BCE Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

NICE has announced a partnership with Bell, Canada’s largest communications company, to offer CXone, a leading contact center as a service (CCaaS) platform, across Canada. This collaboration aims to enhance digital customer experiences using Bell's high-speed network. With the integration of NICE’s omnichannel customer service capabilities, companies can manage customer interactions seamlessly. This partnership positions NICE and Bell to cater to evolving consumer expectations for efficient and flexible customer service solutions.

On August 9, 2021, Bell Canada announced a public offering in the United States of $1.25 billion in Notes, consisting of $600 million Series US-5 Notes maturing in 2032 and $650 million Series US-6 Notes maturing in 2052. The proceeds will help cover the $2.07 billion cost for acquiring spectrum licenses from the July 2021 Canadian auction and will be used for repaying short-term debt. The offering is expected to close on August 12, 2021, and the Notes are fully guaranteed by BCE.

BCE reported its third-quarter earnings, showing a revenue increase to CAD 6.1 billion, a 2.5% rise year-over-year. The company added 90,000 new wireless subscribers, boosting total subscribers to 10.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter reached CAD 2.5 billion, reflecting a 3.4% growth. However, net income decreased by 4% to CAD 1.1 billion. BCE maintained its annual dividend at CAD 3.60 per share, signaling continued confidence in cash flow generation.

BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) announced the conversion results of its preferred shares on July 23, 2021. A total of 12,985 Series AI Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares have been converted into Series AJ Preferred Shares, while 3,598,141 Series AJ shares have converted to Series AI. After conversion on August 1, 2021, there will be 9,535,040 Series AI and 4,464,960 Series AJ shares outstanding. Series AI will pay a fixed quarterly dividend of 3.39%, while Series AJ will feature a float-based monthly dividend calculated against the prime rate.

Bell Canada and Google Cloud have established a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Bell's digital transformation and network infrastructure. This multi-year collaboration focuses on integrating Google’s expertise in multicloud, AI, and data analytics with Bell’s 5G network capabilities. Key initiatives include migrating critical workloads to the cloud, enhancing network automation, and leveraging AI for improved customer experiences. The partnership also emphasizes sustainability, with goals for carbon neutrality by 2025. This collaboration is expected to significantly improve services for customers across Canada.

BCE Inc. announced a new Sustainable Financing Framework aimed at enhancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. This framework will guide the issuance of green, social, and sustainability bonds to fund projects with positive impacts. BCE will ensure transparency with annual updates on fund allocations. Sustainalytics has validated the framework's alignment with international standards. This initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing BCE's commitment to sustainability and community development.

On April 29, 2021, BCE announced that shareholders approved all resolutions presented at its Annual Meeting, including the election of its board members. Key elected directors include Mirko Bibic with 98.95% approval and Katherine Lee with 99.49%. BCE welcomed Jennifer Tory and Cornell Wright to its board, while thanking retiring members for their service. The company remains committed to environmental, social, and governance standards, as well as mental health initiatives. BCE continues to be a leading communications provider in Canada, offering broadband and media services.