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BCE (TSE:BCE)
TSX:BCE

BCE (BCE) AI Stock Analysis

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TS

BCE

(TSX:BCE)

57Neutral
BCE's overall stock score reflects a challenging yet potentially promising situation. While the company exhibits strong cash flow management and impressive digital media growth, it faces significant risks from high leverage, declining revenues, and competitive pressures. The high P/E ratio and regulatory challenges add further caution. However, the attractive dividend yield and strategic initiatives for tech services provide a positive outlook.
Positive Factors
Capital Expenditures
The guidance indicated a better-than-expected free cash flow growth of 11% to 19%, suggesting steep reductions in capital expenditures in Canada.
Cost Savings
The company highlighted its $1B cost savings goal, indicating that rationalization efforts thus far have lowered costs by $500M.
Media Revenue
Media EBITDA increased by 14%, driven by growth from Crave and direct-to-consumer sports.
Negative Factors
Competitive Pressure
Wireless service revenue growth remains in negative territory, reflecting competitive conditions.
Dividend Concerns
A dividend cut is anticipated, overdue, needed, and correct.
Subscriber Growth
The company's internet net additions were below expectations, suggesting potential challenges in subscriber growth.

BCE (BCE) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

BCE Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBCE Inc., a telecommunications and media company, provides wireless, wireline, Internet, and television (TV) services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Bell Wireless, Bell Wireline, and Bell Media. The Bell Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data communication products and services, as well as consumer electronics products. The Bell Wireline segment offers data, including internet access and Internet protocol television (IPTV), local telephone, and long distance services, as well as other communication services and products; and satellite TV service and connectivity servuces. This segment also buys and sells local telephone, long distance, data, and other services from or to resellers and other carriers. The Bell Media segment provides conventional TV, specialty TV, pay TV, streaming services, digital media services, radio broadcasting services, and out-of-home advertising services. BCE Inc. was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Verdun, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyBCE generates revenue primarily through its telecommunications services, with key revenue streams coming from wireless service subscriptions, wireline services, Internet and television subscriptions, and media content distribution. The Bell Wireless segment earns money by providing mobile voice and data services to consumers and businesses. The Bell Wireline and Broadband segments generate income through landline services, high-speed Internet, and IPTV services. Bell Media contributes to the company's earnings by offering television, radio broadcasting, and digital media services, supplemented by advertising revenue. The company's strategic partnerships with content providers and technology firms also play a significant role in expanding its service offerings and enhancing revenue generation.

BCE Financial Statement Overview

Summary
BCE shows a mixed financial performance with strong cash flow management but faces challenges in revenue and profit growth. The company has a solid equity base but is highly leveraged, which could impact financial stability if not managed carefully. While cash flow remains strong, declining revenues and profitability margins require strategic adjustments to improve future performance.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement reflects a mixed performance with declining revenue and net income. The gross profit margin is strong at 68.45% for 2024, but the net profit margin has significantly dropped to 1.41%, indicating profitability challenges. Revenue growth has been negative, with a decline of 1.07% from 2023 to 2024. EBIT margin is not available for 2024, indicating potential operational inefficiencies. However, the EBITDA margin remains healthy at 31.72% in 2024.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a solid equity base but also a high level of debt. The debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 2.24 in 2024, suggesting high leverage, which could pose risks. The return on equity is low at 2.01%, indicating limited returns on shareholder investments. The equity ratio is stable at 23.23%, showing a reasonable equity position against total assets.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash flow performance is stable with a focus on positive free cash flow. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong, reflecting effective cash generation relative to net income. However, free cash flow growth is negative, down 19.55% from 2023 to 2024, which could impact future liquidity. Operating cash flow coverage of net income is robust, indicating good cash earnings quality.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
24.41B24.67B24.17B23.45B22.88B
Gross Profit
16.70B7.42B16.53B9.89B9.61B
EBIT
0.005.50B5.41B5.44B5.01B
EBITDA
7.74B10.27B9.82B9.72B8.77B
Net Income Common Stockholders
344.00M2.26B2.87B2.84B2.63B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.97B1.77B149.00M207.00M224.00M
Total Assets
73.48B71.94B69.33B66.73B60.66B
Total Debt
38.31B36.18B31.92B29.67B26.32B
Net Debt
36.74B35.41B31.77B29.47B26.10B
Total Liabilities
56.13B51.38B46.81B43.81B39.34B
Stockholders Equity
17.07B20.23B22.18B22.61B20.99B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.56B3.18B3.23B1.09B3.47B
Operating Cash Flow
6.99B7.95B8.37B8.01B7.75B
Investing Cash Flow
-4.44B-5.78B-5.51B-7.00B-3.54B
Financing Cash Flow
-1.75B-1.54B-2.99B-1.02B-4.13B

BCE Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price30.77
Price Trends
50DMA
32.36
Negative
100DMA
32.90
Negative
200DMA
37.54
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.70
Negative
RSI
45.01
Neutral
STOCH
70.16
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:BCE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 30.77 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 31.17, below the 50-day MA of 32.36, and below the 200-day MA of 37.54, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.70 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 45.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.16 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:BCE.

BCE Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (58)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSATD
76
Outperform
C$69.48B19.5118.66%1.03%11.62%-8.08%
58
Neutral
$13.15B6.73-2.46%3.87%2.36%-36.74%
TSBCE
57
Neutral
$27.30B165.701.80%12.82%-1.07%-92.15%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:BCE
BCE
30.77
-10.24
-24.98%
RCI
Rogers Communication
25.41
-11.22
-30.63%
TU
Telus
15.18
0.19
1.27%
TSE:ATD
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc
73.29
-3.55
-4.62%
CGEAF
Cogeco Communications
48.50
10.20
26.63%
QBCRF
Quebecor
26.48
6.36
31.61%

BCE Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 6, 2025 | % Change Since: -11.79% | Next Earnings Date: May 8, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted BCE's achievements in cost management, digital media growth, and broadband expansion amidst a challenging competitive environment. However, revenue decline, regulatory challenges, and the impact of competitive pricing on wireless revenue were significant concerns.
Highlights
Record EBITDA Margin
BCE's consolidated EBITDA margin increased by 1.2 points to 43.4%, marking the highest annual margin performance in over 30 years.
Digital Media Revenue Growth
Digital revenue grew by 19% year-over-year, increasing its share of total media revenue from 35% in 2023 to 42% in 2024.
Broadband Internet Expansion
The company grew broadband Internet market share, contributing to a 3.3% increase in internet revenue and a 12% increase in households subscribing to mobility and Internet service bundles.
Cost Savings Initiatives
BCE achieved over $200 million in cost savings in 2024 through transformation initiatives and workforce reduction programs.
Strong Business Solutions Growth
Business solutions services revenue saw an 18% increase, reflecting the momentum to advance BCE's position as a tech services leader.
Lowlights
Revenue Decline
Total revenue decreased by 0.8%, impacted by sustained competitive pricing pressures and ongoing declines in legacy services.
Wireless Service Revenue Challenges
Wireless service revenue was down 1.5% due to a highly competitive pricing environment.
Adjusted EPS Decline
Adjusted EPS is projected to decline by 8% to 13% in 2025, attributed to higher interest expense, depreciation, and amortization.
CRTC Regulatory Challenges
BCE reduced its CapEx for 2025 significantly due to regulatory decisions by the CRTC, affecting its fiber build-out plans.
Company Guidance
During the BCE Q4 2024 Results and 2025 Guidance Call, several key metrics and strategic initiatives were discussed. BCE achieved a consolidated EBITDA margin of 43.4% in 2024, marking their highest annual margin performance in over 30 years. Wireless service revenue showed positive growth despite intense market pricing, while internet revenue grew by 3.3%, with a 12% increase in mobility and internet service bundles. Notably, digital revenue rose by 19% year-over-year, now comprising 42% of total media revenue. BCE realized over $200 million in cost savings in 2024 through workforce reductions and transformation initiatives, with CapEx decreasing by $684 million to approximately $3.9 billion. Looking ahead, BCE aims for revenue and EBITDA growth of between -3% to +1% and -2% to +2% respectively in 2025, with a focus on maintaining investment-grade credit ratings and potential divestitures of up to $7 billion in noncore assets.

BCE Corporate Events

DividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
BCE Inc. Reports Strong 2024 Results and Sets 2025 Targets
Positive
Feb 6, 2025

BCE Inc. reported a successful fourth quarter and full-year performance for 2024, achieving its non-revenue and revised revenue targets. The company experienced growth in adjusted EBITDA and net earnings, with significant increases in mobile phone and internet subscriber activations. Despite a decrease in cash flow from operating activities due to higher interest payments and tax installments, BCE maintained its annual dividend and reported growth in digital media revenue, positioning itself strongly for future tech services expansion.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.