Better networks should lift BCE’s returns

Article Excerpt

Canada’s telecom regulator recently reversed a prior decision to cut the rates that large telecoms charge smaller Internet service providers to access their high-speed networks. The decision will give BCE more cash to build out its networks and set the stage for its future growth. The end of pandemic restrictions will also lift the wireless roaming fees it collects from travellers, and the return of live sporting events will increase the value of its sports franchises. BCE INC. $62 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol BCE; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 904.6 million; Market cap: $56.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.5; Dividend yield: 5.6%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.bce.ca) is Canada’s largest traditional telephone service provider: it has 2.43 million residential customers in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and the Atlantic provinces. BCE also has 3.73 million high-speed Internet users and 2.72 million TV subscribers. In addition, it sells wireless services to 11.3 million users across Canada, owns TV…