BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), whom is more commonly known as Bell Canada, reported today its financial results for Q4 and full-year 2021. The results highlighted an annual operating revenue of $23.45 billion, an increase from last year’s $22.88 billion.
The company also posted net earnings of $2.89 billion for the year, up from the previous year’s $2.70 billion. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $9.89 billion, mainly from recalibrating $3.63 billion in severance, acquisition, and related costs, and $1.08 billion in finance costs. This compares to last year’s adjusted EBITDA of $9.61 billion.
For 2022, the firm announced its financial guidances, toplined by an estimated 1% – 5% increase in annual revenue growth and 2% – 5% in adjusted EBITDA growth.
In Q4 2021, the company recorded $6.21 billion in operating revenue, marginally up from Q4 2020’s $6.10 billion. The quarterly revenue is composed of service revenue at $5.24 billion and product revenue of $966 million.
Quarterly net earnings came in at $658 million, a decline from $932 million recorded for the year-ago period. The decrease is being attributed to the $211 million one-time gain recorded last year related to the sale of Bell data centres to Equinix. The net earnings for this quarter translate to $0.69 per share.
Calibrating for financial items, adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended at $2.43 billion, marginally up from last year’s $2.40 billion.
For 2021, the company generated $8.00 billion cash from operating activities and $3.00 billion free cash flow, compared to 2020’s $7.75 billion and $3.35 billion, respectively.
“Bell’s solid performance in Q4 and throughout 2021 reflect the steady demand for fast, reliable and innovative services,” said CEO Mirko Bibic. “We surpassed our 2021 network expansion targets reaching 1 million households… one year ahead of schedule. [Our] 5G network now covers over 70% of the Canadian population.”
The firm said that it plans to reach up to 900,000 more homes and businesses with direct fibre connections and expand the reach of its 5G network for 2022.
BCE Inc. last traded at $66.84 on the TSX.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
