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 and Google Cloud have established a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Bell's digital transformation and network infrastructure. This multi-year collaboration focuses on integrating Google’s expertise in multicloud, AI, and data analytics with Bell’s 5G network capabilities. Key initiatives include migrating critical workloads to the cloud, enhancing network automation, and leveraging AI for improved customer experiences. The partnership also emphasizes sustainability, with goals for carbon neutrality by 2025. This collaboration is expected to significantly improve services for customers across Canada.
BCE Inc. announced a new Sustainable Financing Framework aimed at enhancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. This framework will guide the issuance of green, social, and sustainability bonds to fund projects with positive impacts. BCE will ensure transparency with annual updates on fund allocations. Sustainalytics has validated the framework's alignment with international standards. This initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing BCE's commitment to sustainability and community development.
On April 29, 2021, BCE announced that shareholders approved all resolutions presented at its Annual Meeting, including the election of its board members. Key elected directors include Mirko Bibic with 98.95% approval and Katherine Lee with 99.49%. BCE welcomed Jennifer Tory and Cornell Wright to its board, while thanking retiring members for their service. The company remains committed to environmental, social, and governance standards, as well as mental health initiatives. BCE continues to be a leading communications provider in Canada, offering broadband and media services.
BCE announced the conversion results of its preferred shares effective May 1, 2021. A total of 105,430 Series AG Preferred Shares will convert to Series AH, while 4,100,109 Series AH Shares will convert to Series AG, resulting in 8,979,530 Series AG Shares and 5,017,570 Series AH Shares outstanding. The Series AG Shares will pay a fixed annual dividend of 3.37%, while the Series AH Shares will offer a monthly floating dividend based on the prime rate. Both series remain listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under their respective symbols.
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE, NYSE: BCE) will announce its first-quarter 2021 results during a conference call on April 29, 2021, at 8:00 am eastern. Participants will include Mirko Bibic, President and CEO, and Glen LeBlanc, CFO. Media can listen in on a toll-free number. A replay will be available until May 29, 2021. The company, Canada’s largest communications provider, offers advanced services in broadband wireless, TV, and Internet.
Bell Canada has announced the redemption of all outstanding Cdn $1,700 million principal amount of 3.00% Debentures, Series M-40, on April 19, 2021. The redemption price will be Cdn $1,030.544 per Cdn $1,000 of principal, plus Cdn $1.315 for accrued interest. This decision shows Bell's strategy to manage debt effectively as it continues to serve more than 22 million customer connections across Canada. This move is part of BCE's broader objectives to enhance its financial position for future growth.
BCE announced the results of its preferred share conversions on March 31, 2021. A total of 42,423 Series AM Preferred Shares were converted to Series AN Preferred Shares, while 939,786 Series AN shares were converted back to Series AM. Post-conversion, there will be 10,439,978 Series AM and 1,054,722 Series AN shares outstanding. The Series AM shares will have a fixed quarterly dividend of 2.939%, while Series AN shares will have a floating dividend initially set at 0.53927% (2.163% annualized), based on T-Bill rates.
Bell Canada announced public offerings of Cdn $1.55 billion in MTN Debentures in Canada and US $1.1 billion in Notes in the United States. The Canadian offering includes Cdn $1.0 billion in 3.00% MTN Debentures maturing in 2031 and Cdn $550 million in 4.05% MTN Debentures maturing in 2051. The US offering features US $600 million in 0.75% Notes maturing in 2024 and US $500 million in 3.65% Notes maturing in 2051. Proceeds will be used to redeem Cdn $1.7 billion of existing Debentures due in 2022 and repay short-term debt.
BCE Inc. has submitted its 2020 annual report on Form 40-F to the U.S. SEC, which includes audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2020. The report is accessible on BCE's website and the SEC's site. Shareholders can request printed copies of the financial statements at no cost. BCE is Canada's leading communications firm, offering a range of services including broadband, TV, Internet, and media assets through Bell Media.
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