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]

Q2 2025 Earnings August 1, 2025 For a list of those factors and risks, please refer to our annual report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, filed today, August 1, 2025, and our subsequent filings made with the SEC. All cautionary statements we make during the call should be understood as being applicable to any forward-looking statements we make wherever they appear. You should carefully consider the risks described in our reports and should not place any undue reliance on any forward-looking ...

Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications currently holds the lowest share price among the Dow Jones Industrial Average components, which poses a risk to its continued inclusion in the index [6][8][10]. Group 1: Dow Jones Industrial Average Structure - The Dow is a share price-weighted index, meaning companies with higher share prices have more influence [4]. - In contrast, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite are market cap-weighted indexes, where larger companies have more weight [4][2]. - Verizon's share price of $43.55 translates to less than 268 points in the Dow, indicating minimal influence [8]. Group 2: Verizon's Performance and Position - Verizon's share price has declined by 8% over the past decade, which is a concern for its continued presence in the Dow [9]. - Despite being a significant player in wireless services and broadband, Verizon is not seen as a leader in innovation [8]. - The Dow committee seeks companies that can enhance the index's value over time, which Verizon has not demonstrated [7][9]. Group 3: Potential Replacements for Verizon - **Alphabet**: With a current share price of nearly $180 post-split, Alphabet could replace Verizon, bringing relevance from various industries and strong performance metrics [12][13][14]. - **Meta Platforms**: Although its share price is around $719, Meta's advertising revenue and growth potential make it a strong candidate for inclusion [17][19]. - **T-Mobile**: With a share price of $240.75 and a growth rate significantly higher than Verizon, T-Mobile represents a logical replacement while maintaining telecom representation in the Dow [21][22][23].

Group 1: Ares Capital - Ares Capital is the largest publicly traded business development company (BDC) with over $17 billion invested since 2004, focusing on middle-market companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion [3][4] - The company offers a forward dividend yield of 8.63% and has maintained or grown its dividend for 63 consecutive quarters [3][4] - Ares Capital targets a total addressable market of approximately $5.4 trillion, benefiting from a shift towards private capital, and has a diversified portfolio with strong industry relationships and risk management [4][5] Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners is a master limited partnership (MLP) leading the North American midstream energy industry, operating over 50,000 miles of pipeline [6][7] - The company has a forward distribution yield of 6.81% and has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years [7][8] - Demand for oil and gas, particularly natural gas, is expected to grow for decades, ensuring strong demand for Enterprise Products Partners' pipelines [8][9] Group 3: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications is a major telecommunications company serving millions globally, with a forward dividend yield of 6.22% and a history of increasing dividends for 18 consecutive years [10][11] - The company is expected to maintain its relevance in the market due to the high capital requirements for new competition in wireless services [11][12] - With the upcoming 6G technology, Verizon is anticipated to be a significant player, potentially leading to impressive growth opportunities in the future [12]

While growth stocks get most of the attention in the markets these days, investors shouldn't forget the fact that high-yield stocks with safe, attractive, and growing dividends can also be great investments. This is especially true if you want to help supplement your income later in retirement. Five of the safest high-yield dividend stocks you can buy right now are: Verizon Communications (VZ 0.06%), Realty Income (O -0.56%), PepsiCo (PEP 0.01%), Enterprise Products Partners (EPD 0.21%), and MPLX (MPLX -0.0 ...