Media is BCE’s weak link

Article Excerpt

BCE is one of our long-time favourites. When we first recommended it in our April 1995 issue, we felt it was poised to profit as many of its phone customers signed up for Internet access. The company later cut its risk by unloading its remaining shares in telecom equipment maker Nortel Networks at the peak of the tech boom in 2000. The company’s outlook remains bright. It continues to expand its wireless networks, which will help it compete with cable and any foreign carriers that enter Canada. BCE is also diversifying into TV and radio broadcasting. That adds risk, particularly as advertisers shift to online ads. However, exclusive content could help fuel demand for its mobile and Internet services. BCE INC. $46 (Toronto symbol BCE; Conservative Growth and Income Portfolios, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 775.9 million; Market cap: $35.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.8; Dividend yield: 5.1%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.bce.ca) is Canada’s largest provider of telephone services, with 5.3…