BCE Inc. Analysts Recommend a ‘Hold’ on Stock

Recently, BCE Inc. (TSE:BCE) (NYSE:BCE) has been analyzed by a group of ten brokerage firms. According to reports, these analysts have given the company an average recommendation of "Hold." Specifically, nine of the analysts suggest maintaining the current position on the stock, while only one has given it a buy rating. The general consensus indicates that there is a careful approach towards investing in BCE at this time.

The average target price projected for BCE shares over the next year is C$44.68. This figure is derived from the assessments made by the various brokerages covering the stock in the past twelve months.

Recent Analyst Comments on BCE

Several brokerage firms have recently updated their outlook on BCE shares. The Royal Bank of Canada recently reduced their target price from C$47.00 to C$45.00 in a note published on November 11. Conversely, BMO Capital Markets raised their price target from C$48.00 to C$51.00 as noted in a report dated September 19. Notably, National Bank Financial downgraded their rating from “strong buy” to “hold” on September 30, showing a cautious stance on the stock.

Barclays also revised their projections, lowering the price target from C$46.00 to C$41.00 in a research report shared on November 11. Meanwhile, TD Securities adjusted their forecast, reducing the target from C$39.00 to C$37.00 and maintaining their “hold” rating on December 3.

BCE Stock Performance

On the trading day of Monday, BCE shares opened at C$36.32. The company possesses a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.43, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 197.43. In the past year, BCE shares reached a low of C$35.92 and soared to a high of C$56.18. Currently, the company's market capitalization is C$33.13 billion, with a P/E ratio of 16.89 and a P/E/G ratio of 4.67. The stock's beta stands at 0.48, indicating lower volatility compared to the market. Additionally, BCE’s fifty-day moving average is C$41.11, which suggests some fluctuation in the recent trading trends.

BCE Dividend Announcement

Additionally, BCE has announced its upcoming quarterly dividend, scheduled for payout on January 15. Shareholders on record will be entitled to a dividend of $0.9975 per share, with December 16 being the ex-dividend date. This brings the annual dividend to $3.99, reflecting a yield of 10.99%. It is noteworthy that BCE’s dividend payout ratio is notably high at 185.58%, signaling the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders despite the high payout.

About BCE Inc.

BCE Inc. is a prominent telecommunications company that offers a wide range of services, including wireless, wireline, Internet, and television services to various customer segments in Canada. The company operates in two main segments: Bell Communication and Technology Services, and Bell Media. The former encompasses a variety of services, from mobile communication solutions to cloud-based services and satellite TV offerings.

BCE, Investing, Analysts