BCE Q3 Results Beat Consensus; Backs FY14 Targets - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - BCE Inc. (BCE.TO, BCE), Canada's largest communications company, reported a jump in third-quarter 2014 net earnings attributable to common shareholders to C$600 million, or C$0.77 a share, from C$343 million, or C$0.44 a share, last year.

On an adjusted basis, quarterly earnings amounted to C$648 million, or C$0.83 per share, reflecting the flow-through of higher adjusted EBITDA from strong growth at Bell Wireless and a positive and growing contribution from Bell Wireline. On average, 16 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of C$0.77 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

BCE's operating revenues of C$5.20 billion for the recent quarter, were 1.9% higher than the prior-year figure of C$5.1 billion, whereas 9 analysts estimated C$5.15 billion in revenues.

The company also said it is on track with its 2014 financial plan, and reconfirmed Bell and BCE guidance targets for full year 2014.

In addition, the board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6175 per share, payable on January 15, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2014.