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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.
On August 9, 2021, Bell Canada announced a public offering in the United States of $1.25 billion in Notes, consisting of $600 million Series US-5 Notes maturing in 2032 and $650 million Series US-6 Notes maturing in 2052. The proceeds will help cover the $2.07 billion cost for acquiring spectrum licenses from the July 2021 Canadian auction and will be used for repaying short-term debt. The offering is expected to close on August 12, 2021, and the Notes are fully guaranteed by BCE.
BCE reported its third-quarter earnings, showing a revenue increase to CAD 6.1 billion, a 2.5% rise year-over-year. The company added 90,000 new wireless subscribers, boosting total subscribers to 10.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter reached CAD 2.5 billion, reflecting a 3.4% growth. However, net income decreased by 4% to CAD 1.1 billion. BCE maintained its annual dividend at CAD 3.60 per share, signaling continued confidence in cash flow generation.
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) announced the conversion results of its preferred shares on July 23, 2021. A total of 12,985 Series AI Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares have been converted into Series AJ Preferred Shares, while 3,598,141 Series AJ shares have converted to Series AI. After conversion on August 1, 2021, there will be 9,535,040 Series AI and 4,464,960 Series AJ shares outstanding. Series AI will pay a fixed quarterly dividend of 3.39%, while Series AJ will feature a float-based monthly dividend calculated against the prime rate.
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.
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