Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, consolidated service revenue increased by 0.6%, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 0.7%, leading to a 20 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin to 43.6%, the strongest annual margin in over 30 years [18] - Adjusted EPS declined by 7.9% in 2025, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization from network investments and increased interest expense [18] - Free cash flow increased by 10% to CAD 3.2 billion, driven by higher EBITDA, lower capital expenditures, and improved working capital [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue declined by 0.2% in Q4, an improvement from the 1.5% decline in Q4 of the previous year, with consumer wireless service revenue stable year-over-year [20][22] - Fibre-to-the-home internet net additions were 43,000 in Q4, reflecting disciplined pricing and strong demand [21] - AI-powered solutions revenue grew by 31% in Q4, driven by momentum in Ateco and Bell Cyber, contributing to the goal of reaching CAD 1.5 billion in AI-powered solutions revenue by 2028 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ziply Fiber's total revenue in Q4 was CAD 232 million, with internet revenue growing in double digits due to fibre expansion and strong customer penetration [23] - Ziply added over 6,000 net new fibre customers in Q4, with a focus on higher growth markets for future expansion [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has aligned its organization around four strategic priorities: enhancing customer experience, strengthening fibre and wireless network leadership, establishing a fibre growth platform in the U.S., and accelerating enterprise and digital media momentum [3][4] - The acquisition of Ziply Fiber is a key milestone in the fibre growth strategy, with plans to reach approximately 3 million fibre passings by the end of 2028 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth of core segments while managing declines in legacy services, indicating a focus on disciplined execution and customer-first initiatives [36] - The company anticipates consolidated revenue growth of 1%-5% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 0%-4% for 2026, reflecting continued momentum in growth engines [26][27] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures are expected to remain stable at approximately CAD 3.7 billion in 2026, with a lower capital intensity of 15% or less [29] - The company has CAD 2.5 billion of available liquidity and a pension solvency surplus of CAD 4.4 billion, providing financial flexibility for executing the 2026 business plan [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance ranges for 2026 - Management indicated that the guidance reflects growth in segments while managing legacy declines, with potential swings from wireless penetration gains and overall market growth [35][36] Question: Wireless pricing environment - Management noted that while there has been aggressive promotion in the market, they remain disciplined in their strategy, focusing on premium brand value and customer experience [39][40] Question: Ziply's growth and margins - Management confirmed that Ziply's performance is consistent with expectations, with strong demand for fibre and plans for broader geographic expansion [45][46] Question: U.S. competitive environment - Management stated that the strategy in the U.S. remains unchanged, focusing on penetration and capital discipline while assessing opportunities for expansion [67] Question: Asset sales and capital allocation - Management confirmed ongoing asset sales as part of capital allocation discipline, with updates to be provided as agreements are reached [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, consolidated service revenue increased by 0.6%, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 0.7%, leading to a 20 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin to 43.6%, the strongest annual margin in over 30 years [18] - Adjusted EPS declined by 7.9% in 2025, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization from network investments and increased interest expense [18] - Capital expenditures decreased by CAD 197 million to CAD 3.7 billion, resulting in a capital intensity of 15.1% [19] - Free cash flow increased by 10% to CAD 3.2 billion, driven by higher EBITDA, lower CapEx, and improved working capital [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wireless service revenue declined by 0.2% in Q4, an improvement from the 0.4% decline in Q3 and significantly better than the 1.5% decline in Q4 of the previous year [22] - Fiber continued to be a key growth driver with approximately 200,000 net new subscriber additions, contributing to an 8% growth in internet revenue [7][19] - AI-powered solutions revenue grew by 31% in the enterprise segment, driven by momentum in Ateco and Bell Cyber [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Postpaid churn improved by 17 basis points to 1.49%, marking the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement [20] - Consumer wireless service revenue remained stable year-over-year in Q4, indicating a positive trend as the company enters 2026 [22] - Ziply Fiber's total revenue reached CAD 232 million in Q4, with internet revenue growing in double digits [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has aligned its organization around four strategic priorities: fiber, wireless, enterprise, and media, aiming for sustainable free cash flow growth [3][4] - The acquisition of Ziply Fiber is a key milestone in the fiber growth strategy, with plans to reach approximately 3 million fiber passings by the end of 2028 [9] - The focus remains on delivering premium content through digital platforms and enhancing customer experience across all segments [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth segments while acknowledging the need to manage declines in legacy services carefully [36] - The company expects consolidated revenue growth of 1%-5% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 0%-4% for 2026, reflecting continued momentum in core growth engines [27] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining disciplined execution and focusing on customer value amidst competitive pressures [40] Other Important Information - The company is targeting a net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.5x by the end of 2027, with a focus on deleveraging [32] - The company has CAD 2.5 billion of available liquidity and a pension solvency surplus of CAD 4.4 billion, providing financial flexibility [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you talk about your guidance ranges? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects growth in segments while managing legacy declines, with factors such as wireless penetration and overall market growth influencing the ranges [35][36] Question: Any comment on the wireless pricing environment? - Management noted that consumers are receiving significant value from wireless services, with a focus on disciplined execution and premium brand positioning [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for Ziply's growth and margins in 2026? - Management expressed satisfaction with Ziply's performance and indicated strong demand for fiber, with plans to expand beyond the existing footprint [46][47] Question: Any updates on asset sales? - Management confirmed ongoing efforts to optimize the balance sheet through asset sales, with transparency to be provided as agreements are reached [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BCE reported a total revenue growth of 1.3% in Q2 2025, driven by fiber strategy and premium wireless subscriber retention [30] - EBITDA decreased by 0.9% due to higher cost of goods sold, while net earnings and statutory EPS increased due to lower asset impairment charges [31] - Adjusted EPS fell by 19.2%, reflecting noncash mark-to-market losses and higher interest expenses [31] - Free cash flow increased by 5% in Q2 2025 [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internet revenue grew by 3%, supported by strong fiber service offerings [32] - Wireless service revenue declined by approximately 3%, marking a second consecutive quarter of improvement in the year-over-year decline rate [34] - Bell Media's revenue increased by approximately 4%, driven by strong digital momentum and a significant rise in streaming subscribers [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - BCE added 94,479 new net mobile phone subscribers in Q2, with postpaid churn improving to 1.06%, marking the first year-over-year improvement in nearly three years [12][13] - The company added 27,000 new FTTH customers in Canada, despite a slowdown in fiber build [11] - Zipline Fiber's acquisition expanded BCE's fiber footprint by 1,400,000 locations, positioning it as the third-largest fiber Internet provider in North America [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - BCE's strategic priorities include putting customers first, enhancing fiber and wireless networks, leading in AI-powered solutions, and building a digital media powerhouse [4][5] - The acquisition of Zipline Fiber is a key milestone in BCE's fiber growth strategy, aimed at diversifying revenue in unregulated markets [10] - The company aims to become the backbone of Canada's AI economy through initiatives like Bell AI Fabric, which includes purpose-built AI data centers [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over the federal government's decision regarding CRTC's wholesale access but remains focused on executing the strategic plan [28] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow and revenue driven by customer-first initiatives and momentum in wireless and enterprise sectors [29] - Management highlighted the strong demand for AI services and the expected growth in Canadian AI data centers, projecting an annual growth rate exceeding 20% [24] Other Important Information - BCE plans to host an Investor Day on October 14, 2025, to showcase its strategic elements and long-term shareholder value creation [29] - The company is targeting a year-end 2025 net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.8 times, reflecting the impacts of the Zipline Fiber acquisition [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack guidance regarding Zipline and any adjustments? - Management indicated that Zipline continues to outperform initial financial expectations, and the revised guidance reflects the combined company's performance [48][49] Question: What is the expected free cash flow profile evolution from Zipline? - Management expects continued EBITDA growth from Zipline, with a significant reduction in CapEx due to the PSP partnership, leading to improved free cash flow [56][58] Question: What is the long-term revenue opportunity for Bell AI Fabric? - Management highlighted a large total addressable market (TAM) for AI services and emphasized the integration of various elements of the enterprise strategy to drive growth [61][62] Question: How sustainable are the improvements in wireless churn metrics? - Management noted that churn reduction is a multifaceted approach, with ongoing customer service improvements and a focus on retention strategies [89] Question: How does the new guidance reflect the existing business versus initial expectations? - Management stated that the midpoint of guidance has increased, indicating a more positive view of the existing business compared to earlier in the year [92]