BCE Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

BCE announced the conversion results of its preferred shares effective May 1, 2021. A total of 105,430 Series AG Preferred Shares will convert to Series AH, while 4,100,109 Series AH Shares will convert to Series AG, resulting in 8,979,530 Series AG Shares and 5,017,570 Series AH Shares outstanding. The Series AG Shares will pay a fixed annual dividend of 3.37%, while the Series AH Shares will offer a monthly floating dividend based on the prime rate. Both series remain listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under their respective symbols.

BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE, NYSE: BCE) will announce its first-quarter 2021 results during a conference call on April 29, 2021, at 8:00 am eastern. Participants will include Mirko Bibic, President and CEO, and Glen LeBlanc, CFO. Media can listen in on a toll-free number. A replay will be available until May 29, 2021. The company, Canada’s largest communications provider, offers advanced services in broadband wireless, TV, and Internet.

Bell Canada has announced the redemption of all outstanding Cdn $1,700 million principal amount of 3.00% Debentures, Series M-40, on April 19, 2021. The redemption price will be Cdn $1,030.544 per Cdn $1,000 of principal, plus Cdn $1.315 for accrued interest. This decision shows Bell's strategy to manage debt effectively as it continues to serve more than 22 million customer connections across Canada. This move is part of BCE's broader objectives to enhance its financial position for future growth.

BCE announced the results of its preferred share conversions on March 31, 2021. A total of 42,423 Series AM Preferred Shares were converted to Series AN Preferred Shares, while 939,786 Series AN shares were converted back to Series AM. Post-conversion, there will be 10,439,978 Series AM and 1,054,722 Series AN shares outstanding. The Series AM shares will have a fixed quarterly dividend of 2.939%, while Series AN shares will have a floating dividend initially set at 0.53927% (2.163% annualized), based on T-Bill rates.

Bell Canada announced public offerings of Cdn $1.55 billion in MTN Debentures in Canada and US $1.1 billion in Notes in the United States. The Canadian offering includes Cdn $1.0 billion in 3.00% MTN Debentures maturing in 2031 and Cdn $550 million in 4.05% MTN Debentures maturing in 2051. The US offering features US $600 million in 0.75% Notes maturing in 2024 and US $500 million in 3.65% Notes maturing in 2051. Proceeds will be used to redeem Cdn $1.7 billion of existing Debentures due in 2022 and repay short-term debt.

BCE Inc. has submitted its 2020 annual report on Form 40-F to the U.S. SEC, which includes audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2020. The report is accessible on BCE's website and the SEC's site. Shareholders can request printed copies of the financial statements at no cost. BCE is Canada's leading communications firm, offering a range of services including broadband, TV, Internet, and media assets through Bell Media.