Topic: How To Invest

BCE INC. $33.76 – Toronto symbol BCE

BCE INC. $33.76 (Toronto symbol BCE; Shares outstanding: 755.6 million; Market cap: $25.5 billion; SI Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 5.4%; www.bce.ca) provides telephone and Internet services in Ontario and Quebec. It also sells wireless and satellite-TV services across Canada.

In the three months ended June 30, 2010, BCE’s revenue rose 3.3%, to $4.4 billion from $4.3 billion in the prior year. Before one-time items, earnings rose 32.8%, to $0.77 from $0.58. Strong demand for wireless and television services offset falling revenue from the company’s traditional telephone operations. As well, the company bought “The Source” chain of electronics stores in 2009, as well as the remaining 50% of the Virgin Mobile Canada joint venture.

BCE is buying full control of CTVglobemedia, the private company that owns the 27-station CTV Television Network. CTVglobemedia also owns 30 specialty channels, 34 radio stations and The Globe and Mail newspaper. Right now, BCE owns 15% of CTVglobemedia. It will pay $1.3 billion for the remaining 85%. Following the purchase, BCE will sell 85% of The Globe and Mail to Woodbridge Co.

BCE plans to repurchase $500 million of its shares this year. So far, it has spent $329 million on buybacks. The company also aims to keep raising its dividend. The current annual rate of $1.83 yields 5.4%.

BCE is a safety-conscious buy.

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