Core Viewpoint - BCE Inc. is acquiring Ziply Fiber for approximately C$5.0 billion (U.S. $3.65 billion), which will enhance its fiber footprint in the U.S. and solidify its position as the third-largest fiber Internet provider in North America [2][3][4]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes the assumption of Ziply Fiber's outstanding net debt of approximately C$2.0 billion, bringing the total transaction value to approximately C$7.0 billion [2]. - BCE plans to fund the acquisition primarily through C$4.2 billion in net proceeds from the sale of its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment [2][7]. Strategic Implications - This transaction allows BCE to enter the underpenetrated U.S. fiber market, increasing its scale and diversifying its operational footprint [3]. - Upon completion, BCE aims to expand its fiber locations to over 12 million by the end of 2028, enhancing its growth profile and unlocking significant opportunities [4][5]. Financial Projections - The acquisition values Ziply Fiber at approximately 14.3 times the estimated adjusted EBITDA for 2025, including anticipated synergies [6]. - BCE's net debt leverage ratio is expected to remain stable post-acquisition, with a focus on maintaining investment-grade credit ratings [8]. Dividend Policy - BCE intends to maintain its annual common share dividend at $3.99 per share during the financial year ending December 31, 2025, while pausing dividend growth until financial metrics align with target ranges [9]. - A discounted treasury Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will be implemented to help fund strategic growth initiatives [10][12].

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 ...

iREIT+HOYA Capital is the premier income-focused investing service on Seeking Alpha. Our focus is on income-producing asset classes that offer the opportunity for sustainable portfolio income , diversification , and inflation hedging . Get started with a Free Two-Week Trial and take a look at our top ideas across our exclusive income-focused portfolios.Sometimes I think that the market is too smart for its own good. To the point that it’s constantly trying to outsmart itself. For example, on the day (Sep 18 ...

BCE Inc. (BCE) has finalized an agreement to sell its ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment ("MLSE") to Rogers Communications Inc. ("Rogers") for C$4.7 billion. The deal is subject to approval from the relevant sports leagues and other customary conditions, and it is anticipated to close in mid-2025.Furthermore, Bell Media has obtained a long-term agreement with Rogers to secure content rights for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, allowing The Sports Network (“TSN”) to broadcast ...

Dividend growth stocks aren't always the most exciting investments out there. They often aren't grabbing the headlines, and they aren't the stocks running upInterested in more income ideas? Check out Cash Builder Opportunities, where we provide ideas about high-quality and reliable dividend growth ideas. These investments are designed to build growing income for investors. A special focus on investments that are leaders within their industry to provide stability and long-term wealth creation. Along with thi ...