BCE Q2 Profit Up, But Adj. EPS Misses View; Backs 2014 Guidance - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - BCE Inc. (BCE.TO, BCE), Canada's largest communications company, reported a rise in second-quarter 2014 net earnings attributable to common shareholders to C$606 million, or C$0.78 a share, from C$571 million, or C$0.74 a share, last year.

On an adjusted basis, quarterly earnings per share amounted to C$0.82. On average, 12 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of C$0.84 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Operating revenues of C$5.22 billion for the recent quarter, were 4.4% higher than the prior-year figure of C$5.0 billion, whereas 9 analysts estimated C$5.19 billion revenues.

Looking ahead, the company said it remains on track with its 2014 financial plan, by reconfirming all of its Bell and BCE targets for the year.

Additionally, the board declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.6175 per common share, payable on October 15 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2014.