BCE Inc. Q4 Profit Rises - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - BCE Inc. (BCE, BCE.TO), Canada's largest communications company, reported fourth quarter net earnings attributable to shareholders of $542 million compared to $495 million, last year. Earnings per share was $0.64, flat with prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.72, for the quarter.

On average, 13 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.70 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Operating revenues increased to $5.53 billion from $5.38 billion, last year. Analysts expected revenue of $5.45 billion for the quarter.

Bell, which includes the Bell Wireless, Bell Wireline and Bell Media segments, reported operating revenues of $4.94 billion, compared to $4.81 billion, last year.

BCE's Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per common share, payable on April 15, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2015.

For 2015, BCE expects revenue growth in the range of 1% - 3%. Adjusted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $3.28 - $3.38. Analysts expect the company to report 2015 earnings per share of $3.28.