The partnership leverages Shopsense's Commerce OS, which includes features like the Shopsense Lens for smartphone-based shopping and AI-curated Storefronts. Bell Media joins major media organizations like Paramount and Univision in adopting this technology. The platform will connect viewers to both U.S. retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy) and Canadian retailers (Canada Goose, Roots, SSENSE). The two shows have a combined social media reach of over 1.5M followers.
Bell Media and StackAdapt have announced a strategic partnership to expand access to Bell Media's premium inventory across connected TV (CTV) and digital channels through StackAdapt's programmatic platform. The collaboration aims to provide agencies and brands with enhanced reach in digital advertising across Canada. Bell Media projects a 350% increase in CTV inventory by 2025, significantly outpacing industry growth. The partnership will include access to various channels including CTV, display, video, audio, and digital out-of-home (DOOH), with plans to add live sports content as the partnership scales.
BCE announced significant changes to its Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP), introducing a 2% discount for treasury share issuances. This modification will take effect with the dividend reinvestment scheduled for January 15, 2025. The discount will apply to common shares issued from treasury under the DRIP, offering shareholders an opportunity to reinvest their cash dividends at a more favorable rate.
BCE announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) program to repurchase and cancel up to 10% of the public float of its First Preferred Shares. The program, which received TSX approval, will run from November 13, 2023, to November 12, 2024. BCE's previous NCIB program saw no shares repurchased during its term. The company may repurchase shares through the TSX, alternative trading systems, or by other means allowed by securities regulators.
BCE has released its third quarter 2024 results. The company reported a revenue of $5.8 billion, reflecting a 2.5% year-over-year increase. Net income for the quarter stood at $800 million, a 5% rise from the previous year. Earnings per share (EPS) were $0.90, up from $0.85 in Q3 2023. The company highlighted strong performance in its wireless segment, with a 4% increase in subscribers, bringing the total to 10 million. The wireline segment saw a 1% decline in revenue due to a decrease in traditional phone services. BCE also noted an increase in capital expenditures to $1.2 billion, aimed at enhancing network infrastructure. The company's guidance for the full year remains unchanged, projecting revenue growth of 2-3% and an EPS of $3.50-$3.60.
BCE announced its strategic acquisition of Ziply Fiber, a leading fibre network operator in the Northwestern United States, for $3.85 billion USD. The transaction includes the assumption of debt and marks BCE's expansion into the U.S. market. Ziply Fiber operates a 83,000 route-mile fibre network serving 500,000 residential and commercial locations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The acquisition aligns with BCE's growth strategy and is expected to be EPS and free cash flow accretive in the first year post-closing.
Crave has announced UNDERBELLY, a new six-episode crime drama series set to premiere in 2025. The show stars Stephen Amell as Officer Henry Roland, Hamza Haq as Tommy, and Minnie Driver as May. Set in the Thousand Islands region of Ontario, the series revolves around a tranquil riverside town caught up in an international drug ring mystery.
Created by Graeme Stewart and produced by Shaftesbury, UNDERBELLY is currently in production across Southern Ontario. The series promises a gripping narrative with rich, multi-dimensional characters. FIFTH SEASON is co-financing and handling worldwide distribution rights, excluding Canada.
The story follows Officer Henry Roland as he uncovers evidence linking his childhood friend Tommy to missing illegal substances, while a ruthless British crime family led by May Ferguson is also in pursuit. The series explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and international drug trafficking against the picturesque backdrop of the Thousand Islands.
Bell Media has announced a major content and licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, bringing USA Network and Oxygen True Crime to Canada starting January 1, 2025. This move coincides with the rebranding of several existing specialty channels:
- Discovery becomes USA Network
- Investigation Discovery becomes Oxygen True Crime
- Animal Planet rebrands as CTV Wild
- Discovery Science becomes CTV Nature
- Discovery Velocity transforms into CTV Speed
The rebranded channels will feature a mix of popular cable hits and Canadian originals, available on linear television, on-demand via CTV.ca and the CTV app, and on Crave. This expansion reinforces Bell Media's lineup of English-language specialty channels, offering viewers a diverse range of content across various genres.
Bell Media has expanded its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery for the Canadian market, extending Crave as the exclusive home of HBO and Max content for multiple years. The agreement includes:
1. A co-production commitment for original Canadian content with global appeal
2. Licensing of Bell Media original content for Warner Bros. Discovery platforms outside Canada
3. Extended access to French-language content for Bell Media platforms
The deal encompasses HBO and Max Originals, the DC Universe, the Harry Potter Franchise, popular Warner Bros. library series, and blockbuster films. Bell Media and Warner Bros. Discovery have also settled their recent dispute regarding Bell Media's suite of Discovery-branded channels.
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) has announced that it will hold its third-quarter 2024 results conference call on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 8:00 am eastern. The call will feature Mirko Bibic, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Curtis Millen, Chief Financial Officer. Media are invited to participate on a listen-only basis.
Participants can join the call by dialing toll-free 1-844-933-2401 or 647-724-5455. A replay will be available until midnight on December 7, 2024 by dialing 1-877-454-9859 or 647-483-1416 and entering passcode 2506355#. Additionally, a live audio webcast of the conference call will be accessible on BCE's website.
FAQ
What is the current stock price of BCE (BCE)?
What is the market cap of BCE (BCE)?
What services does BCE Inc. provide?
What is BCE Inc.'s market position in Canada?
What are some of BCE Inc.'s recent achievements?
How is BCE Inc. innovating in the telecommunications field?
What media assets does BCE Inc. own?
What are BCE Inc.'s commitments to sustainability?
How is BCE Inc. performing financially?
What are BCE Inc.'s future strategic priorities?
Who are BCE Inc.'s key partners?
How does BCE Inc. support the community?
