On September 24, 2023, investment advisory firm Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc. announced that it had reduced its stake in BCE Inc. by 1.0% during the second quarter of the year. This move was reported in the company’s most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor now holds 601,950 shares of BCE’s stock after selling 6,154 shares over the stated period.
As a result of this reduction, BCE accounts for approximately 2.0% of Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc.’s portfolio, positioning it as their 17th largest holding. The value of Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc.’s stake in BCE is estimated to be worth $27,443,000 according to their most recent SEC filing.
BCE (NYSE:BCE) (TSE:BCE) recently released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported an EPS (earnings per share) of $0.59 for the quarter. Despite falling short by $0.01 compared to analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.60 EPS, BCE still demonstrated a return on equity of 16.24% and a net margin of 9.68%. The company generated revenue amounting to $4.52 billion throughout this period.
The revenue figure slightly missed the consensus estimate of $4.55 billion but remains competitive within the industry overall. Research analysts have projected that BCE Inc.’s earnings per share for the current year will reach approximately 2.38.
While these numbers provide insight into BCE’s financial performance and investor sentiment thus far, investors should note that these figures are subject to change as subsequent quarters unfold and further reports are released.
In conclusion, Guyasuta Investment Advisors Inc.’s decision to reduce its stake in BCE Inc., resulting in a lower percentage within their overall portfolio holdings, demonstrates potential considerations regarding the utility provider’s future prospects. The recent earnings results and revenue figures also indicate certain areas where BCE could improve. As always, investors are advised to thoroughly analyze such financial reports and consider various factors when making investment decisions.
BCE Inc.
BCE
Strong Buy
Updated on: 04/12/2023
Very Healthy 
BCE Inc.’s Institutional Investor Interest and Market Analysis in September 2023
Institutional investors have shown an increasing interest in BCE, with several recent changes in their positions in the company. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise saw a 57% increase in its shares of BCE during the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 285 shares and bringing its total ownership to 785 shares valued at $35,000. Tucker Asset Management LLC also entered the scene by purchasing a new stake worth $39,000 in the first quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC increased its position by 40.8%, adding an extra 336 shares and now holding 1,160 shares worth $52,000. TCTC Holdings LLC followed suit by raising its position by 33.3%, buying an additional 310 shares and bringing its total to 1,242 shares valued at $56,000. Lastly, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC acquired a new stake worth $73,000 in the first quarter.
As of September 24, 2023, BCE Inc.’s stock (NYSE: BCE) traded up $0.14 during mid-day trading and reached a level of $39.83 per share. The daily trading volume was recorded at approximately 1,891,436 shares compared to an average volume of 1,266,453 shares. Over the past year, BCE has ranged from a low of $39.69 to a high of $48.38 per share. With a market capitalization of around $36.34 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.07, the company demonstrates financial robustness amidst current market conditions.
A closer look at BCE’s financials reveals a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60 ensuring stability within the industry sector it operates in as well as strong liquidity ratios with quick and current ratios standing at 0.50 and 0.55 respectively.
Additionally,BCE announced recently that it will pay out a quarterly dividend on Monday, October 16th. Shareholders of record as of Friday, September 15th will receive a dividend of $0.73 per share. This represents an increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.71 per share and brings the annualized dividend to $2.92, with a yield of 7.33%. The ex-dividend date for this payout is slated for Thursday, September 14th. With a payout ratio standing at 153.44%, BCE’s commitment to rewarding its shareholders is apparent.
Market analysts have expressed varying opinions regarding BCE’s stock performance and outlook. Notably, TheStreet downgraded BCE from a “b” rating to a “c+” rating in early August while Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price from $63 to $61 and maintained a “hold” rating on the stock in late July. Similarly, Barclays decreased their target price from $47 to $45 and assigned an “equal weight” rating on the stock in early August.
On the other hand, National Bank Financial upgraded BCE from a “sector perform overweight” rating to an “outperform overweight” rating in late August, showing optimism towards the company’s potential growth prospects. Despite these mixed opinions, Five equities research analysts currently uphold a hold rating on BCE shares while one analyst has issued a buy recommendation for future investors.
In conclusion, BCE Inc.’s recent changes in institutional investor positions and fluctuating market ratings reflect an intriguing state of affairs within the company’s financial landscape. As we move forward into uncertain economic times, it remains critical for investors to closely monitor developments surrounding BCE as they navigate through their investment decisions with diligence and prudence based on comprehensive market analysis.
Disclaimer: The above information should not be considered as financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities mentioned above but rather as an analysis summary prepared on September 24th, 2023..
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