Core Viewpoint - BCE Inc. has announced its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 10% of the public float of its outstanding First Preferred Shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with the NCIB period running from November 11, 2024, to November 10, 2025 [2][8]. Group 1: NCIB Details - The NCIB allows BCE to purchase Preferred Shares at the prevailing market price plus brokerage fees, with all acquired shares to be cancelled [2]. - The actual number of shares repurchased and the timing will be at BCE's discretion, adhering to TSX limitations [3]. - The NCIB will utilize discretionary transactions and an automatic securities purchase plan (ASPP) for share repurchases [4]. Group 2: Share Repurchase Authorization - BCE is authorized to repurchase shares of each series of Preferred Shares, with specific limits on the maximum number of shares that can be purchased daily [5][7]. - As of October 31, 2024, BCE's current NCIB has seen the purchase of various series of Preferred Shares, with significant volumes and average prices paid [9]. Group 3: Rationale for NCIB - BCE believes that the Preferred Shares may trade below their intrinsic value at times, making the repurchase an appropriate use of available funds [8].

Core Viewpoint - BCE offers one of the most attractive dividends in the market, with a yield approaching 10%, but this payout is at risk due to recent company developments [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - BCE is listed on both the TSX and NYSE, indicating its presence in major stock markets [1]. - The company is recognized for its strong dividend offerings, appealing to income-focused investors [1]. Group 2: Investment Considerations - The current dividend yield of nearly 10% positions BCE as a compelling option for dividend investors [1]. - However, the sustainability of this dividend is in jeopardy following recent corporate actions, which may affect future payouts [1].

Core Viewpoint - BCE Inc.'s subsidiary Bell Canada has agreed to acquire Ziply Fiber for nearly C$7 billion to enhance its fiber footprint in North America and tap into the U.S. broadband market [1][2][3] Acquisition Details - The acquisition is valued at nearly C$7 billion, comprising C$5 billion in cash and approximately C$2 billion in net debt, expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [2] - Ziply Fiber will operate as a separate business unit under Bell, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, after the acquisition [2] Market Positioning - This acquisition positions BCE for higher growth and diversification by strengthening its presence in the underserved U.S. fiber market, providing access to a significant customer base [3] - Ziply Fiber has connected over 1.3 million locations and aims to reach more than 3 million within four years, contributing to BCE's goal of over 12 million fiber locations by 2028 [4] Synergies and Financial Metrics - The acquisition is expected to generate substantial synergies, enhancing customer service in both Canada and the U.S. by leveraging technological expertise [5] - Ziply Fiber's enterprise value is based on a metric of 14.3 times its estimated adjusted EBITDA for 2025, including run-rate synergies [5] Funding Strategy - The C$5 billion cash component will primarily be funded through BCE's sale of its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for C$4.7 billion, expected to close in mid-2025 [6][7] - BCE has secured a $3.7 billion delayed-draw term loan facility as backup financing to ensure the acquisition proceeds smoothly [7] Dividend and Shareholder Value - BCE plans to maintain its annual common share dividend at C$3.99 per share through 2025 but will pause any dividend growth until financial metrics align with target ranges [8] - An amendment to BCE's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan will allow new shares to be issued at a 2% discount to the average market price, aimed at retaining cash for strategic initiatives [9]

This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" later in this release. BCE to acquire 100% of equity in Ziply Fiber for approximately C$5.0 billion (U.S. $3.65 billion) Acquisition to extend Bell's fibre footprint to the United States, adding approximately 1.3 million fibre locations Acquisition to reinforce Bell's position as third-largest fibre Internet provi ...

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in BCE's earnings due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2] Earnings Expectations - BCE is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.57 per share, reflecting a -5% change year-over-year, with revenues projected at $4.45 billion, down 1.8% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.94% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive or negative reading indicates the likely deviation of actual earnings from consensus estimates, with a positive reading being a strong predictor of an earnings beat [6][7] - BCE's Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.45%, indicating bearish sentiment among analysts [10] Historical Performance - BCE has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once in the last four quarters, with a recent surprise of -3.39% when it reported earnings of $0.57 against an expectation of $0.59 [11][12] Investment Considerations - An earnings beat or miss may not solely dictate stock movement, as other factors can influence investor sentiment [13] - BCE does not appear to be a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, suggesting investors should consider additional factors before making investment decisions [15]

BCE (NYSE: BCE ) is down 14% this past year and nearly 35% in the last three. In the same year, the S&P 500 and S&P/TSX composite are up approximately 33% and 25%, respectively. Given BCE's long history and reputationI'm an ex-Project Manager for the luxury real estate auction company, Concierge Auctions, that has been studying stock investing since I was 14 years old. After leaving the company, I began focusing on my efforts on analyzing various investments and writing about them. My primary investing stra ...

Core Viewpoint - High-yield dividend stocks can provide significant cash flow for investors, with Pfizer, BCE, and Western Union being highlighted as strong candidates due to their yields exceeding the average S&P 500 yield of 1.3% [1] Group 1: Pfizer - Pfizer offers a dividend yield of approximately 5.9%, attributed to a declining share price, which has decreased by 13% over the past five years [2] - The company is focusing on growth through acquisitions and has potential in the anti-obesity market, projected to exceed $100 billion by the end of the decade [3] - Despite recent underwhelming performance due to asset impairment charges, Pfizer has over 110 programs in its pipeline, indicating potential for future growth [3] - A $23,000 investment in Pfizer could yield about $1,360 in annual dividends [3] Group 2: BCE - BCE, a leading Canadian telecom company, has shown consistent revenue growth from CA$22.9 billion ($16.9 billion) in 2020 to CA$24.7 billion in 2023 [4] - The stock has a low beta value of approximately 0.50, making it a stable investment option for risk-averse investors [4] - BCE offers a high dividend yield of 8.5%, which could generate around $1,950 in annual dividends from a $23,000 investment [4] Group 3: Western Union - Western Union remains a trusted brand in the payment industry, with a 4% year-over-year increase in consumer money transfer transactions and a 13% growth in branded digital transactions [5] - The company anticipates operating margins of about 20% this year, with per-share earnings expected to be at least $1.62, sufficient to cover its annual dividend of $0.94 per share [6] - With a share price under $12, Western Union offers an 8% dividend yield, potentially generating $1,840 in annual dividends from a $23,000 investment [6]

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) will hold its third-quarter 2024 results conference call with the financial community on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 8:00 am eastern. Participants will include Mirko Bibic, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Curtis Millen, Chief Financial Officer. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To participate, please dial toll-free 1-844-933-2401 or 647-724-5455. A replay will be available until midnight on December 7, ...

My name is Mike and I’m the author of The Dividend Guy Blog & The Dividend Monk along with the owner and portfolio manager here at Dividend Stocks Rock (DSR). I earned my bachelor degree in finance-marketing, own a CFP title along with an MBA in financial services. Besides being a passionate investor, I’m also happily married with three beautiful children. I started my online venture to educate people about investing and to be able to spend more time with my family. I started my career in the financial indu ...

BCE Inc.’s (BCE) subsidiary, Bell, recently partnered with MacLean to enhance the capabilities of underground mining equipment and operations. The initiative combines Bell’s cutting-edge communications infrastructure with MacLean’s expertise in mobile equipment manufacturing, creating a framework for enhanced safety, sustainability and efficiency in mining operations.One of the major challenges faced by the mining sector is ensuring the safety of workers in underground operations. To address this, Bell has ...