BCE offers income plus growth

Article Excerpt

BCE is using its strong cash flow to expand and improve its wireless and high-speed Internet networks. That will fuel the company’s long-term growth. It will also let BCE keep adding services, buying back shares and paying (and possibly raising) its high dividend. BCE INC. $30.07 (Toronto symbol BCE; Shares outstanding: 765.2 million; Market cap: $23.0 billion; SI Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 5.8%) provides telephone and Internet services in Ontario and Quebec. It also sells wireless and satellite-TV services across Canada. In 2009, BCE’s revenue rose 0.4%, to $17.74 billion from $17.66 billion in the prior year. Earnings before one-time items rose 6.5%, to $1.9 billion from $1.8 billion in the prior year. Per-share earnings rose 11.1%, to $2.50 from $2.25, on fewer shares outstanding. The Canadian wireless market is highly competitive. However, last year BCE bought the “The Source,” a 756-store home-electronics chain. That gives BCE a ready outlet to sell its products and services. As well, the company’s Virgin Mobile…