Updates on BCE INC., TORSTAR CORP. and IMPERIAL OIL

Article Excerpt

BCE INC. $33.80 (Toronto symbol BCE; Shares outstanding: 756.5 million; Market cap: $25.6 billion; SI Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 5.4%) is buying full control of CTVglobemedia, the private company that owns the 27-station CTV Television Network. CTVglobemedia also owns 30 speciality 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%. The company will also assume $1.7 billion of CTVglobemedia’s debt. Following the purchase, BCE will sell 85% of The Globe and Mail to Woodbridge Co. These deals still need regulatory approval, but BCE expects to complete them in mid-2011. Buying full control will make it easier for BCE to lower CTVglobemedia’s costs and improve its profitability. As well, adding CTVglobemedia will help BCE profit as more people watch TV programs over the Internet and on wireless devices. Moreover, the cost of the purchase shouldn’t hinder BCE’s plan to keep raising its dividend; the current…