BCE Inc. Reveals 2016 Financial Targets; Increases Dividend 5.0% - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - BCE Inc. (BCE.TO, BCE) announced, for 2016, the company expects adjusted EPS in the range of $3.45 - $3.55. Adjusted EBITDA growth is expected to be in the range of 2% - 4%. The company targets revenue growth in the range of 1% - 3%.

Glen LeBlanc, CFO of BCE and Bell Canada, said: "Our 2016 financial targets reflect continued projected wireless profitability, a second consecutive year of positive wireline adjusted EBITDA growth, an improving financial profile for Bell Media, and an attractive balance sheet supported by good liquidity and an investment-grade credit profile."

The BCE annualized common share dividend will increase 5.0%, or 13 cents per share, from $2.60 to $2.73 effective with BCE's first quarter dividend payable on April 15, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2016. BCE maintains the dividend payout ratio within its target policy range of 65% to 75% of free cash flow.

BCE Inc. said Thomas O'Neill will retire as Chair of the Board at the Annual General Shareholder Meeting. The Board plans to nominate BCE Director Gordon Nixon as Chair contingent upon his re-election as a Director by BCE shareholders at the April 28 annual meeting.