BCE Inc (BCE)

BCE INC PRF CUM REDEEMABLE 1ST SER'AH' is scheduled to go ex-dividend on August 31st, 2026. The company will issue a dividend of 0.067 USD per share. Investors should note this date for dividend eligibility.

BCE Inc. (BCE) shares fell by 1.18% to C$32.59 on Tuesday, underperforming the broader Canadian market, as the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.66%. The stock closed 10.1% below its 52-week high of C$36.25, which was reached on March 17th. This decline occurred despite a favorable trading session for the market overall.

The article argues that Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) is a more sustainable investment than Telus (TSX:T) and BCE (TSX:BCE) for dividend investors, despite the latter's historically higher yields. Quebecor's strategy of expanding its national wireless footprint through Freedom Mobile, coupled with strong free cash flow, EBITDA growth, and a lower debt-to-EBITDA ratio, positions it favorably. Unlike its peers, Quebecor has increased its dividend and maintained a healthy balance sheet, offering a better combination of market share expansion, low-risk, and dividend growth.

BCE recently experienced a 911 outage in Labrador, following a similar incident in Manitoba, raising concerns about network reliability for investors. Despite a 41.5% increase in capital spending, primarily for fiber and AI infrastructure, free cash flow declined by 9.5% in Q2 2026. The incidents highlight the tension between expanding network capabilities and ensuring the resilience and redundancy of critical emergency services, especially with a CRTC deadline for next-generation 911 service approaching.

BCE Inc. stock increased by 1.01% to C$32.98 on Monday, outperforming the Canadian market where the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose by 0.26%. The company's stock closed 9.0% below its 52-week high of C$36.25, which was reached on March 17th.