Globe says BCE hears analyst calls to cut the dividend
2024-12-23 09:33 ET - In the News
The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that BCE has attracted more analyst downgrades this week, and some are calling for a cut to the company's dividend. The Globe's Irene Galea writes that in a note to investors late Thursday, Bank of Nova Scotia analyst Maher Yaghi said BCE should cut its dividend in half and quash its dividend reinvestment plan in order to turn around its financial challenges. "Let's call a spade a spade. BCE does not have a FCF problem; it has a payout ratio one," Mr. Yaghi said, referring to the company's dividend payments exceeding its free cash flow. "Without tackling this pain point, we believe all other medications will end up treating the symptoms but not truly tackling the root cause." He acknowledged that while a cut might initially be "painful," it would build a stronger foundation long term. In November, BCE announced it was acquiring U.S.-based fibre Internet provider Ziply Fiber and said that it was putting dividend hikes on hold at an annual payment of $3.99 for all of 2025. Since then, the company's shares have dropped by about 25 per cent, and the stock is down around 38 per cent year-to-date. As of Friday, is shares at $33.28 are at their lowest point since 2010.