Bell to Build Canada’s Largest AI Data Centre in Saskatchewan in Major BCE Investment

Canadian stocks rebounded Thursday as investors priced higher chances of de-escalation in the Middle East. The S&P/TSX Composite rose 1.19% to close at 35,217.06 after hitting an intraday record 35,291.13. Healthcare led gains. The article cites Israel-Lebanon ceasefire renewal and continued U.S.-Iran peace talks, while noting Hezbollah rejected the truce.

The article says BCE has faced “industry headwinds” and previously cut its dividend by just over half, leaving investors focused on whether the payout can be sustained and grown. It claims BCE’s dividend yield is just over 5% and that its free-cash-flow payout ratio is comfortable. It notes BCE trades at about 5x trailing P/E and suggests waiting for a breakout above $35–$36.

BCE’s dividend has shifted from a long-running “stable” payout to a new, lower level after the company cut its annualized common dividend to $1.75 per share from $3.99, leaving a yield around 5.1% (at the time of writing). BCE reported Q1 2026 operating revenue of $6.2 billion (+4% y/y), adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 billion (+2.9%), and free cash flow of $804 million (+0.8%), according to the article. The piece links the cut to higher interest costs, capital needs, and competition, while noting asset

BCE Inc (TSX:BCE) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.44 ($1.76/year), implying about a 5.2% yield at $33.99. The article warns another dividend cut is possible after BCE cut its dividend in 2025 from $0.9975 to $0.4375, citing weak earnings and a high payout ratio. It notes last quarter’s EPS of $0.69 versus $0.44 dividends (64% payout) alongside modest growth.

BCE's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Curtis Millen, is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat at the TD Cowen 28th Annual Telecom & Media Conference in Toronto on May 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the event will be available on BCE's website for investors. This event provides an opportunity for investors to gain insights into BCE's strategy and capital allocation.

BCE Inc. announced the results of conversions for its Series AM and Series AN Preferred Shares. Due to insufficient tenders for Series AN shares, all remaining Series AN Preferred Shares will automatically convert to Series AM Preferred Shares on March 31, 2026. The Series AM Preferred Shares will pay a fixed quarterly cash dividend based on a 4.837% annual rate for the next five years.