BCE reports second quarter 2025 results
BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) reported Q2 2025 results with consolidated revenue up 1.3% to $6,085 million, while adjusted EBITDA declined 0.9% to $2,674 million. Net earnings increased 6.6% to $644 million, with earnings per share of $0.63.
Key operational highlights include 94,479 mobile phone net subscriber activations and improved postpaid churn of 1.06%. The company completed strategic moves including the $4.7 billion sale of its MLSE stake and the acquisition of Ziply Fiber. Bell also launched Bell AI Fabric, creating Canada's largest AI compute capacity project.
Notable challenges include decreased adjusted net earnings (-16.9%), lower service revenue (-0.8%), and reduced capital expenditure (-22.0%) due to slower FTTP expansion following regulatory decisions. The company's adjusted EBITDA margin declined to 43.9% from 44.9% year-over-year.
BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) ha comunicato i risultati del secondo trimestre 2025 con un fatturato consolidato in crescita dell'1,3%, raggiungendo 6.085 milioni di dollari, mentre l'EBITDA rettificato 猫 diminuito dello 0,9% a 2.674 milioni di dollari. Il utile netto 猫 aumentato del 6,6%, attestandosi a 644 milioni di dollari, con un utile per azione di 0,63 dollari.
Tra i principali risultati operativi si segnalano 94.479 nuove attivazioni nette di abbonati mobili e un miglioramento del tasso di abbandono postpagato, sceso all'1,06%. L'azienda ha completato mosse strategiche come la vendita per 4,7 miliardi di dollari della partecipazione in MLSE e l'acquisizione di Ziply Fiber. Bell ha inoltre lanciato Bell AI Fabric, dando vita al pi霉 grande progetto di capacit脿 di calcolo AI in Canada.
Tra le sfide pi霉 rilevanti figurano la diminuzione dell'utile netto rettificato (-16,9%), il calo dei ricavi da servizi (-0,8%) e la riduzione degli investimenti in capitale (-22,0%) a causa di una pi霉 lenta espansione della rete FTTP in seguito a decisioni regolamentari. Il margine EBITDA rettificato dell'azienda 猫 sceso al 43,9% rispetto al 44,9% dell'anno precedente.
BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) report贸 resultados del segundo trimestre de 2025 con un ingreso consolidado que aument贸 un 1,3% hasta 6.085 millones de d贸lares, mientras que el EBITDA ajustado disminuy贸 un 0,9% hasta 2.674 millones de d贸lares. El beneficio neto aument贸 un 6,6%, alcanzando 644 millones de d贸lares, con ganancias por acci贸n de 0,63 d贸lares.
Los aspectos operativos clave incluyen 94.479 nuevas activaciones netas de suscriptores m贸viles y una mejora en la tasa de cancelaci贸n postpago, que baj贸 al 1,06%. La compa帽铆a complet贸 movimientos estrat茅gicos como la venta por 4.700 millones de d贸lares de su participaci贸n en MLSE y la adquisici贸n de Ziply Fiber. Bell tambi茅n lanz贸 Bell AI Fabric, creando el proyecto de capacidad de c贸mputo de IA m谩s grande de Canad谩.
Los desaf铆os notables incluyen una disminuci贸n en las ganancias netas ajustadas (-16,9%), menores ingresos por servicios (-0,8%) y una reducci贸n del gasto de capital (-22,0%) debido a una expansi贸n m谩s lenta de FTTP tras decisiones regulatorias. El margen EBITDA ajustado de la compa帽铆a cay贸 al 43,9% desde el 44,9% interanual.
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欤检殧 鞖挫榿 靹标臣搿滊姅 94,479氇呾潣 氇皵鞚� 靾滉皜鞛呾瀽 頇滌劚頇�鞕 臧滌劆霅� 頉勲秷鞝� 鞚错儓毳� 1.06%臧 韽暔霅╇媹雼�. 須岇偓電� 47鞏� 雼煬 攴滊鞚� MLSE 歆攵� 毵り皝瓿� Ziply Fiber 鞚胳垬毳� 鞕勲頃橂姅 鞝勲灥鞝� 臁办箻毳� 旆枅鞀惦媹雼�. Bell鞚 霕愴暅 旌愲倶雼� 斓滊寑 AI 旎错摠韺� 鞐焿 頂勲鞝濏姼鞚� Bell AI Fabric鞚� 於滌嫓頄堨姷雼堧嫟.
欤检殧 瓿检牅搿滊姅 臁办爼 靾滌澊鞚� 臧愳唽(-16.9%), 靹滊箘鞀� 靾橃澋 臧愳唽(-0.8%), 攴滌牅 瓴办爼鞐� 霐半ジ FTTP 頇曥灔 歆鞐办溂搿� 鞚疙暅 鞛愲掣 歆於� 臧愳唽(-22.0%)臧 鞛堨姷雼堧嫟. 須岇偓鞚� 臁办爼 EBITDA 毵堨鞚 鞝勲厔 雽牍� 44.9%鞐愳劀 43.9%搿� 頃橂澖頄堨姷雼堧嫟.
BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) a publi茅 ses r茅sultats du deuxi猫me trimestre 2025 avec un chiffre d'affaires consolid茅 en hausse de 1,3% 脿 6 085 millions de dollars, tandis que l'EBITDA ajust茅 a diminu茅 de 0,9% pour atteindre 2 674 millions de dollars. Le b茅n茅fice net a augment茅 de 6,6% pour s'茅tablir 脿 644 millions de dollars, avec un b茅n茅fice par action de 0,63 dollar.
Parmi les faits marquants op茅rationnels figurent 94 479 nouvelles activations nettes d'abonn茅s mobiles et une am茅lioration du taux de d茅sabonnement postpay茅 脿 1,06%. La soci茅t茅 a finalis茅 des mouvements strat茅giques, notamment la vente de sa participation dans MLSE pour 4,7 milliards de dollars et l'acquisition de Ziply Fiber. Bell a 茅galement lanc茅 Bell AI Fabric, cr茅ant le plus grand projet de capacit茅 de calcul IA au Canada.
Les d茅fis notables comprennent une baisse du b茅n茅fice net ajust茅 (-16,9%), des revenus de services en l茅ger recul (-0,8%) et une r茅duction des d茅penses d'investissement (-22,0%) due 脿 un ralentissement de l'expansion FTTP suite 脿 des d茅cisions r茅glementaires. La marge d'EBITDA ajust茅e de la soci茅t茅 a diminu茅 脿 43,9% contre 44,9% un an plus t么t.
BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) meldete die Ergebnisse f眉r das zweite Quartal 2025 mit einem konsolidierten Umsatzanstieg von 1,3% auf 6.085 Millionen US-Dollar, w盲hrend das bereinigte EBITDA um 0,9% auf 2.674 Millionen US-Dollar zur眉ckging. Der Nettoertrag stieg um 6,6% auf 644 Millionen US-Dollar, mit einem Gewinn je Aktie von 0,63 US-Dollar.
Wesentliche operative Highlights umfassen 94.479 Nettoaktivierungen von Mobilfunkabonnenten und eine verbesserte Postpaid-K眉ndigungsrate von 1,06%. Das Unternehmen schloss strategische Schritte ab, darunter den Verkauf seines MLSE-Anteils f眉r 4,7 Milliarden US-Dollar und die 脺bernahme von Ziply Fiber. Bell startete au脽erdem Bell AI Fabric, das gr枚脽te KI-Computing-Kapazit盲tsprojekt Kanadas.
Bemerkenswerte Herausforderungen sind der R眉ckgang des bereinigten Nettogewinns (-16,9%), geringere Serviceerl枚se (-0,8%) und reduzierte Investitionsausgaben (-22,0%) aufgrund einer langsameren FTTP-Ausweitung nach regulatorischen Entscheidungen. Die bereinigte EBITDA-Marge des Unternehmens sank von 44,9% auf 43,9% im Jahresvergleich.
- Net earnings increased 6.6% to $644 million
- Free cash flow grew 5.0% to $1,152 million
- Mobile phone postpaid churn improved by 0.12 points to 1.06%
- Completed strategic $4.7 billion MLSE stake sale
- Bell Media revenue and adjusted EBITDA grew 3.8% and 7.8% respectively
- Digital revenue increased 9% year-over-year
- Adjusted EBITDA declined 0.9% to $2,674 million
- Service revenue decreased 0.8% to $5,267 million
- Adjusted net earnings fell 16.9% to $592 million
- Adjusted EBITDA margin declined 1.0 percentage points to 43.9%
- Capital expenditures reduced by 22.0% due to regulatory decisions
- Cash flows from operating activities decreased 8.9%
Insights
BCE's Q2 shows mixed results with 1.3% revenue growth but EBITDA decline; strong free cash flow amid regulatory headwinds.
BCE reported Q2 2025 consolidated revenue of
Net earnings increased
The wireless segment showed mixed signals with 94,479 mobile phone net additions, but postpaid activations declined
Bell Media was a standout performer with
Strategic developments include the completed acquisition of Ziply Fiber, the
This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" later in this news release.听The information contained in this news release is unaudited.
- Consolidated revenue up
1.3% in Q2 2025 compared with Q2 2024, while consolidated adjusted EBITDA1 declined0.9% reflecting higher operating costs for strong product revenue growth - Net earnings of
, up$644 million 6.6% with net earnings attributable to common shareholders of , up$579 million 7.8% or per common share$0.63 - Adjusted net earnings1 of
yielded adjusted EPS1 of$592 million , down$0.63 19.2% - Free cash flow1 increased
5.0% to ; cash flows from operating activities down$1,152 million 8.9% to$1,947 million - Wireless improvement: 94,479 total mobile phone net subscriber activations2; postpaid churn2 down 0.12 points to
1.06% - first quarter of year-over-year improvement since Q3 2022 - 26,583 consumer fibre Internet net subscriber activations2 contributed to
3% Internet revenue growth - Bell Business Markets revenue growth driven by Ateko managed services, cybersecurity and Bell AI Fabric
- Fifth consecutive quarter of Bell Media revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth, up
3.8% and7.8% respectively; digital revenue3 up9% as digital platforms and advertising technology continue to drive growth - 2025 guidance updated to reflect close of the Ziply Fiber acquisition on August 1, 2025
"Bell's second quarter results showcase our sharp focus on executing our strategic plan and delivering value for customers and shareholders," said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO, BCE and Bell Canada.
While the significant changes in our economic and operating environments that have occurred since the Fall of 2024 persist, the timely and appropriate steps we have taken are yielding results. Our consolidated revenue is up
With more than
As we turn to the second half of the year, we are pleased to announce today that we are hosting an Investor Day on October 14. This represents an important opportunity to demonstrate how each element of our strategic plan comes together to create long-term shareholder value."
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1听Adjusted EBITDA is a total of segments measure, adjusted net earnings and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures, and adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP ratio. Refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section in this news release for more information on these measures. |
2听听Refer to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) section in this news release for more information on churn and subscriber (or customer) units. |
3听Digital revenues are comprised of advertising revenue from digital platforms including web sites, mobile apps, connected TV apps and out-of-home (OOH) digital assets/platforms, as well as advertising procured through Bell digital buying platforms and subscription revenue from direct-to-consumer services and video-on-demand services. |
KEY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Expanding Bell's network reach
- Bell completed its , the leading fibre Internet provider in the Pacific Northwest of
the United States , accelerating its North American fibre growth strategy. - For the third year in a row, Bell Pure Fibre was awarded in the Ookla庐 Speedtest庐 Awards, a global leader in fixed and mobile network testing and analysis4. Bell was also recognized across several other categories in .
Building a sovereign AI ecosystem
- Bell announced , a major investment that will create
Canada 's largest artificial intelligence (AI) compute capacity project, increasing sovereign AI capacity and ensuring that Canadian companies can compete and win in the global AI economy. Bell AI Fabric is a national data centre supercluster aiming to provide upwards of 500 MW of hydro-electric powered AI compute capacity across six facilities. - Bell announced a , a Canadian enterprise AI company, to provide full-stack, sovereign AI solutions for government and enterprise customers across
Canada and to deploy Cohere's agentic AI platform, North, within Bell.
Strategic divestitures paving the way for key growth drivers
- BCE completed the previously announced sale of its
37.5% ownership stake in for ($4.7 billion net of taxes) to Rogers Communications Inc. (Rogers). The proceeds of this transaction supported the acquisition of Ziply Fiber. As part of this agreement, Bell Media has secured access to content rights for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors on TSN through the 2043/2044 season via a long-term agreement with Rogers.$4.2 billion - BCE entered into an agreement to sell its home security and monitored alarm assets to a.p.i. ALARM Inc. as part of its ongoing strategy to focus on its core telecommunications, enterprise solutions and media businesses. Completion of the sale is expected in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Delivering future-ready solutions through partnerships
- Bell introduced a , integrating network and security technologies to offer Canadian businesses enhanced user experience, improved security, increased uptime, simplified management, and scalability, while supporting secure connectivity for distributed employees and hybrid work styles.
- Bell and Zoom have partnered to deliver , a unique suite of communication and collaboration services for Canadian enterprises available exclusively from Bell, reinforcing Bell's objective to provide AI-powered solutions for Canadian businesses' productivity and collaboration needs.
Putting customers first
- The 2024-2025 Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) reflected Bell's focus on putting customers first, with Bell experiencing fewer complaints than both our major competitors. Overall, our BCE group of companies saw its share of industry complaints decrease by
1% , supported by a strong performance from Virgin Plus, which had a5.7% decrease in complaints and a16% decrease in its share of industry complaints. - , a new smartphone brand designed in
Canada to deliver essential features, strong performance, and smart design at an accessible price point.
Building a digital media and content powerhouse
- Bell Media unveiled its 2025/26 English and French-language original content lineup, featuring a total of 116 key returning and anticipated new titles.
- Bell Media announced the to offer content from Bell Media's extensive entertainment portfolio, CTV, Noovo, news, select sports and expanded kids programming, growing Crave's content portfolio by more than
30% . - Bell Media announced a through Bell Ventures. This production and distribution partnership will enhance Blink49's capabilities and reach in
Canada and internationally as it continues to grow its slate of scripted and unscripted content. - Bell Media to provide exclusive new streaming bundle offers that include Disney+, Crave, and TSN. Slated to launch later in 2025, the new bundles will provide viewers with a vast selection of premium content.
- Bell Media and The Trade Desk , providing advertisers with seamless access to Bell's premium first-party data, custom audience-building capabilities, and, in the future, advanced measurement and analytics solutions.
- Bell Media and Formula 1 announced a long-term extension to Bell Media's F1 media rights agreement, in conjunction with our agreement to keep the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in
惭辞苍迟谤茅补濒 through 2035.
BCE Executive team update
- was promoted to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Bell's network strategy and infrastructure, as well as maximizing the potential of key technologies like 5G wireless and fibre.
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4听Based on Ookla庐 Speedtest Intelligence庐 data, 1H 2025. All rights reserved. |
BCE RESULTS
Financial Highlights
($ millions except per share amounts) (unaudited) | Q2 2025听听 | Q2 2024听听 | % change |
听BCE | |||
Operating revenues | 6,085 | 6,005 | 1.3听% |
Net earnings | 644 | 604 | 6.6听% |
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders | 579 | 537 | 7.8听% |
Adjusted net earnings | 592 | 712 | (16.9听%) |
Adjusted EBITDA | 2,674 | 2,697 | (0.9听%) |
Net earnings per common share (EPS) | 0.63 | 0.59 | 6.8听% |
Adjusted EPS | 0.63 | 0.78 | (19.2听%) |
Cash flows from operating activities | 1,947 | 2,137 | (8.9听%) |
Capital expenditures | (763) | (978) | 22.0听% |
Free cash flow | 1,152 | 1,097 | 5.0听% |
BCE operating revenues were
Net earnings in Q2 increased
- The year-over-year increases were mainly due to lower other expense and lower impairment of assets. These factors were partly offset by lower adjusted EBITDA, higher severance, acquisition and other costs, higher depreciation and amortization and higher interest expense.
Adjusted net earnings were down
Adjusted EBITDA was down
BCE's adjusted EBITDA margin5听declined 1.0 percentage points to
- decreased labour costs attributable to workforce reductions;
- technology and automation-enabled operating efficiencies across the organization.
BCE capital expenditures in Q2 2025 were
- The year-over-year decrease is consistent with a planned reduction in capital spending primarily attributable to slower FTTP footprint expansion, largely due to regulatory decisions that discourage network investment.
BCE cash flows from operating activities听in Q2 were
- The year-over-year decrease was mainly due to higher severance and other costs paid and lower cash from working capital, partly offset by lower income taxes paid and lower interest paid.
Free cash flow听increased
- The year-over-year increase was mainly due to lower capital expenditures and lower cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest, despite decreased cash flows from operating activities, excluding cash from acquisition and other costs paid.
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5听Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by operating revenues. Refer to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) section in this news release for more information on adjusted EBITDA margin. |
6听Capital intensity is defined as capital expenditures divided by operating revenues. Refer to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) section in this news release for more information on capital intensity. |
OPERATING RESULTS BY SEGMENT
Bell Communication and Technology Services7 (Bell CTS)
Total Bell CTS operating revenues increased
Product revenue听was up
- the opening of our first Bell AI Fabric facility in
Kamloops, BC ; - higher wireless device sales to consumers from higher upgrade volumes and contracted activations.
Service revenue听was down
- ongoing declines in legacy voice, legacy data services and satellite services;
- greater acquisition, retention and bundle discounts on residential services compared to Q2 2024;
- lower mobile phone blended average revenue per user (ARPU)8,9,10.
These factors were partly offset by:
- expansion of our mobile phone, mobile connected device and retail Internet subscriber bases;
- flow through of rate increases;
- the financial contribution from acquisitions made over the past year;
- increased sales of managed services driven by growth at Ateko and in cybersecurity.
Bell CTS adjusted EBITDA听decreased
- higher cost of goods sold and commission expenses associated with an increase in product sales;
- non-recurring costs associated with the 2025 G7 Leader's Summit.
These cost factors were partly offset by cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies.
Postpaid mobile phone net subscriber activations11听totaled 44,547 in Q2, down
The year-over-year decrease was the result of
This was partly offset by a lower mobile phone postpaid customer churn11 rate, which improved 12 basis points to
Prepaid mobile phone net subscriber activations8,9,11 totaled 49,932 in Q2, compared to 52,543 in Q2 2024; Q2 2024 being our best Q2 result in over a decade. The decline was due to
Bell's mobile phone customer base8,9,11听totaled 10,382,457 at the end of Q2 2025, a
Mobile phone blended ARPU was down
- ongoing elevated competitive pressure on base rate plan pricing and greater impact of discounting;
- lower data overage revenue from customers subscribing to unlimited and larger capacity data plans;
- lower outbound roaming revenue as a result of decreased travel to
the United States .
These factors were partly offset by revenues related to the 2025 G7 Leader's Summit.
Mobile connected device net activations听increased
At the end of Q2 2025, mobile connected device subscribers11 totaled 3,176,916, an increase of
Bell added 26,583 total net consumer retail fibre Internet subscribers11听in Q2 2025, down
Despite continued strong demand for Bell's fibre services and bundled offerings with mobile service, the year-over-year decrease reflects:
- less new fibre footprint expansion compared to last year;
- slowing industry growth given lower immigration and slower housing starts.
Retail high-speed subscribers7,8 totaled 4,421,961 at the end of Q2 2025, representing a
Bell's retail IPTV customer base11听decreased by 15,851 net subscribers in Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of 1,313 in Q2 2024. The year-over-year decrease was due mainly to:
- less pull-through as a result of lower Internet activations;
- lower customer activations, particularly on our Fibe TV streaming service;
- greater competitive intensity.
At the end of Q2 2025, Bell served 2,100,690 retail IPTV subscribers7,12, a
Retail residential NAS听net losses improved by
Bell's retail residential NAS customer base7,11 totalled 1,727,911 at the end of Q2 2025, representing a
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7听In Q1 2025, we reduced our retail high-speed Internet, retail IPTV and retail residential NAS lines subscriber bases by 80,666, 441, and 14,150 subscribers, respectively, as at March 31, 2025, as we stopped selling new plans for this service under the Distributel, Acanac, Oricom and B2B2C brands. Additionally, at the beginning of Q1 2025, we reduced our retail high-speed Internet subscriber base by 2,783 subscribers to adjust for prior year customer deactivations following a review of customer accounts. |
8听In Q3 2024, we removed 77,971 Virgin Plus prepaid mobile phone subscribers from our prepaid mobile phone subscriber base as at September 30, 2024, as we stopped selling new plans for this service as of that date. Additionally, as a result of a recent CRTC decision on wholesale high-speed Internet access services, we are no longer able to resell cable Internet services to new customers in our wireline footprint as of September 12, 2024, and consequently we removed all of the existing 106,259 cable subscribers in our wireline footprint from our retail high-speed Internet subscriber base as of that date. |
9听In Q4 2024, we removed 124,216 Bell prepaid mobile phone subscribers from our prepaid mobile phone subscriber base as at December 31, 2024, as we stopped selling new plans for this service as of that date. |
10 ARPU is defined as Bell CTS wireless external services revenues, divided by the average mobile phone subscriber base for the specified period, expressed as a dollar unit per month. Refer to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) section in this news release for more information on blended ARPU. |
11听Refer to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) section in this news release for more information on churn and subscriber (or customer) units. |
12听In Q2 2024, we increased our retail IPTV subscriber base by 40,997 to align the deactivation policy for our Fibe TV streaming services to our traditional Fibe TV service. |
Bell Media
Bell Media operating revenue听increased
Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix growth and the acquisitions of Sphere Abacus and OUTEDGE Media Canada also contributed to higher total media revenue this quarter.
Subscriber revenue听increased
Advertising revenue was down
These factors were partly offset by:
- higher digital video advertising revenue;
- the financial contribution from the acquisition of OUTEDGE Media Canada.
Total digital revenues grew
- continued Crave and sports direct-to-consumer streaming subscriber growth;
- higher digital video advertising revenue reflecting growth in Connected TV and ad-supported subscription tiers on Crave.
Total Crave subscriptions听increased
Adjusted EBITDA听in Q2 2025 was up
COMMON SHARE DIVIDEND
BCE's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of
UPDATED OUTLOOK FOR 2025
BCE updated its financial guidance targets for 2025, as provided on February 6, 2025, and updated on May 8, 2025 with respect to the annualized common dividend per share, as per the table below, to reflect the acquisition of Ziply Fiber, which closed on August 1, 2025. The guidance ranges do not reflect the pending divestiture of Northwestel.
2024 Results | 2025 Prior Guidance | 2025 Current Guidance | |
Revenue growth | (1.1听%) | ( | |
Adjusted EBITDA growth | 1.7听% | ( | |
Capital intensity | 16听% | Approx. | Approx. |
Adjusted EPS growth13 | (5.3听%) | ( | ( |
Free cash flow growth | (8.1听%) | ||
Annualized common dividend per share |
For 2025, we expect:
- wireless and broadband competitive pricing flowthrough pressure from 2024, lower subscriber loadings, decreased wireless product sales and higher media content and programming costs to impact revenue and adjusted EBITDA;
- a slowdown of our fibre build in
Canada and efficiencies from transformation initiatives to drive lower capital expenditures; - increased interest expense, higher depreciation and amortization expense, and a higher number of common shares outstanding due to the implementation in January and April 2025 of a discounted treasury DRP to drive lower adjusted EPS. On May 7, 2025, BCE terminated the discounted treasury issuance feature under the DRP. Revised adjusted EPS guidance as of August 7 does not reflect any purchase price allocation (PPA) due to Ziply Fiber acquisition as valuation has not yet been completed;
- lower capital expenditures to drive higher free cash flow.
Please see the section entitled "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" later in this news release for a description of the principal assumptions on which BCE's 2025 financial guidance targets are based, as well as the principal related risk factors.
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13 Revised adjusted EPS guidance as of August 7 does not reflect any purchase price allocation (PPA) due to Ziply Fiber acquisition as valuation has not yet been completed. |
CALL WITH FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
BCE will hold a conference call with the financial community to discuss Q2 2025 results on Thursday, August 7 at 8:00 am eastern. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To participate, please dial toll-free 1-800-206-4400 or 289-514-5005. A replay will be available until midnight on September 7, 2025 by dialing 1-877-454-9859 or 647-483-1416 and entering passcode 5428649. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on BCE's website at . 听
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
BCE uses various financial measures to assess its business performance. Certain of these measures are calculated in accordance with IFRS庐 Accounting Standards or GAAP while certain other measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. We believe that our GAAP financial measures, read together with adjusted non-GAAP and other financial measures, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses BCE's performance.
National Instrument 52-112,听Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures听Disclosure (NI 52-112), prescribes disclosure requirements that apply to the following specified financial measures:
- Non-GAAP financial measures
- Non-GAAP ratios
- Total of segments measures
- Capital management measures
- Supplementary financial measures
This section provides a description and classification of the specified financial measures contemplated by NI 52-112 that we use in this news release to explain our financial results听except that, for supplementary financial measures, an explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this news release if the supplementary financial measures' labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
A non-GAAP financial measure is a financial measure used to depict our historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow and, with respect to its composition, either excludes an amount that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in BCE's consolidated primary financial statements. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures are reflective of our on-going operating results and provide readers with an understanding of management's perspective on and analysis of our performance.
Below are descriptions of the non-GAAP financial measures that we use in this news release to explain our results as well as reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures under IFRS Accounting Standards.
Adjusted net earnings 鈥撎�Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and it does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define adjusted net earnings as net earnings attributable to common shareholders before severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs (gains), impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI.
We use adjusted net earnings and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs (gains), impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards is net earnings attributable to common shareholders.
The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to common shareholders to adjusted net earnings on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | |
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders | 579 | 537 |
Reconciling items: 听听 Severance, acquisition and other costs 听听 Net mark-to-market losses on derivatives used to economically 听听 Net equity losses on investment in associates and Joint Ventures 听听 Net losses on investments 听 听Early debt redemption gains 听听 Impairment of assets 听听 Income taxes for above reconciling items | 41 43 - 8 (91) 8 4 | 22 23 93 2 - 60 (25) |
听听 Non-controlling interest (NCI) for the above reconciling items | - | - |
Adjusted net earnings | 592 | 712 |
Free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities 鈥�听Free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities are non-GAAP financial measures and they do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards. Therefore, they are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities, excluding cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid (which include significant litigation costs) and voluntary pension funding, less capital expenditures, preferred share dividends and dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI. We exclude cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid and voluntary pension funding because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
We define free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities as cash flows from operating activities, excluding cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid (which include significant litigation costs) and voluntary pension funding, less principal payment of lease liabilities, capital expenditures, preferred share dividends and dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI. We exclude cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid and voluntary pension funding because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
We consider free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities to be important indicators of the financial strength and performance of our businesses. Free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities show how much cash is available to pay dividends on common shares, repay debt and reinvest in our company. We believe that certain investors and analysts use free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities to value a business and its underlying assets and to evaluate the financial strength and performance of our businesses. The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards is cash flows from operating activities.
The following tables are reconciliations of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow and free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 1,947 | 2,137 |
Capital expenditures | (763) | (978) |
Cash dividends paid on preferred shares | (38) | (45) |
Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI | - | (28) |
Acquisition and other costs paid | 6 | 11 |
Free cash flow | 1,152 | 1,097 |
($ millions)
Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 1,947 | 2,137 |
Capital expenditures | (763) | (978) |
Cash dividends paid on preferred shares | (38) | (45) |
Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI | - | (28) |
Acquisition and other costs paid | 6 | 11 |
Free cash flow | 1,152 | 1,097 |
Principal payment of lease liabilities | (278) | (270) |
Free cash flow after payment of lease liabilities | 874 | 827 |
Non-GAAP Ratios
A non-GAAP ratio is a financial measure disclosed in the form of a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar representation and that has a non-GAAP financial measure as one or more of its components.
Below is a description of the non-GAAP ratio that we use in this news release to explain our results.
Adjusted EPS 鈥撎�Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP ratio and it does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define adjusted EPS as adjusted net earnings per BCE common share. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further details on adjusted net earnings, refer to听Non-GAAP Financial Measures听above.
We use adjusted EPS, and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs (gains), impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
Total of Segments Measures
A total of segments measure is a financial measure that is a subtotal or total of 2 or more reportable segments and is disclosed within the Notes to BCE's consolidated primary financial statements.
Below is a description of the total of segments measure that we use in this news release to explain our results as well as a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards.
Adjusted EBITDA 鈥撎�Adjusted EBITDA is a total of segments measure. We define adjusted EBITDA as operating revenues less operating costs as shown in BCE's consolidated income statements.
The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards is net earnings.
The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | |
Net earnings Severance, acquisition and other costs Depreciation Amortization Finance costs 听听 Interest expense 听听 Net return on post-employment benefit plans Impairment of assets Other expense Income taxes | 644 41 949 338 442 (26) 8 38 240 | 604 22 945 325 426 (17) 60 101 231 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 2,674 | 2,697 |
Capital Management Measures
A capital management measure is a financial measure that is intended to enable a reader to evaluate our objectives, policies and processes for managing our capital and is disclosed within the Notes to BCE's consolidated financial statements.
The financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements requires disclosure that helps readers assess the company's capital management objectives, policies, and processes, as set out in IFRS Accounting Standards in IAS 1 鈥� Presentation of Financial Statements. BCE has its own methods for managing capital and liquidity, and IFRS Accounting Standards do not prescribe any particular calculation method.
Supplementary Financial Measures
A supplementary financial measure is a financial measure that is not reported in BCE's consolidated financial statements, and is, or is intended to be, reported periodically to represent historical or expected future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows.
An explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this news release if the supplementary financial measures' labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
We use adjusted EBITDA margin, blended ARPU, capital intensity, churn and subscriber (or customer or NAS) units to measure the success of our strategic imperatives. These key performance indicators are not accounting measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
About BCE
BCE is
Through , we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit .
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14 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections. |
Media inquiries
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Krishna Somers
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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: BCE's updated 2025 guidance (including revenue, adjusted EBITDA, capital intensity, adjusted EPS, free cash flow and annualized common dividend per share); BCE's objective to create long-term value for its shareholders; the acquisition of Northwest Fiber Holdco, LLC (doing business as Ziply Fiber (Ziply Fiber)); Bell Canada's launch of Bell AI Fabric intended to create
Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements and that our business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities may not be achieved. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations as of August 7, 2025 and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We regularly consider potential acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, business combinations, investments, monetizations, joint ventures and other transactions, some of which may be significant. Except as otherwise indicated by us, forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any such transactions or of special items that may be announced or that may occur after August 7, 2025. The financial impact of these transactions and special items can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them. We therefore cannot describe the expected impact in a meaningful way or in the same way we present known risks affecting our business. Forward-looking statements are presented in this news release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of our expected financial results, as well as our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook, and in obtaining a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Material Assumptions
A number of economic, market, operational and financial assumptions were made by BCE in preparing its forward-looking statements contained in this news release, including, but not limited to the following:
Canadian Economic Assumptions
Our forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions concerning the Canadian economy. Given ongoing uncertainty around
- Slowing economic growth, given the Bank of
Canada 's most recent estimated growth in Canadian gross domestic product of1.3% in 2025 under the current tariff scenario, representing a decrease from the earlier estimate of1.8% - Slower population growth because of government policies designed to slow immigration
- Slowdown in consumer spending reflecting ongoing trade policy uncertainty
- Slowing business investment, particularly by businesses in sectors most reliant on
U.S. markets - Stable consumer price index (CPI) inflation
- Ongoing labour market softness
- Interest rates expected to remain at or near current levels
- Canadian dollar expected to remain near current levels. Further movements may be impacted by the degree of strength of the
U.S. dollar, interest rates and changes in commodity prices
Following our acquisition of Ziply Fiber, our forward-looking statements are now based on certain assumptions concerning the
- Stable consumer spending, but emerging concerns about upward pricing pressure stemming from evolving trade policies
- Slowing business investment due to trade policy uncertainty
- Stable CPI inflation
- Slower population growth than recent historical trends
Canadian Market Assumptions
Our forward-looking statements also reflect various Canadian market assumptions. In particular, we have made the following assumptions:
- A higher level of wireline and wireless competition in consumer, business and wholesale markets
- Higher, but slowing, wireless industry penetration
- A shrinking data and voice connectivity market as business customers migrate to lower-priced telecommunications solutions or alternative over-the-top (OTT) competitors
- The Canadian traditional TV and radio advertising markets are expected to be impacted by audience declines as the advertising market growth continues to shift towards digital
- Declines in broadcasting distribution undertaking (BDU) subscribers driven by increasing competition from the continued rollout of subscription video on demand (SVOD) streaming services together with further scaling of OTT aggregators
U.S. Market Assumptions
Following our acquisition of Ziply Fiber, our forward-looking statements now reflect various U.S. market assumptions for our products and services. In particular, we have made the following assumptions:
- A higher level of wireline pricing competition in consumer, business and wholesale markets
- Increased demand for colocation and datacenter connectivity services
- A shrinking traditional voice services market as customers migrate to wireless or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offerings
Assumptions Applicable to our Bell CTS Segment (Excluding Ziply Fiber)
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal operational assumptions with respect to our Bell CTS segment (excluding Ziply Fiber):
- Stable or slight decrease in our market share of national operators' wireless mobile phone net additions as we manage increased competitive intensity and promotional activity across all regions and market segments
- Ongoing expansion and deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) and 5G+ wireless networks, offering competitive coverage and quality
- Continued diversification of our distribution strategy with a focus on expanding direct-to-consumer (DTC) and online transactions
- Slightly declining mobile phone blended average revenue per user (ARPU) due to competitive pricing pressure
- Continuing business customer adoption of advanced 5G, 5G+ and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
- Continued scaling of technology services from recent acquisitions made in the enterprise market through leveraging our sales channels with the acquired businesses' technical expertise
- Improving wireless handset device availability in addition to stable device pricing and margins
- Moderating deployment of direct fibre to incremental homes and businesses within our wireline footprint
- Continued growth in retail Internet subscribers
- Increasing wireless and Internet-based technological substitution
- Continued focus on the consumer household and bundled service offers for mobility, Internet and content services
- Continued large business customer migration to Internet protocol (IP)-based systems
- Ongoing competitive repricing pressures in our business and wholesale markets
- Traditional high-margin product categories challenged by large global cloud and OTT providers of business voice and data solutions expanding into
Canada with on-demand services, which, in many cases, are also sold as a service by Bell Business Markets (BBM) to ensure continuity of customer relationships and adjacent revenue growth opportunities - Increasing customer adoption of OTT services resulting in downsizing of television (TV) packages and fewer consumers purchasing BDU subscriptions services
- AG真人官方ization of cost savings related to operating efficiencies enabled by our direct fibre footprint, changes in consumer behaviour and product innovation, digital and AI adoption, product and service enhancements, expanding self-serve capabilities, new call centre and digital investments, other improvements to the customer service experience, management workforce reductions including attrition and retirements, and lower contracted rates from our suppliers
- No adverse material financial, operational or competitive consequences of changes in or implementation of regulations affecting our communication and technology services business
Assumptions Applicable to Ziply Fiber
Following our acquisition of Ziply Fiber, our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal operational assumptions with respect to Ziply Fiber:
- Continued growth in retail Internet customers with continued deployment of direct fibre to incremental homes and businesses within our footprint
- Increasing retail Internet ARPU through continued migration of customers to higher speed tiers and rate increases
- Ongoing competitive repricing pressures in our business and wholesale markets
- AG真人官方ization of cost savings related to operational efficiencies enabled by our direct fibre footprint, digital and AI adoption, expanding self service capabilities, and other improvements to the customer service experience
Assumptions Applicable to our Bell Media Segment
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal operational assumptions with respect to our Bell Media segment:
- Overall digital revenue expected to reflect scaling of Connected TV, DTC advertising and subscriber growth, as well as digital growth in our out-of-home (OOH) business contributing towards the advancement of our digital-first media strategy
- Leveraging of first-party data to improve targeting, advertisement delivery including personalized viewing experience and attribution
- Continued escalation of media content costs to secure quality content
- Continued scaling of Crave, TSN, TSN+ and RDS through expanded distribution, optimized content offering and user experience improvements
- Continued support in original French content with a focus on digital platforms such as Crave, Noovo.ca and iHeartRadio
Canada , to better serve our French-language customers through a personalized digital experience - Ability to successfully acquire and produce highly-rated programming and differentiated content
- Building and maintaining strategic supply arrangements for content across all screens and platforms
- No adverse material financial, operational or competitive consequences of changes in or implementation of regulations affecting our media business
Financial Assumptions Concerning BCE15听Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following听internal financial assumptions with respect to BCE for 2025:
- An estimated post-employment benefit plans service cost of approximately
$205 million - An estimated net return on post-employment benefit plans of approximately
$100 million - Depreciation and amortization expense of approximately
to$5,200 million $5,250 million - Interest expense of approximately
to$1,800 million $1,850 million - Interest paid of approximately
to$1,875 million $1,925 million - An average effective tax rate of approximately
17% - Non-controlling interest of approximately
$60 million - Contributions to post-employment benefit plans of approximately
$40 million - Payments under other post-employment benefit plans of approximately
$60 million - Income taxes paid (net of refunds) of approximately
to$700 million $800 million - Weighted average number of BCE common shares outstanding of approximately 930 million
- An annualized common share dividend of
per share$1.75
Assumptions underlying expected continuing contribution holiday in 2025 in the majority of our pension plans
We have made the following principal assumptions underlying the expected continuing contribution holiday in 2025 in the majority of our pension plans:
- At the relevant time, our defined benefit (DB) pension plans will remain in funded positions with going concern surpluses and maintain solvency ratios that exceed the minimum legal requirements for a contribution holiday to be taken for applicable DB and defined contribution (DC) components
- No significant declines in our DB pension plans' financial position due to declines in investment returns or interest rates
- No material experience losses from other events such as through litigation or changes in laws, regulations or actuarial standards
The foregoing assumptions, although considered reasonable by BCE on August 7, 2025, may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from our expectations as set forth in this news release.
Material Risks
Important risk factors that could cause our assumptions and estimates to be inaccurate and actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements, including our 2025 guidance, are listed below. The realization of our forward-looking statements, including our ability to meet our 2025 guidance targets, essentially depends on our business performance, which, in turn, is subject to many risks. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the negative effect of adverse economic conditions, including from trade tariffs and other protective government measures, including the imposition of
We caution that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect our results. We encourage investors to also read BCE's 2024 Annual MD&A dated March 6, 2025 and BCE's 2025 First and Second Quarter MD&As dated May 7, 2025 and August 6, 2025, respectively, for additional information with respect to certain of these and other assumptions and risks, filed by BCE with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (available at ) and with the
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15 The financial assumptions concerning听BCE have been updated to reflect the acquisition of Ziply Fiber. |
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SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)