Short interest for BCE gives investors a sense of the degree to which investors are betting on the decline of BCE's stock. Short interest data is updated every two weeks.

BCE Stock (NYSE:BCE), Short Interest Report

BCE provides wireless, broadband, television, and landline phone services in Canada. It is one of the big three national wireless carriers, with over 10 million customers constituting about 30% of the market. It is also the ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier—the legacy telephone provider) throughout much of the eastern half of Canada, including in the most populous Canadian provinces: Ontario and Quebec. Additionally, BCE has a media segment, which holds television, radio, and digital media assets. BCE licenses the Canadian rights to movie channels including HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

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Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our analyst ratings page.

Domino&#39;s Pizza To Rally Over 11%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Tuesday

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Bell Canada Partners With Google Cloud For AI-Driven Contact Center For Canadian businesses

Barclays analyst David Joyce maintains BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $38 to $35.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on BCE, Lowers Price Target to $35

CIBC analyst Robert Bek maintains BCE (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#TSX">BCE</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from C$54 to C$52.

TSX:BCE

CIBC Maintains Neutral on BCE, Lowers Price Target to C$52

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Susquehanna boosted the price target for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsm#NYSE">TSM</a>) from $160 to $180. Susquehanna analyst Mehdi Hosseini maintained a Positive rating. Taiwan Semiconductor shares gained 4% to close at $141.49 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Seaport Global increased the price target for Nuvei Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvei#NASDAQ">NVEI</a>) from $29 to $34. Seaport Global analyst Jeff Cantwell downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral. Nuvei shares gained 2.5% to close at $32.41 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVEI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Truist Securities increased Lowe&#39;s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/low#NYSE">LOW</a>) price target from $258 to $271. Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli maintained a Buy rating. Lowe&#39;s shares fell 2.1% to close at $249.28 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LOW/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Mizuho boosted the price target for The Southern Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/so#NYSE">SO</a>) from $73 to $76. Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell maintained a Buy rating. Southern shares fell 0.9% to close at $71.10 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>B of A Securities cut FedEx Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fdx#NYSE">FDX</a>) price target from $346 to $340. B of A Securities analyst Ken Hoexter maintained a Buy rating. FedEx shares fell 3.3% to close at $280.13 on Monday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>BMO Capital slashed BCE Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bce#NYSE">BCE</a>) price target from $54 to $46. BMO Capital analyst Tim Casey downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform. BCE shares fell 0.5% to close at $33.80 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BCE/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>TD Cowen boosted the price target for Domino&#39;s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dpz#NYSE">DPZ</a>) from $525 to $550. TD Cowen analyst Andrew Charles maintained a Buy rating. Domino&#39;s shares fell 0.6% to close at $493.92 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DPZ/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Truist Securities increased AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/azo#NYSE">AZO</a>) price target from $3,363 to $3,523. Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli maintained a Buy rating. AutoZone shares gained 0.5% to close at $3,168.60 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Piper Sandler raised Shockwave Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/swav#NASDAQ">SWAV</a>) price target from $290 to $360. Piper Sandler analyst Adam Maeder maintained an Overweight rating. Shockwave Medical shares fell 1.6% to close at $320.51 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SWAV/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Desjardins boosted BRP Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dooo#NASDAQ">DOOO</a>) price target from $112 to $137. Desjardins analyst Benoit Poirier maintained a Buy rating. BRP shares climbed 7.6% to close at $72.17 on Monday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOOO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38039337/paychex-pvh-and-3-stocks-to-watch-heading-into-tuesday"> Paychex, PVH And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Tuesday </a>

Domino's Pizza To Rally Over 11%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Tuesday

BMO Capital analyst Tim Casey downgrades BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowers the price target from $54 to $46.

Downgrades

BMO Capital Downgrades BCE to Market Perform, Lowers Price Target to $46

Argus Research analyst Angus Kelleher-Ferguson downgrades BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) from Buy to Hold.

Argus Research Downgrades BCE to Hold

Barclays analyst Kannan Venkateshwar maintains BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $40 to $38.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on BCE, Lowers Price Target to $38

JP Morgan analyst Sebastiano Petti maintains BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from C$58 to C$54.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on BCE, Lowers Price Target to $54

RBC Capital analyst Drew McReynolds maintains BCE (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#TSX">BCE</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from C$59 to C$57.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on BCE, Lowers Price Target to C$57

WIIM

BCE shares are trading lower after the company reported mixed Q4 financial results and issued guidance.

BCE Inc. (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#TSX">BCE</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) today reported results for the&nbsp;fourth quarter&nbsp;(Q4) and full-year 2023, provided financial&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;for 2024, including a&nbsp;3.1%, or&nbsp;$0.12&nbsp;per share, increase in the BCE annual common share dividend to&nbsp;$3.99, and announced a workforce restructuring initiative, our largest in nearly 30 years, reducing approximately 4,800 positions, including 750 contractors, or&nbsp;9%&nbsp;of all BCE employees.

BCE Disclosed Plans to Downsize 9% of Employees or Close to 4,800 Positions

Dividends

BCE Boosts Annual Dividend By 3.1% To C$3.99

Guidance

BCE Expects FY24 Revenue Growth of 0%-4% Vs $18.62B Est, Adj EPS Growth of (7%)-(2%) Vs $2.37 Est

BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.56 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.54 by 3.33 percent. This is a 5.28 percent increase over earnings of $0.53 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $4.76 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $4.79 billion by 0.71 percent. This is a 0.79 percent decrease over sales of $4.79 billion the same period last year.

Earnings

BCE Q4 Adj EPS $0.56 Beats $0.54 Estimate, Sales $4.76B Miss $4.79B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 8, 2024

BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) is set to give its latest quarterly earnings report on Thursday, 2024-02-08. Here's what investors need to know before the announcement.
Analysts estimate that BCE will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.54. 
BCE bulls will hope to hear the company announce they've not only beaten that estimate, but also to provide positive guidance, or forecasted growth, for the next quarter.
New investors should note that it is sometimes not an earnings beat or miss that most affects the price of a stock, but the guidance (or forecast).
<h3>Historical Earnings Performance</h3>
Last quarter the company missed EPS by $0.00, which was followed by a 2.1% increase in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at BCE's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2023</th>
<th>Q2 2023</th>
<th>Q1 2023</th>
<th>Q4 2022</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>0.61</td>
<td>0.57</td>
<td>0.54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.6</td>
<td>0.59</td>
<td>0.63</td>
<td>0.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>1.08%</td>
<td>1.11%</td>
<td>-0.07%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1707314492_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of BCE were trading at $39.63 as of February 05. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 12.05%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely unhappy going into this earnings release. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BCE/earnings">To track all earnings releases for BCE visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings Outlook For BCE

The Federal Open Market Committee signaled a dovish outlook in its December meeting, forecasting several rate cuts as the U.S. economy heads toward a soft landing.&nbsp;
Nonetheless, recent speculation regarding sticky inflation rates and robust unemployment data raised questions about the timeline and magnitude of future rate cuts, causing U.S. equities to have a weaker-than-expected start to the year.&nbsp;
However, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.'s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) asset management division predicts multiple rate cuts as the U.S. economy slows down.&nbsp;
"What the market's pricing is roughly 1.5% of cuts and that's probably a reasonable central case," JPMorgan Managing Director Seamus Mac Gorain said. "In bad economic outcomes, it could be, you know, quite a bit bigger than that."
According to the CME Group's FedWatch tool,&nbsp; market participants anticipate the first rate cut to be implemented in March and five more throughout the year, ending 2024 with the federal funds rate within the range of 3.75%-4%, down from its current 22-year high.&nbsp;
These stocks could benefit from Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BCE</h2>
BCE Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Canada, with a customer base of nearly 10 million that accounts for almost 30% of the total market share. The industry leader is poised to benefit from rate cuts as the company focuses on strengthening its 5G network.&nbsp;
BCE acquired 3800 megahertz (MHz) licenses last November to expand Bell's 5G network, which is expected to place the company at the forefront of the internet-of-things and industrial transformation.&nbsp;
BCE is an attractive dividend stock as well, as the telecom behemoth pays $2.87 in dividends annually, yielding an impressive 7.02% on the current share price. The company also is a dividend aristocrat, as it has raised its dividend payouts every year since 1983.&nbsp;
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<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don&#8217;t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/3-high-yield-investments-boost-income">Here are three high-yield investments to add significant income to your portfolio</a>.</li>
<li>Passive income investments are one of the most trusted methods for riding out a recession, so it's no surprise that people are turning to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/23/05/32554601/want-to-grow-your-wealth-passively-these-high-yield-real-estate-notes-might-be-your-holy-grail">high-yield real estate notes that pay a fixed 7.5% to 9%.</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Realty Income&nbsp;</h2>
Realty Income Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/O#NYSE">O</a>) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with ownership in over 13,200 properties across 85 industries as of Sept. 30. As the Fed aims to slash rates in the upcoming months, the lower borrowing costs should allow the commercial REIT to expand its portfolio and improve its profit margins as operating expenses come down.&nbsp;
Also known as the Monthly Dividend Company, Realty Income is a Dividend Aristocrat as it has hiked its annual payout 123 times since its listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994. The company pays $3.08 in dividends annually, yielding approximately 5.2% on the current price.&nbsp;
In October, Realty Income entered into an agreement to acquire Spirit Realty Capital for $9.3 billion, which is expected to boost the former's annualized adjusted funds from operations (FFO) by 25%.&nbsp;
&#8220;We expect that this transaction will create immediate and meaningful earnings accretion while enhancing the diversification and depth of our high-quality real estate portfolio. Spirit&#8217;s assets are highly complementary to our existing portfolio, extending our investments in industries that have proven to generate durable cash flows over several economic cycles," Realty Incom President and CEO Sumit Roy said.&nbsp;
Analysts expect Realty Income's revenue to jump 29.2% year over year to $1.17 billion in the quarter ending in March. The REIT's FFO is expected to come in at $0.38 for the quarter, indicating an 11% rise from the same period last year.&nbsp;
Wolfe Research has an Outperform rating on Realty Income, with a price target of $66, indicating a potential upside of over 12%.&nbsp;
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<li>Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> real estate fund backed by Jeff Bezos</a> gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.</li>
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Bell Reveals Acquisition Of 3800 MHz Licenses In Canada Auction

Owning a professional sports team continues to be a goal of investors, celebrities and athletes. The likes of Ryan Reynolds and Snoop Dogg were among the interested parties in acquiring the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/05/32174242/ryan-reynolds-senators-bid-may-be-dropped-like-its-hot-as-snoop-steps-up-in-next-episode-of"> National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators.</a>
While the duo missed out on buying the team, there are several ways investors can buy a stake in an NHL franchise.
What Happened: The 2022-2023 NHL season is underway with rookie Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks among the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35225126/bedard-breaks-nhl-viewer-records-could-calder-trophy-rookie-of-the-year-be-in-sight-how-much-100-bet"> top storylines of the season.</a>
A new <a href="https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2023/nhl-valuations-2023-maple-leafs-rangers-1234744734/">report </a>from Sportico shows the increased valuations of NHL franchises, which are up an average of 29% to $1.31 billion.
Here's a look at the top teams, how they compare to other leagues and how investors can get a piece.
The Ottawa Senators were sold for $950 million to a group led by Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer. The team sale generated strong interest from multiple parties and saw the final sale price come in at $950 million, which was around seven times the company's annual revenue.
This marked a sharp increase in valuation and multiple as most recent NHL team sales came in the two- to four-times revenue multiple range according to Sportico.
The NHL could explore expansion beyond the current 32 teams, but right now there are no NHL franchises for sale on the market.
According to Sportico, these are the 10 most valuable NHL franchises, with a year-over-year increase in valuation.
<ol>
<li>Toronto Maple Leafs: $2.65 billion, +25%</li>
<li>New York Rangers: $2.45 billion, +22%</li>
<li>Montreal Canadiens: $2.27 billion, +33%</li>
<li>Chicago Blackhawks: $1.84 billion, +28%</li>
<li>Boston Bruins: $1.78 billion, +26%</li>
<li>Los Angeles Kings: $1.72 billion, +21%</li>
<li>Philadelphia Flyers: $1.70 billion, +26%</li>
<li>Edmonton Oilers: $1.59 billion, +23%</li>
<li>Washington Capitals: $1.42 billion, +16%</li>
<li>Detroit Red Wings: $1.37 billion, +22%</li>
</ol>

The valuations of the NHL teams pale in comparison to those of the NFL and NBA. Of the 152 teams in the North American sports leagues tracked by Sportico, the top-ranked NHL team comes in at #54 on the list. The top 10 NHL teams rank in the top 95 of the North American league franchises.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/33602864/want-to-invest-in-lionel-messis-mls-success-theres-a-new-way-to-get-a-stake-in-inter-miami">Want To Invest In Lionel Messi's MLS Success? There's A New Way To Get A Stake In Inter Miami</a>
Public NHL Teams: While most investors don't have enough money lying around to buy an NHL franchise for hundreds of millions of dollars or $1 billion or more, there are ways to invest in the success of the leagues and franchises.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the most valuable NHL franchise and are partially owned by two publicly traded companies. Both Rogers Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCI#NYSE">RCI</a>) and BCE Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) own 37.5% each in Maple Leaf Sports &amp; Entertainment.
Maple Leaf Sports &amp; Entertainment is the owner of the Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football League), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Marlies (AHL), several other sports teams and several sports facilities including ownership of Scotiabank Arena, where the Maple Leafs and Raptors play.
Along with its ownership of the NHL assets, Rogers Communications is also the owner of the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) and its Rogers Centre stadium.
The second highest-valued NHL team is also owned by a publicly traded company with the Rangers part of the Madison Square Garden Sports Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSGS#NYSE">MSGS</a>). Along with the ownership of the Rangers, the company also owns the New York Knicks (NBA), Hartford Whalers (AHL), a G-League franchise and a 2K gaming franchise. The Knicks often rank as a top five most valuable NBA team, giving the company two huge sports assets.
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) is the owner of Comcast Spectator, which is the sports and entertainment arm of the company. Comcast Spectator owns the Philadelphia Flyers and several other sports teams.

Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/06/27612343/you-cant-buy-an-nfl-team-like-the-denver-broncos-but-you-can-buy-these-10-public-sports-teams-and-le">10 Public Sports Teams And Leagues To Invest In</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

NHL Team Valuations Soar 29% To Average $1.31B: Here's The Top 10, Including Three Owned By Public Companies

BCE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCE#NYSE">BCE</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.60 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. This is a 10.45 percent decrease over earnings of $0.67 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $4.53 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $4.49 billion by 0.94 percent. This is a 1.86 percent decrease over sales of $4.62 billion the same period last year.

BCE Q3 2023 Adj EPS $0.60, Inline, Sales $4.53B Beat $4.49B Estimate

Bell Canada partners with Google Cloud to power AI-driven contact centre

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
With the S&amp;P 500 yielding less than 2% on average right now, high <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/dividend-stocks/">dividend stocks</a> are hard to find. Even though interest rates have risen significantly over the past few years, the major equity indices are broadly unappealing for income investors.



Fortunately, investors can still find high dividend stocks&hellip; even in this market. The following three <a href="https://www.suredividend.com/high-dividend-stocks/">high-yield dividend stocks</a> have payouts above 8%, making them attractive options in an otherwise low-yield stock market.



<h2>Altria Group (MO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mo1600-300x169.jpg" alt="a sign with the Altria (MO) logo"><div>Source: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Altria (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mo-stock-quote/">MO</a>) is a consumer staples giant. It sells the Marlboro cigarette brand in the U.S. and a number of other smokeless tobacco brands, including Skoal and Copenhagen. Marlboro commands over 40% retail market share in the United States.



Altria has increased its dividend for over 50 years, placing it on the exclusive <a href="https://www.suredividend.com/dividend-kings/">Dividend Kings list</a>.



The decline in the U.S. smoking rate is a headwind for the tobacco industry, but Altria is positioning its portfolio for future growth in new areas. During 2023, Altria focused on expanding its smoke-free product portfolio, including the <a href="https://investor.altria.com/press-releases/news-details/2023/Altria-Announces-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-NJOY-Holdings-Inc/default.aspx">integration of NJOY</a> into its family of companies. 



Altria ranks very highly in terms of safety because the company has tremendous competitive advantages. It operates in a highly regulated industry, which virtually eliminates the threat of new competition in the tobacco industry. Altria enjoys strong brands across its product portfolio, including the No. 1 cigarette brand. As a result, it has pricing power and brand loyalty.



Altria maintains a target dividend payout ratio that is 80% of annual adjusted EPS. Its 2024 expected dividend payout ratio should be near this target, meaning the dividend payout is sustainable.



In addition, the yield is very attractive at 9%.



<h2>Energy Transfer (ET)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ET1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A magnifying glass zooms in on the Energy Transfer (ET) website."><div>Source: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Energy Transfer (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/et-stock-quote/">ET</a>) owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States. Operations include natural gas transportation and storage along with crude oil, natural gas liquids and refined product transportation and storage. It also owns the Lake Charles LNG Company and has stakes in Sunoco (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sun-stock-quote/">SUN</a>) and USA Compression Partners (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/usac-stock-quote/">USAC</a>).



Fortunately for Energy Transfer, the outlook is positive for natural gas, which is considered a cleaner fuel than coal. In the last decade, U.S. electricity production has shifted dramatically from coal to natural gas. Energy Transfer has a healthy backlog, with the expectation to <a href="https://ir.energytransfer.com/news-releases/news-release-details/energy-transfer-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-2023-results-and">spend about $2.4 billion to $2.6 billion</a> in growth capital expenditures this year.



ET&rsquo;s distribution has been restored above the pre-pandemic level and is currently well-covered by cash flows, with a coverage ratio of 2.4x. Therefore, in the absence of another severe downturn, the 8% forward distribution yield should be considered safe.



<h2>BCE (BCE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bce-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="A mobile phone displaying the BCE homepage on its screen"><div>Source: madamF / Shutterstock.com</div></div>BCE (NYCE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bce-stock-quote/">BCE</a>) is a telecommunications and media company that provides communications services in the following business units: Bell Communication and Technology Services (&ldquo;CTS&rdquo;), which includes Wireless and Wireline, and Bell Media. It supports residential customers as well as small- and medium-sized businesses and large enterprise customers. 



The future looks positive for BCE. Its free cash flow is likely to rebound in 2024 as it completes 5G investments. It has also <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-08/bce-slashes-9-of-workforce-in-biggest-restructuring-in-decades">trimmed its workforce</a> by 9% to boost profitability and cut costs. 



Last quarter BCE increased its <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/bce-reports-2023-q4-and-full-year-results-announces-2024-financial-targets-and-3-1-annual-dividend-increase-to-3-99-per-share-ddc29482">quarterly dividend by 3.1%</a>, equating to an annual payout of 3.99 CAD per share. BCE produces cash flows that are typically significantly higher than its net earnings. This means that normally, its free cash flow better supports its dividend than its earnings, but its recent FCF payout ratios have been stretched because of intensive capital investments.



In the short term, BCE can choose to sustain its dividend, having financial flexibility from available liquidity of 5.8 billion CAD at the end of Q4 2023. Additionally, its FCF should improve over the next few years, which should bring the FCF payout ratio down to a more comfortable level again. BCE stock currently yields 8.4%.



On the date of publication, Bob Ciura&nbsp;did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the&nbsp;InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.
<div>Bob Ciura has worked at <a href="https://twitter.com/SureDividend">Sure Dividend</a> since 2016. He oversees all content for Sure Dividend and its partner sites. Prior to joining Sure Dividend, Bob was an independent equity analyst. His articles have been published on major financial websites such as The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Business Insider and more. Bob received a bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Finance from DePaul University and an MBA with a concentration in investments from the University of Notre Dame.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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