BCE FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) - **Event**: FY Conference held on September 25, 2025 Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - BCE has acquired Ziply, focusing on the U.S. fiber market, which is underpenetrated compared to Canada, where fiber penetration is approximately 75% versus about 50% in the U.S. [2][3] - The U.S. fiber market presents significant growth opportunities due to a lack of infrastructure build-out by telcos over the past decade [3] - BCE plans to double its U.S. fiber footprint over the next three years, aiming for approximately 3 million locations by 2028 [5] - The strategy involves not competing directly with major players like AT&T or Verizon but rather taking market share from cable providers [6] Financial Performance and Strategy - BCE emphasizes free cash flow over net adds, indicating a shift in focus towards profitability rather than just subscriber growth [8][9] - Churn rates have improved, with a reduction of 12 basis points, indicating better customer retention strategies [10] - The company has 8 million fiber homes in Canada and aims to manage penetration effectively as growth slows [11][12] Competitive Positioning - BCE's strategy in Quebec involves increasing fiber penetration from below 30% to mid-40%, challenging cable competitors [14] - The company is exploring partnerships and bolt-on acquisitions to enhance its market position and drive returns [7] Technology and AI Integration - BCE is positioning itself to capitalize on AI and business transformation, providing end-to-end solutions for enterprise customers [18][20] - The company is not looking to replicate large language models but rather to partner with hyperscalers to deliver integrated solutions [19][24] - BCE has secured over 500 megawatts of renewable hydroelectric power for its data centers, enhancing its operational capabilities [26] Cost Management and Infrastructure - BCE aims to reduce costs by automating processes and simplifying operations, with a target of $1.5 billion in cost savings by 2028 [30][31] - The company views its infrastructure as a valuable asset, considering potential monetization strategies while maintaining strategic control [32][33] Future Outlook - BCE is focused on increasing its capital efficiency and scrutinizing asset ownership to ensure optimal returns [34] - The company is committed to leveraging its fiber infrastructure to drive growth and profitability in both Canadian and U.S. markets [16][34] Additional Insights - The Canadian wireless pricing environment is stabilizing, with double-digit increases in flanker pricing compared to the previous year [8] - BCE's approach to AI is cautious, emphasizing the importance of tangible business outcomes over mere buzzwords [21][24] This summary encapsulates the critical insights and strategic directions discussed during the BCE FY Conference, highlighting the company's focus on growth, profitability, and technological integration in a competitive landscape.

Core Viewpoint - BUZZ High Performance Computing, a subsidiary of HIVE Digital Technologies, has partnered with Bell Canada to create a significant sovereign AI ecosystem in Canada, leveraging NVIDIA technology to enhance AI capabilities and ensure data residency compliance [2][5][10]. Company Overview - BUZZ HPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd., focused on providing enterprise-grade cloud services and large-scale NVIDIA GPU clusters optimized for AI, machine learning, and scientific workloads [8]. - The company has been operational since 2017 and has established supercomputing environments across Canada and the Nordics, utilizing renewable energy for its Tier 3+ data centers [8][12]. Partnership Details - The partnership with Bell Canada aims to deliver one of Canada's largest sovereign AI ecosystems through Bell AI Fabric, integrating BUZZ HPC's NVIDIA accelerated computing infrastructure with Bell's advanced fiber network and data centers [2][3]. - The collaboration will provide access to NVIDIA Ampere, Hopper, and Blackwell GPU clusters, scalable over NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking, supporting various AI use cases [3][4]. Infrastructure Deployment - The initial deployment will start with a 5 MW infrastructure in Manitoba, with plans for expansion into other Bell AI Fabric data centers across multiple provinces, ensuring nationwide access to advanced AI tools [6][10]. - The infrastructure is designed to comply with strict data residency and cybersecurity regulations, ensuring that all data and compute resources remain within Canadian-owned facilities [10]. Strategic Importance - The partnership is positioned to enhance Canada's leadership in AI innovation while maintaining digital independence, providing Canadian businesses and researchers with the necessary tools to develop competitive AI solutions [5][10]. - The collaboration is expected to drive productivity, foster innovation, and create economic opportunities across various Canadian industries [6][10].

Core Viewpoint - BUZZ High Performance Computing, a subsidiary of HIVE Digital Technologies, has partnered with Bell Canada to create a significant sovereign AI ecosystem in Canada, leveraging NVIDIA's advanced infrastructure for AI and machine learning applications [2][5][11] Company Overview - BUZZ HPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd., recognized as a Canadian AI cloud provider and NVIDIA Cloud Partner [2][8] - The company specializes in delivering enterprise-grade cloud services and large-scale NVIDIA GPU clusters, optimized for AI, machine learning, and scientific workloads [8] Partnership Details - The partnership with Bell Canada aims to provide government and enterprise customers access to NVIDIA's advanced GPU clusters, including Ampere, Hopper, and Blackwell, integrated with Bell's AI Fabric [3][4] - This collaboration will ensure nationwide access to high-performance computing resources, hosted in secure Canadian facilities that comply with data residency and cybersecurity regulations [4][11] Infrastructure Deployment - The initial deployment will start with a 5 MW infrastructure in Manitoba, with plans for expansion into other Bell AI Fabric data centers across Canada [6][11] - The infrastructure is designed to support a variety of national objectives, enhancing innovation and competitiveness in AI [6][11] Strategic Importance - The partnership is positioned to establish Canada as a leader in AI innovation while ensuring the protection of digital independence through sovereign AI infrastructure [5][11] - The collaboration combines BUZZ HPC's hardware capabilities with Bell's advanced network and data center resources, creating a comprehensive AI solution for the Canadian market [7][11]

Core Insights - BCE Inc. reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of C$0.63, down from C$0.78 in the prior-year quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of C$0.52 per share [1][8] - Total operating revenues increased by 1.3% year over year to C$6,085 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of C$4,324.9 million [2][8] - Product revenues surged by 17.4% to C$818 million, while total service revenues dipped by 1.5% to C$5,267 million [2][8] Financial Performance - Bell CTS segment's operating revenues rose by 1% year over year to C$5,334 million, driven by higher product revenues, although service revenues fell by 1.5% to C$4,516 million [3][8] - Mobile phone blended ARPU decreased by 0.7% to C$57.61, attributed to competitive pricing pressures and lower data overage revenues [9] - Adjusted EBITDA fell by 0.9% year over year to C$2,674 million, with a margin of 43.9% compared to 44.9% in the prior-year quarter [11] Subscriber Metrics - Postpaid mobile phone net subscriber activations were 44,547, down from 78,500 in the prior-year quarter, due to a 14.8% decline in gross activations [5][8] - Prepaid mobile phone net subscriber activations decreased to 49,932 from 52,543 in the prior-year quarter, driven by a 3.7% decline in gross activations [6][8] Media Segment - Bell Media revenues grew by 3.8% year over year to C$843 million, supported by an 8.1% increase in subscriber revenues, despite a 3.1% decline in ad revenues [10][8] Cash Flow and Guidance - Operating cash flow decreased by 8.9% year over year to C$1,947 million, while free cash flow increased by 5% to C$1,152 million [12][8] - BCE updated its 2025 financial guidance, now anticipating revenue growth of 0-2%, adjusted EBITDA growth of 0-2%, and a revised free cash flow outlook of 6% to 11% lower [13][14]

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 [32] - 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 [33] - Adjusted EPS fell by 19.2%, reflecting noncash mark-to-market losses on FX hedges and options, higher interest expense, and lower tax adjustments [33] - Free cash flow increased by 5% in Q2 2025 [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internet revenue grew by 3%, supported by the addition of 27,000 new FTTH customers in Canada [12][36] - Wireless service revenue declined by approximately 3%, marking the second consecutive quarter of improvement in the year-over-year rate of decline [37] - Bell Media's total revenue increased by approximately 4%, driven by an 8.1% rise in subscription revenue [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - BCE's acquisition of Zipline Fiber expanded its fiber footprint by 1.4 million locations, positioning it as the third-largest fiber Internet provider in North America [11] - The Canadian AI data center market is projected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 20% [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - BCE's strategic priorities include putting customers first, delivering superior fiber and wireless networks, leading with AI-powered solutions, and building a digital media powerhouse [6] - The company aims to become the backbone of Canada's AI economy through its Bell AI Fabric initiative, which includes purpose-built AI data centers [24] - BCE is focused on executing its strategic plan while investing significantly in Canadian content and technology services [30] 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 [30] - The company anticipates continued growth in free cash flow and revenue, particularly from the integration of Zipline Fiber and the PSP partnership [46] Other Important Information - BCE's balance sheet remains strong with $3.8 billion in available liquidity and a net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.5 times adjusted EBITDA [39] - The company is targeting a year-end 2025 net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.8 times, reflecting the impacts of the MLSE sale and Zipline Fiber acquisition [40] 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 [51][52] Question: What is the expected free cash flow profile evolution from Zipline? - Management expects continued EBITDA growth from Zipline, with significant free cash flow growth anticipated once the PSP partnership is operational [61] Question: Can you discuss 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 [64][66] Question: How sustainable are the improvements in wireless churn metrics? - Management noted that churn reduction is a multifaceted approach, with ongoing customer service improvements contributing to the positive trend [89] Question: How should investors view the existing business compared to earlier guidance? - Management stated that the midpoint of guidance has increased, reflecting improved expectations for revenue and EBITDA, while free cash flow remains stable [91]

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]

Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 1.3% year-over-year to $6,085 million[23] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.9% year-over-year to $2,674 million[23] - Free cash flow increased by 5.0% to $1,152 million in Q2[26] - Bell Media's digital revenues increased by 9% year-over-year, representing 43% of total media revenue[18, 37] Strategic Priorities & Acquisitions - Ziply Fiber acquisition was successfully completed on August 1st[12] - BCE expects revenue from Ziply Fiber to be approximately US$710 million in 2025[44, 45] - BCE anticipates adjusted EBITDA from Ziply Fiber to be approximately US$335 million in 2025[44, 45] - BCE expects approximately 1.5 million fibre passings from Ziply Fiber by the end of 2025[44, 45] Subscriber Growth & Network Expansion - Retail FTTH Internet net additions were 26,583, with 69% of end-of-period subscribers on fibre[20] - Crave subscribers increased by 29% year-over-year to 4.1 million[20] - Approximately 40% of new retail Internet activations are subscribing to a service bundle with wireless[13] Financial Targets - BCE updated its revenue growth guidance for 2025 to 0% to 2%[46] - BCE updated its adjusted EBITDA growth guidance for 2025 to 0% to 2%[46]

Core Insights - BCE Inc. reported a consolidated revenue increase of 1.3% year-over-year for Q2 2025, with net earnings rising by 6.6% to $644 million, attributed to improved customer service and strategic investments [3][15][16]. Financial Performance - Operating revenues reached $6,085 million in Q2 2025, up from $6,005 million in Q2 2024, while service revenue decreased by 0.8% to $5,267 million [15][16]. - Net earnings attributable to common shareholders increased by 7.8% to $579 million, translating to an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63, a 6.8% rise [15][16]. - Adjusted net earnings fell by 16.9% to $592 million, resulting in a 19.2% decrease in adjusted EPS to $0.63 [15][16]. - Free cash flow increased by 5.0% to $1,152 million, despite cash flows from operating activities declining by 8.9% to $1,947 million [15][19]. Subscriber Metrics - Total mobile phone net subscriber activations were 94,479, with postpaid churn improving to 1.06%, marking the first year-over-year improvement since Q3 2022 [7][22][23]. - Consumer fibre Internet net subscriber activations totaled 26,583, contributing to a 3% growth in Internet revenue [7][34]. - The mobile phone customer base reached 10,382,457, a 0.4% increase year-over-year, with postpaid subscribers up by 1.3% [24][25]. Strategic Developments - BCE completed the acquisition of Ziply Fiber, enhancing its fibre growth strategy in North America [13]. - The company announced a strategic partnership with Cohere to provide AI solutions, aiming to create Canada's largest AI compute capacity project [13]. - BCE's Bell Media segment saw a revenue increase of 3.8% to $843 million, driven by subscriber growth and acquisitions [34][36]. Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures in Q2 2025 were $763 million, down 22.0% from $978 million in Q2 2024, reflecting a planned reduction in spending [19][15]. - The capital intensity ratio decreased to 12.5% from 16.3% in the previous year [19]. Updated Guidance - BCE updated its 2025 financial guidance, projecting revenue growth of 0% to 2% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 0% to 2% [40].