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.
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.
BCE reported its second quarter 2024 financial results, showcasing steady performance in a competitive market. The company's consolidated operating revenue increased by 1.8% year-over-year to $6,070 million, driven by 2.3% higher service revenue. Net earnings saw a slight decline of 0.3% to $781 million. BCE's adjusted EBITDA grew by 3.1% to $2,659 million, with a margin improvement to 43.8%.
The company's wireless segment performed well, with total mobile phone net activations of 110,761 and a 5.1% increase in mobile phone service revenue. BCE's media segment faced challenges, with revenue decreasing by 3.5% due to softer advertising demand. Despite this, digital revenue grew 33% year-over-year. BCE reaffirmed its 2024 financial guidance, projecting revenue growth of 1% to 5% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 2% to 5%.
BCE has advised its shareholders to reject an unsolicited mini-tender offer from TRC Capital, which aims to purchase up to 2,500,000 BCE common shares at C$43.40 per share, a price approximately 4.43% below the market price on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange as of June 24, 2024. BCE emphasized it has no association with TRC Capital and warned that mini-tender offers often avoid regulatory protections. Shareholders who have already tendered their shares can withdraw them before July 25, 2024. Both the Canadian Securities Administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have expressed concerns about mini-tender offers, advising investors to be cautious and consult financial advisors.
BCE (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) will announce its Q2 2024 financial results on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. The conference call will be led by President and CEO Mirko Bibic, and CFO Curtis Millen. The event will be accessible via toll-free numbers 1-844-933-2401 or 647-724-5455, with a replay available until September 1, 2024, by dialing 1-877-454-9859 or 647-483-1416 and entering passcode 4867347#. A live audio webcast will be available on BCE's website.
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