Investment Q&A

Q: My question pertains to the risk associated with BCE. It is often recommended as a good dividend stock (which it definitely is). However, when I buy dividend stocks, I am equally looking for safety in my investment. The following are few notes:

• The share price is lower than it was 10 years ago.

• In a response to Nick on April 3 you mentioned “the dividend in FY2023 was $3.7B, which is covered by a cash flow of $7.9B,” (which aligns with the Operating Cash flow). Looking at the FY2023 report “https://bce.ca/investors/AR-2023/2023-bce-annual-financial-report.pdf” (page 20) they mention that their dividend payout policy is to fall in the range of 65-75% of free cash flow and that their payout in 2022 was 108% and in 2023 111%. I would think that this may be a better gauge as their capital requirements appear to be regularly high, and a number exceeding 100% may not be sustainable for long.

• Their level of debt appears to be very high.

• Their revenues have had minimal increase year over year and their net earnings declined quite dramatically.

• I understand they are trying to turn things around but are heavy regulated.

What is your opinion considering the above, your understanding of the situation and the current share price which appears to be historically low (offering an incredible dividend).

Would you be a buyer of the stock? Thank You!

Q: When I read your answer to Richard on April 11th about BCE I shook my head and said, 'Yes, you've got it right.

Then I read the speach of the BCE CEO from the BSO conference and he stated as follows:

An important mandate is to create greater diversity within Bell Media, adding that diversity makes for great business. He said the company wants half of the English and French language programs it commissions this year to be generated by creatives from Black, Indigenous people of colour and nder represented groups. He wants to make sure the company delivers "differentiated storytelling" by having a "diverse inclusive workforce".

I have been a shareholder of BCE and have not been pleased with its performance to date, by a long shot. If I read the above, that the CEO delivered I wouldn't go near the equity.

Given what you said in your prior answer that needs to be done to retain the dividend and grow, I'm not sure this guy wants to, or knows how to do it.

I just feel he wants to run the most woke communications company in Canada.

Do you have faith in him doing what you stated to succeed?

Thanks

Sheldon

Q: when mister market allocates a 9 percent yield on utility does this not provide a red flag to 5i.? forgetting the fall back answer of falling interest rates what specific strategies does BCE need to implement to restore value to its shareholders ? what is the current payout ratio on the dividend and how does it compare to the last 3 years history? thanks Richard

Q: Need to raise cash. A half position in Tell us would work with a 13% loss.Or full position in Toronto Dominion Bank with a 6.5% loss .I also own a full position in Bell and no other bank stock.Core holdings are ENB and CIG447.Your take On best one much appreciated. Tks.Larry

Q: Hello again, I was not very clear on my question re: additions to Canadian dividend growth portfolio. I would like your top 5 preferences out of the 10 stocks listed, which are all currently held.

The suggestions you made are fine and most of those are also held, but for various reasons including existing position sizes I want to add to the group indicated. Thank you.

Q: What the future prospects for BCE and T? Collectively both of these holdings represent about 3.5% of my holdings and currently under water. I am contemplating selling T and buying BCE. Once all the pros and cons for both companies are weighed, is it a reasonable positive change?

Q: Hi team
I am fully invested in BCE , for steady income and abit of growth, it has been hit by lower share prices
I am in a 50% position in ENB, again for steady income and abit of growth
does it make sense to sell part of BCE and use the proceeds to buy ENB
same goal, steady income and some growth

your outlook for ENB would be appreciated as well,
thanks
Michael

Q: Greetings, the above companies are all currently held (among others) in a Canadian dividend growth portfolio. For new money, what would be your top 5 choices to add to today? Long-term hold, income and stability with growth potential are key criteria. Would also like to maintain some sector diversification.

Thank you.

Q: Does the decline in Telus and Bell have any similarities to the decline in AT&T and Verizon about 6 months ago? I note that the US telecoms staged a nice comeback since. Would you expect the same or are the stories different?

Q: I believe BCE cut their dividend by 50% in 2008 during the financial crisis and restored it in 2009 the following year. In your opinion, is the company in the same financial condition as it was during the financial crisis of 2008 which may warrant a reduction in dividend? It looks like Telus also reduced their dividend during this crisis. Can you comment on why the management teams may have acted differently with their investor dividends. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Q: Hi Peter, I'm a pensioner and hold BCE in my RRSP account mainly for the dividend with an average cost of 49.25. Why such a downturn and would you continue to hold for the dividend or is there a chance the dividend could be lowered or cut. I thought this was one of those buy and forget about stocks. Thanks

Q: Good morning,

Thinking of selling BCE for a capital loss, and replacing with FTS. Hold FTS until ex-dividend date of May 16th, and then buy back BCE in time for their June ex-dividend date.

Reasonable strategy if no immediate near term price catalysts - good or bad - for either BCE/FTS?

Q: I have a fairly large position in BCE, about double my usual size. Would you continue to hold? I am considering switching half the position into CGI.

Q: Can you please comment on how BCE is progressing with its long term goals.
Also, can you please compare its EBITDA for 2023 to its past history. Are things getting better or worse ? Thank you very much

Q: Currently down 15% on both. Make any sense to take a loss On tellus to double down On bell? Or hold or better some other suggestions for more recovery potential.?Tks. Larry

Q: Good morning,

Perhaps I am over-thinking this, and I know there have been a lot of BCE-related questions recently. But I am starting to hear more regarding potential retaliatory measures by the Federal Government and the CRTC in response to BCE's recent layoffs, station closings and general expenditure cuts.

I wonder if you share this view, and if so, have a view as to what might be possible. Personally I find it somewhat "distressing" and distasteful that this is happening, as any retaliation will clearly impact longer-term price directionality and have significant dividend repercussions.

Thanks as always.

Q: I own both bell and telus. I would like to sell one for a tax loss but am not sure which one to sell. Which one has the most potential grown, preservation of its dividend, and safety?
thanks

Q: why doesn't the whole telecom sector not do great with the rates so high and no completion ?
thx James

Q: I'm thinking of journaling the above inter-listed securities over to my US RSP account as a currency play (I'm expecting CAD weakness vs USD over next 1-2 years). Other than CAD dividend exchange rate fees, are there other caveats to be aware of with any of these securities specific to their US listings? I.e. liquidity on NYSE? Thank you.

Q: Thank you sharing your insight answering my most recent questions.

BCE is getting quite a working over and I have a few questions (please deduct as necessary).

BCE next reports on May 2 (I believe) and +ive perf. is likely essential

1) How accurate has BCE been on its reporting historically?

2) How far in advance of the "official" report do they provide guidance or their anticipated performance?

3) What would some early indicators of a dividend cut or worse be? (Prior to May 2).

I suppose Telus would be subject to similar forces and in the same boat.

Thank you