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 Canada has announced a US$2.25 billion offering of Fixed-to-Fixed Rate Junior Subordinated Notes in two series. The first series consists of US$1 billion notes due 2055 with an initial 6.875% interest rate, resetting every five years from September 15, 2030. The second series comprises US$1.25 billion notes due 2055 with an initial 7.000% interest rate, resetting every five years from September 15, 2035.
The notes will be publicly offered in the United States through underwriters, with closing expected on February 18, 2025. BCE Inc. will fully guarantee the notes. Bell plans to use the proceeds to repurchase, redeem, or repay senior indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The offering is being made in the U.S. under a prospectus supplement to Bell's amended shelf prospectus dated February 6, 2025.
BCE reported Q4 2024 results with operating revenues of $6,422 million, down 0.8% year-over-year. Net earnings increased 16.1% to $505 million, with adjusted EBITDA up 1.5% to $2,605 million. The company achieved its highest Q4 adjusted EBITDA margin in over three decades at 40.6%.
Key highlights include 151,413 mobile phone and connected device net activations, 34,187 retail Internet net subscriber additions, and digital revenues growth of 6%. Bell Media saw revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth of 1.2% and 14.2% respectively. The company maintained its annualized common share dividend at $3.995.
For full-year 2024, BCE's operating revenue decreased 1.1% to $24,409 million, while adjusted EBITDA grew 1.7% to $10,589 million. Free cash flow decreased 8.1% to $2,888 million. The company achieved all non-revenue targets and met revised revenue guidance for 2024.
BCE Inc. has announced the results of its Series AE and AF Preferred Share conversion process. On February 1, 2025, 8,050 of 8,779,487 fixed-rate Series AF Preferred Shares will convert to floating-rate Series AE Preferred Shares, while 2,479,334 of 5,810,913 Series AE Preferred Shares will convert to Series AF Preferred Shares.
Following these conversions, there will be 11,250,771 Series AF Preferred Shares and 3,339,629 Series AE Preferred Shares outstanding. Both series will continue trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under BCE.PR.F and BCE.PR.E symbols respectively. The Series AF shares will pay quarterly fixed dividends at an annual rate of 5.496% for the next five years, while Series AE shares will continue paying monthly floating adjustable dividends based on the prime rate.
BCE Inc. has announced it will hold its fourth-quarter 2024 results and 2025 guidance conference call on February 6, 2025, at 8:00 am eastern. The call will feature presentations from Mirko Bibic, President and CEO, and Curtis Millen, CFO. Media representatives are invited to join in listen-only mode.
The conference call will be accessible via toll-free numbers and will include a live audio webcast on BCE's website. A replay option will be available until March 6, 2025, with specific dial-in numbers and passcode provided for interested parties.
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.
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