UPDATE: BCE Posts Higher Q2 Profit

BCE

reported a rise in its second-quarter profit. BCE's quarterly net income surged to C$773 million ($775.5 million), or C$1.00 per share, from C$590 million, or 76 Canadian cents per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding one-time items, BCE earned C$788 million, or C$1.02 per share. BCE lifted its annual dividend payout to C$2.27 per share, versus C$2.17 per share. BCE shares closed at $43.33 yesterday.