EX-99.3 4 d309386dex993.htm SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - FIRST QUARTER 2022 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - FIRST QUARTER 2022

Exhibit 99.3

 

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Supplementary

Financial Information

First Quarter 2022

BCE Investor Relations

Thane Fotopoulos

514-870-4619

thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca

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BCE (1)

Consolidated Operational Data

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except share amounts) (unaudited)   

Q1

2022

   

Q1

2021

        $ change     % change  

Operating revenues

            

Service

     5,177       4,968         209       4.2%  

Product

     673       738         (65     (8.8%)  

Total operating revenues

     5,850       5,706         144       2.5%  

Operating costs

     (3,266     (3,277       11       0.3%  

Adjusted EBITDA (A)

     2,584       2,429         155       6.4%  
   

Adjusted EBITDA margin (B)(3)

     44.2%       42.6%           1.6 pts  

Severance, acquisition and other costs

     (13     (89       76       85.4%  

Depreciation

     (891     (895       4       0.4%  

Amortization

     (260     (238       (22     (9.2%)  

Finance costs

            

Interest expense

     (260     (267       7       2.6%  

Net return (interest) on post-employment benefit plans

     18       (5       23       n.m.  

Impairment of assets

     (2     (3       1       33.3%  

Other income

     93       8         85       n.m.  

Income taxes

     (335     (253       (82     (32.4%)  

Net earnings

     934       687         247               36.0%  
   

Net earnings attributable to:

            

Common shareholders

     877       642         235       36.6%  

Preferred shareholders

     34       32         2       6.3%  

Non-controlling interest

     23       13         10       76.9%  

Net earnings

     934       687         247       36.0%  
   

Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted

   $ 0.96     $ 0.71         $ 0.25       35.2%  
   

Dividends per common share

   $     0.9200     $     0.8750       $     0.0450       5.1%  
   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (millions)

     910.1       904.5        

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (millions)

     910.8       904.5        

Number of common shares outstanding (millions)

     911.8       904.6                    
   

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS

                                  

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

     877       642         235       36.6%  
   

Reconciling items:

            

Severance, acquisition and other costs

     13       89         (76     (85.4%)  

Net mark-to-market gains on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans

     (75     (60       (15     (25.0%)  

Net gains on investments

     (37     -         (37     n.m.  

Early debt redemption costs

     18       53         (35     (66.0%)  

Impairment of assets

     2       3         (1     (33.3%)  
   

Income taxes for the above reconciling items

     13       (23       36       n.m.  
   

Adjusted net earnings (A)

     811       704         107       15.2%  

Adjusted EPS (A)

   $ 0.89     $ 0.78       $ 0.11       14.1%  

n.m. : not meaningful

(A) Adjusted EBITDA is a total of segments measure, adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP ratio. Refer to note 2.3, Total of segments measures, note 2.1, Non-GAAP financial measures and note 2.2, Non-GAAP ratios in the Accompanying Notes to this report for more information on these measures.

(B) Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by operating revenues.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 2


BCE

Consolidated Operational Data - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except share amounts) (unaudited)    Q1 2022          TOTAL
2021
         Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21  

Operating revenues

                  

Service

     5,177          20,350          5,243       5,099       5,040       4,968  

Product

     673          3,099          966       737       658       738  

Total operating revenues

     5,850          23,449          6,209       5,836       5,698       5,706  

Operating costs

     (3,266        (13,556        (3,779     (3,278     (3,222     (3,277

Adjusted EBITDA

     2,584          9,893          2,430       2,558       2,476       2,429  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     44.2%          42.2%          39.1%       43.8%       43.5%       42.6%  

Severance, acquisition and other costs

     (13        (209        (63     (50     (7     (89

Depreciation

     (891        (3,627        (925     (902     (905     (895

Amortization

     (260        (982        (251     (245     (248     (238

Finance costs

                  

Interest expense

     (260        (1,082        (275     (272     (268     (267

Net return (interest) on post-employment benefit plans

     18          (20        (5     (5     (5     (5

Impairment of assets

     (2        (197        (30     -       (164     (3

Other income

     93          160          26       35       91       8  

Income taxes

     (335        (1,044        (249     (306     (236     (253

Net earnings

     934          2,892          658       813       734       687  

Net earnings attributable to:

                  

Common shareholders

     877          2,709          625       757       685       642  

Preferred shareholders

     34          131          33       34       32       32  

Non-controlling interest

     23          52          -       22       17       13  

Net earnings

     934          2,892          658       813       734       687  

Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted

   $ 0.96        $ 2.99        $ 0.69     $ 0.83     $ 0.76     $ 0.71  

Dividends per common share

   $     0.9200        $     3.5000        $     0.8750     $     0.8750     $     0.8750     $     0.8750  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (millions)

     910.1          906.3          908.8       906.9       905.0       904.5  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (millions)

     910.8          906.7          909.6       907.6       905.3       904.5  

Number of common shares outstanding (millions)

     911.8          909.0          909.0       908.8       905.7       904.6  

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS

                                                      

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

     877          2,709          625       757       685       642  

Reconciling items:

                  

Severance, acquisition and other costs

     13          209          63       50       7       89  

Net mark-to-market gains on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans

     (75        (278        (57     (61     (100     (60

Net equity losses on investments in associates and joint ventures

     -          49          35       -       14       -  

Net (gains) losses on investments

     (37        6          6       -       -       -  

Early debt redemption costs

     18          53          -       -       -       53  

Impairment of assets

     2          197          30       -       164       3  

Income taxes for the above reconciling items

     13          (48        (9     2       (18     (23

NCI for the above reconciling items

     -          (2        (1     -       (1     -  

Adjusted net earnings

     811          2,895          692       748       751       704  

Adjusted EPS

   $ 0.89        $ 3.19        $ 0.76     $ 0.82     $ 0.83     $ 0.78  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 3


BCE (1)

Segmented Data

 

 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   

Q1

2022

   

Q1

2021

         $ change     % change  
             

 Operating revenues

             

Bell Wireless

     2,210       2,100          110       5.2%  

Bell Wireline

     3,013       3,081          (68     (2.2%)  

Bell Media

     825       713          112       15.7%  

Inter-segment eliminations

     (198     (188        (10     (5.3%)  

 Total

         5,850           5,706                144             2.5%  
             

 Operating costs

             

Bell Wireless

     (1,201     (1,177        (24     (2.0%)  

Bell Wireline

     (1,646     (1,718        72       4.2%  

Bell Media

     (617     (570        (47     (8.2%)  

Inter-segment eliminations

     198       188          10       5.3%  

 Total

     (3,266     (3,277        11       0.3%  
             

 Adjusted EBITDA

             

Bell Wireless

     1,009       923          86       9.3%  

Margin

     45.7%       44.0%            1.7 pts  

Bell Wireline

     1,367       1,363          4       0.3%  

Margin

     45.4%       44.2%            1.2 pts  

Bell Media

     208       143          65       45.5%  

Margin

     25.2%       20.1%                  5.1 pts  

 Total

     2,584       2,429          155       6.4%  

Margin

     44.2%       42.6%            1.6 pts  

 Capital expenditures

             

Bell Wireless

     248       286          38       13.3%  

Capital intensity (A)(3)

     11.2%       13.6%            2.4 pts  

Bell Wireline

     681       707          26       3.7%  

Capital intensity

     22.6%       22.9%            0.3 pts  

Bell Media

     23       19          (4     (21.1%)  

Capital intensity

     2.8%       2.7%                  (0.1) pts  

 Total

     952       1,012          60       5.9%  

Capital intensity

     16.3%       17.7%            1.4 pts  
                 

(A) Capital intensity is defined as capital expenditures divided by operating revenues.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 4


BCE

Segmented Data - Historical Trend

 

 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)    Q1  
2022  
  TOTAL  
2021  
  Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

            

 Operating revenues

            

Bell Wireless

     2,210       8,999       2,475       2,296       2,128       2,100  

Bell Wireline

     3,013       12,178       3,079       3,015       3,003       3,081  

Bell Media

     825       3,036       849       719       755       713  

Inter-segment eliminations

     (198     (764     (194     (194     (188     (188
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

           5,850           23,449             6,209             5,836             5,698             5,706  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

            

 Operating costs

            

Bell Wireless

     (1,201     (5,146     (1,524     (1,286     (1,159     (1,177

Bell Wireline

     (1,646     (6,863     (1,753     (1,682     (1,710     (1,718

Bell Media

     (617     (2,311     (696     (504     (541     (570

Inter-segment eliminations

     198       764       194       194       188       188  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

     (3,266     (13,556     (3,779     (3,278     (3,222     (3,277
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

            

 Adjusted EBITDA

            

Bell Wireless

     1,009       3,853       951       1,010       969       923  

Margin

     45.7%       42.8%       38.4%       44.0%       45.5%       44.0%  

Bell Wireline

     1,367       5,315       1,326       1,333       1,293       1,363  

Margin

     45.4%       43.6%       43.1%       44.2%       43.1%       44.2%  

Bell Media

     208       725       153       215       214       143  

Margin

     25.2%       23.9%       18.0%       29.9%       28.3%       20.1%  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

     2,584       9,893       2,430       2,558       2,476       2,429  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margin

     44.2%       42.2%       39.1%       43.8%       43.5%       42.6%  

    

            

 Capital expenditures

            

Bell Wireless

     248       1,120       274       254       306       286  

Capital intensity

     11.2%       12.4%       11.1%       11.1%       14.4%       13.6%  

Bell Wireline

     681       3,597       1,133       880       877       707  

Capital intensity

     22.6%       29.5%       36.8%       29.2%       29.2%       22.9%  

Bell Media

     23       120       52       25       24       19  

Capital intensity

     2.8%       4.0%       6.1%       3.5%       3.2%       2.7%  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total

     952       4,837       1,459       1,159       1,207       1,012  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital intensity

     16.3%       20.6%       23.5%       19.9%       21.2%       17.7%  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 5


Bell Wireless (1)

 

     Q1     Q1             
 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)    2022     2021          % change  

 Bell Wireless

           

 Operating revenues

           

External service revenues

     1,635       1,503          8.8%  

Inter-segment service revenues

     11       11          -  

 Operating service revenues

     1,646       1,514          8.7%  

External product revenues

     563       584          (3.6%)  

Inter-segment product revenues

     1       2          (50.0%)  

 Operating product revenues

     564       586          (3.8%)  

 Total external revenues

     2,198       2,087          5.3%  

  Total operating revenues

     2,210       2,100          5.2%  

 Operating costs

     (1,201     (1,177        (2.0%)  

 Adjusted EBITDA

     1,009       923          9.3%  

 Adjusted EBITDA margin

     45.7%       44.0%          1.7 pts  
 

 Capital expenditures

     248       286          13.3%  

 Capital intensity

     11.2%       13.6%          2.4 pts  

    

           

 Mobile phone subscribers(3)

           

 Gross subscriber activations

     349,908       340,127          2.9%  

Postpaid

     230,713       248,990          (7.3%)  

Prepaid

     119,195       91,137          30.8%  

 Net subscriber activations (losses)

     32,176       2,405          n.m.  

Postpaid

     34,230       32,925          4.0%  

Prepaid

     (2,054     (30,520        93.3%  

 Subscribers end of period (EOP)

     9,491,361       9,166,748          3.5%  

Postpaid

     8,664,275       8,361,264          3.6%  

Prepaid

     827,086       805,484          2.7%  

 Blended average revenue per user (ARPU) ($/month)(A)(3)

     57.98       55.17          5.1%  

 Blended churn (%) (average per month)(3)

     1.12%       1.23%          0.11 pts  

Postpaid

     0.79%       0.89%          0.10 pts  

Prepaid

     4.61%       4.68%                0.07 pts  

 Mobile connected device subscribers(3)

           

 Net subscriber activations

     48,877       74,159          (34.1%)  

 Subscribers EOP

     2,298,671             2,130,312          7.9%  

 n.m. : not meaningful

 

 (A)

Mobile phone blended ARPU is calculated by dividing wireless operating service revenues by the average mobile phone subscriber base for the specified period and is expressed as a dollar unit per month.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 6


Bell Wireless - Historical Trend

 

 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   

Q1

2022

        

TOTAL

2021

         Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21  

 Bell Wireless

                        

 Operating revenues

                  

External service revenues

     1,635          6,355          1,641       1,642       1,569       1,503  

Inter-segment service revenues

     11          45          11       12       11       11  

 Operating service revenues

     1,646          6,400          1,652       1,654       1,580       1,514  

External product revenues

     563          2,593          821       642       546       584  

Inter-segment product revenues

     1          6          2       -       2       2  

 Operating product revenues

     564          2,599          823       642       548       586  

 Total external revenues

     2,198          8,948          2,462       2,284       2,115       2,087  

 Total operating revenues

     2,210          8,999          2,475       2,296       2,128       2,100  

 Operating costs

     (1,201        (5,146        (1,524     (1,286     (1,159     (1,177

 Adjusted EBITDA

     1,009          3,853          951       1,010       969       923  

 Adjusted EBITDA margin

     45.7%          42.8%          38.4%       44.0%       45.5%       44.0%  

 Capital expenditures

     248          1,120          274       254       306       286  

 Capital intensity

     11.2%          12.4%          11.1%       11.1%       14.4%       13.6%  

 Mobile phone subscribers

                  

 Gross subscriber activations

     349,908          1,653,771          495,076       470,165       348,403       340,127  

Postpaid

     230,713          1,201,659          373,621       336,328       242,720       248,990  

Prepaid

     119,195          452,112          121,455       133,837       105,683       91,137  

 Net subscriber activations (losses)

     32,176          294,842          109,726       136,464       46,247       2,405  

Postpaid

     34,230          301,706          109,527       114,821       44,433       32,925  

Prepaid

     (2,054        (6,864        199       21,643       1,814       (30,520

 Subscribers EOP

     9,491,361          9,459,185          9,459,185       9,349,459       9,212,995       9,166,748  

Postpaid

     8,664,275          8,630,045          8,630,045       8,520,518       8,405,697       8,361,264  

Prepaid

     827,086          829,140          829,140       828,941       807,298       805,484  

 Blended ARPU ($/month)

     57.98          57.66          58.61       59.47       57.36       55.17  

 Blended churn (%) (average per month)

     1.12%          1.23%          1.37%       1.21%       1.10%       1.23%  

Postpaid

     0.79%          0.93%          1.08%       0.93%       0.83%       0.89%  

Prepaid

     4.61%          4.31%          4.42%       4.15%       3.98%       4.68%  

 Mobile connected device subscribers

                  

 Net subscriber activations

     48,877          193,641          38,998       33,035       47,449       74,159  

 Subscribers EOP

     2,298,671          2,249,794          2,249,794       2,210,796       2,177,761       2,130,312  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 7


Bell Wireline (1)

 

     Q1     Q1             
 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)    2022     2021          % change  

 Bell Wireline

           

 Operating revenues

           

Data

     1,953       1,965          (0.6%)  

Voice

     771       803          (4.0%)  

Other services

     77       74          4.1%  

 External service revenues

     2,801       2,842          (1.4%)  

Inter-segment service revenues

     102       85          20.0%  

 Operating service revenues

     2,903       2,927          (0.8%)  

Data

     99       144          (31.3%)  

Equipment and other

     11       10          10.0%  

 External product revenues

     110       154          (28.6%)  

Inter-segment product revenues

     -       -          -  

 Operating product revenues

     110       154          (28.6%)  

 Total external revenues

     2,911       2,996          (2.8%)  

 Total operating revenues

     3,013       3,081          (2.2%)  

 Operating costs

     (1,646     (1,718        4.2%  

 Adjusted EBITDA

     1,367       1,363          0.3%  

 Adjusted EBITDA margin

     45.4%       44.2%          1.2 pts  
 

 Capital expenditures

     681       707          3.7%  

 Capital intensity

     22.6%       22.9%          0.3 pts  

 Retail high-speed Internet subscribers(3)

           

 Retail net subscriber activations

     26,024       21,208          22.7%  

 Retail subscribers EOP(A)

     3,954,767       3,730,576          6.0%  

 Retail TV subscribers(3)

           

 Retail net subscriber (losses) activations

     (8,361     (9,112        8.2%  

Internet protocol television (IPTV)

     12,260       10,696          14.6%  

Satellite

     (20,621     (19,808        (4.1%)  

 Total retail subscribers EOP(A)

     2,735,674       2,723,368          0.5%  

IPTV(A)

     1,903,726       1,817,069                      4.8%  

Satellite

     831,948       906,299          (8.2%)  

 Retail residential network access services (NAS)(3)

           

 Retail residential NAS lines net losses

     (42,345     (51,069        17.1%  

 Retail residential NAS lines(A)

       2,259,716           2,432,863          (7.1%)  

 

 (A)

In Q1 2022, as a result of the acquisition of EBOX and other related companies, our retail high-speed Internet, retail IPTV and retail residential NAS lines subscriber bases increased by 67,090, 9,025 and 3,456 subscribers, respectively.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 8


Bell Wireline - Historical Trend

 

 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)  

Q1

2022

          TOTAL
2021
          Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21  

 Bell Wireline

               

 Operating revenues

               

Data

    1,953         7,871         1,986       1,976       1,944       1,965  

Voice

    771         3,154         779       778       794       803  

Other services

    77         289         75       73       67       74  

 External service revenues

    2,801         11,314         2,840       2,827       2,805       2,842  

Inter-segment service revenues

    102         358         94       93       86       85  

 Operating service revenues

    2,903         11,672         2,934       2,920       2,891       2,927  

Data

    99         463         132       86       101       144  

Equipment and other

    11         43         13       9       11       10  

 External product revenues

    110         506         145       95       112       154  

Inter-segment product revenues

    -         -         -       -       -       -  

 Operating product revenues

    110         506         145       95       112       154  

 Total external revenues

    2,911         11,820         2,985       2,922       2,917       2,996  

 Total operating revenues

    3,013         12,178         3,079       3,015       3,003       3,081  

 Operating costs

    (1,646       (6,863       (1,753     (1,682     (1,710     (1,718

 Adjusted EBITDA

    1,367         5,315         1,326       1,333       1,293       1,363  

 Adjusted EBITDA margin

    45.4%         43.6%         43.1%       44.2%       43.1%       44.2%  

 Capital expenditures

    681         3,597         1,133       880       877       707  

 Capital intensity

    22.6%         29.5%         36.8%       29.2%       29.2%       22.9%  

 Retail high-speed Internet subscribers

               

 Retail net subscriber activations

    26,024         152,285         47,618       65,779       17,680       21,208  

 Retail subscribers EOP(A)

    3,954,767         3,861,653         3,861,653       3,814,035       3,748,256       3,730,576  

 Retail TV subscribers

               

 Retail net subscriber (losses) activations

    (8,361       2,530         6,049       10,521       (4,928     (9,112

IPTV

    12,260         76,068         29,191       31,641       4,540       10,696  

Satellite

    (20,621       (73,538       (23,142     (21,120     (9,468     (19,808

 Total retail subscribers EOP(A)

    2,735,674         2,735,010         2,735,010       2,728,961       2,718,440       2,723,368  

IPTV(A)

    1,903,726         1,882,441         1,882,441       1,853,250       1,821,609       1,817,069  

Satellite

    831,948         852,569         852,569       875,711       896,831       906,299  

 Retail residential NAS

               

 Retail residential NAS lines net losses

    (42,345       (185,327       (40,211     (42,755     (51,292     (51,069

 Retail residential NAS lines(A)

    2,259,716         2,298,605         2,298,605       2,338,816       2,381,571       2,432,863  

 

 (A)

In Q1 2022, as a result of the acquisition of EBOX and other related companies, our retail high-speed Internet, retail IPTV and retail residential NAS lines subscriber bases increased by 67,090, 9,025 and 3,456 subscribers, respectively.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 9


BCE

Net debt and other information

 

BCE - Net debt and preferred shares

                                               
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)                                    
                             March 31     December 31  
                             2022     2021  
     

  Long-term debt

            26,877       27,048  

  Debt due within one year

            3,082       2,625  

  50% of preferred shares

            1,943       2,002  

  Cash

            (104     (207

Net debt (A)

            31,798       31,468  
     

Net debt leverage ratio (A)

            3.16       3.18  

Adjusted EBITDA /adjusted net interest expense ratio (A)

            8.94       8.77  

    

                                               
           

Cash flow information

                                               
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)               Q1     Q1              
                 2022     2021     $ change     % change  

Free cash flow (FCF) (A)

               

  Cash flows from operating activities

        1,716       1,992       (276     (13.9%

  Capital expenditures

        (952     (1,012     60       5.9%  

  Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

        (33     (31     (2     (6.5%

  Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

        (11     (13     2       15.4%  

  Acquisition and other costs paid

        3       4       (1     (25.0%

FCF

        723       940       (217     (23.1%
                                                 
           

Cash flow information - Historical trend

                                               
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   Q1             TOTAL     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  
             2022     2021             2021             2021             2021             2021  

FCF

               

  Cash flows from operating activities

    1,716       8,008       1,743       1,774       2,499       1,992  

  Capital expenditures

    (952     (4,837     (1,459     (1,159     (1,207     (1,012

  Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

    (33     (125     (32     (31     (31     (31

  Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

    (11     (86     (45     (13     (15     (13

  Acquisition and other costs paid

    3       35       29       -       2       4  

FCF

    723       2,995       236       571       1,248       940  
                                                 

 

(A)

Net debt and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and net debt leverage ratio and adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio are capital management measures. Refer to note 2.1, Non-GAAP financial measures and note 2.4, Capital management measures in the Accompanying Notes to this report for more information on these measures.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 10


BCE

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)            March 31
2022
        December 31
2021
 

ASSETS

      

Current assets

      

Cash

     104         207  

Cash equivalents

     -         -  

Trade and other receivables

     3,549         3,949  

Inventory

     567         482  

Contract assets

     386         414  

Contract costs

     564         507  

Prepaid expenses

     375         254  

Other current assets

     271         335  

Assets held for sale

     -         50  

Total current assets

     5,816         6,198  

Non-current assets

      

Contract assets

     247         251  

Contract costs

     365         387  

Property, plant and equipment

     28,108         28,235  

Intangible assets

     15,825         15,570  

Deferred tax assets

     108         105  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     654         668  

Post-employment benefit assets

     4,110         3,472  

Other non-current assets

     1,378         1,306  

Goodwill

     10,724         10,572  

Total non-current assets

     61,519         60,566  

Total assets

     67,335         66,764  

LIABILITIES

      

Current liabilities

      

Trade payables and other liabilities

     3,841         4,455  

Contract liabilities

     838         799  

Interest payable

     162         247  

Dividends payable

     854         811  

Current tax liabilities

     189         141  

Debt due within one year

     3,082         2,625  

Liabilities held for sale

     -         35  

Total current liabilities

     8,966         9,113  

Non-current liabilities

      

Contract liabilities

     244         246  

Long-term debt

     26,877         27,048  

Deferred tax liabilities

     5,065         4,679  

Post-employment benefit obligations

     1,464         1,734  

Other non-current liabilities

     934         1,003  

Total non-current liabilities

     34,584         34,710  

Total liabilities

     43,550         43,823  

EQUITY

      

Equity attributable to BCE shareholders

      

Preferred shares

     3,885         4,003  

Common shares

     20,830         20,662  

Contributed surplus

     1,137         1,157  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     355         213  

Deficit

     (2,740       (3,400

Total equity attributable to BCE shareholders

     23,467         22,635  

Non-controlling interest

     318         306  

Total equity

     23,785         22,941  

Total liabilities and equity

     67,335         66,764  

Number of common shares outstanding (millions)

     911.8         909.0  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 11


BCE

Consolidated Cash Flow Data

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   

Q1

        2022

   

Q1

        2021

          $ change  
 

Net earnings

     934       687         247  
 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities

          

Severance, acquisition and other costs

     13       89         (76

Depreciation and amortization

     1,151       1,133         18  

Post-employment benefit plans cost

     51       79         (28

Net interest expense

     258       263         (5

Impairment of assets

     2       3         (1

Gains on investments

     (37     -         (37

Income taxes

     335       253         82  

Contributions to post-employment benefit plans

     (79     (79       -  

Payments under other post-employment benefit plans

     (15     (15       -  

Severance and other costs paid

     (28     (43       15  

Interest paid

     (373     (306       (67

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

     (116     (109       (7

Acquisition and other costs paid

     (3     (4       1  

Change in contract assets

     32       144         (112

Change in wireless device financing plan receivables

     59       (91       150  

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     (468     (12       (456

Cash flows from operating activities

     1,716       1,992         (276

Capital expenditures

     (952     (1,012       60  

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

     (33     (31       (2

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

     (11     (13       2  

Acquisition and other costs paid

     3       4         (1

Free cash flow

     723       940         (217

Business acquisitions

     (139     -         (139

Business dispositions

     52       -         52  

Acquisition and other costs paid

     (3     (4       1  

Other investing activities

     (9     (21       12  

Increase (decrease) in notes payable

     469       (357       826  

Decrease in securitized trade receivables

     -       (13       13  

Issue of long-term debt

     945       2,915         (1,970

Repayment of long-term debt

     (1,258     (226       (1,032

Issue of common shares

     161       10         151  

Purchase of shares for settlement of share-based payments

     (106     (91       (15

Repurchase of preferred shares

     (115     -         (115

Cash dividends paid on common shares

     (795     (753       (42

Other financing activities

     (28     (17       (11
       (826     1,443         (2,269

Net (decrease) increase in cash

     (103     1,683         (1,786

Cash at beginning of period

     207       224         (17

Cash at end of period

     104       1,907         (1,803

Net increase in cash equivalents

     -       700         (700

Cash equivalents at beginning of period

     -       -         -  

Cash equivalents at end of period

     -       700         (700

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 12


BCE

Consolidated Cash Flow Data - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   Q1
        2022
        TOTAL
        2021
                Q4 21             Q3 21             Q2 21             Q1 21  

Net earnings

    934         2,892         658       813       734       687  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities

               

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    13         209         63       50       7       89  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,151         4,609         1,176       1,147       1,153       1,133  

Post-employment benefit plans cost

    51         286         69       70       68       79  

Net interest expense

    258         1,063         269       268       263       263  

Impairment of assets

    2         197         30       -       164       3  

(Gains) losses on investments

    (37       6         6       -       -       -  

Income taxes

    335         1,044         249       306       236       253  

Contributions to post-employment benefit plans

    (79       (282       (69     (64     (70     (79

Payments under other post-employment benefit plans

    (15       (65       (18     (16     (16     (15

Severance and other costs paid

    (28       (208       (55     (31     (79     (43

Interest paid

    (373       (1,080       (192     (352     (230     (306

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

    (116       (913       (302     (407     (95     (109

Acquisition and other costs paid

    (3       (35       (29     -       (2     (4

Change in contract assets

    32         278         (21     53       102       144  

Change in wireless device financing plan receivables

    59         (365       (121     (92     (61     (91

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

    (468       372         30       29       325       (12

Cash flows from operating activities

    1,716         8,008         1,743       1,774       2,499       1,992  

Capital expenditures

    (952       (4,837       (1,459     (1,159     (1,207     (1,012

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

    (33       (125       (32     (31     (31     (31

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

    (11       (86       (45     (13     (15     (13

Acquisition and other costs paid

    3         35         29       -       2       4  

Free cash flow

    723         2,995         236       571       1,248       940  

Business acquisitions

    (139       (12       -       (1     (11     -  

Business dispositions

    52         -         -       -       -       -  

Acquisition and other costs paid

    (3       (35       (29     -       (2     (4

Acquisition of spectrum licences

    -         (2,082       (1,664     (418     -       -  

Other investing activities

    (9       (72       (23     (11     (17     (21

Increase (decrease) in notes payable

    469         351         719       (322     311       (357

Decrease in securitized trade receivables

    -         (150       (130     (7     -       (13

Issue of long-term debt

    945         4,985         -       1,570       500       2,915  

Repayment of long-term debt

    (1,258       (2,751       (235     (249     (2,041     (226

Issue of common shares

    161         261         16       172       63       10  

Purchase of shares for settlement of share-based payments

    (106       (297       (52     (83     (71     (91

Repurchase of preferred shares

    (115       -         -       -       -       -  

Cash dividends paid on common shares

    (795       (3,132       (795     (793     (791     (753

Other financing activities

    (28       (78       (3     (14     (44     (17
      (826       (3,012         (2,196     (156     (2,103     1,443  

Net (decrease) increase in cash

    (103       (17       (1,879     334       (155     1,683  

Cash at beginning of period

    207         224         2,086       1,752       1,907       224  

Cash at end of period

    104         207         207       2,086       1,752       1,907  

Net (decrease) increase in cash equivalents

    -         -         (81     81       (700     700  

Cash equivalents at beginning of period

    -         -         81       -       700       -  

Cash equivalents at end of period

    -         -         -       81       -       700  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 13


Accompanying Notes

 

   (1)

Our results are reported in three segments: Bell Wireless, Bell Wireline and Bell Media. Our segments reflect how we manage our business and how we classify our operations for planning and measuring performance.

Throughout this report, we, us, our, BCE and the company mean, as the context may require, either BCE Inc. or, collectively, BCE Inc., Bell Canada, their subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates. Bell means, as the context may require, either Bell Canada or, collectively, Bell Canada, its subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates.

 

   (2)

Non-GAAP and other financial measures

BCE uses various financial measures to assess its business performance. Certain of these measures are calculated in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS or GAAP) while certain other measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. We believe that our GAAP financial measures, read together with adjusted non-GAAP and other financial measures, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses BCE’s performance.

National Instrument 52-112, Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure, prescribes disclosure requirements that apply to the following specified financial measures:

   

Non-GAAP financial measures;

   

Non-GAAP ratios;

   

Total of segments measures;

   

Capital management measures; and

   

Supplementary financial measures.

This section provides a description and classification of the specified financial measures contemplated by NI 52-112 that we use in this report to explain our financial results except that, for supplementary financial measures, an explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this report if the supplementary financial measures’ labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.

 

(2.1)

Non-GAAP financial measures

A non-GAAP financial measure is a financial measure used to depict our historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow and, with respect to its composition, either excludes an amount that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in BCE’s consolidated primary financial statements. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures are reflective of our on-going operating results and provide readers with an understanding of management’s perspective on and analysis of our performance.

Below are descriptions of the non-GAAP financial measures that we use in this report to explain our results. Except for adjusted net interest expense, for which a reconciliation is provided below, reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures on a consolidated basis are set out earlier in this report.

Adjusted net earnings

The term adjusted net earnings does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - First Quarter 2022 Page 14


We define adjusted net earnings as net earnings attributable to common shareholders before severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI.

We use adjusted net earnings and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.

The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is net earnings attributable to common shareholders. Refer to pages 2 and 3 of this report for a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to common shareholders to adjusted net earnings on a consolidated basis.

Adjusted net interest expense

The term adjusted net interest expense does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

We define adjusted net interest expense as twelve-month trailing net interest expense as shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows, plus 50% of twelve-month trailing net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders as shown in our consolidated income statements.

We use adjusted net interest expense as a component in the calculation of the adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio, which is a capital management measure. For further details on the adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio, see note 2.4, Capital management measures below. We use and believe that certain investors and analysts use the adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio, among other measures, to evaluate the financial health of the company.

The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is net interest expense. The following table is a reconciliation of net interest expense to adjusted net interest expense on a consolidated basis.

 

      Q1 2022     Q1 2021      
Net interest expense (three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)      258       263    
Net interest expense (year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)      1,063       1,087    
Net interest expense (three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)      (263     (270  
12-month trailing net interest expense (ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)      1,058       1,080    
50% of net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders (three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)      17       16    
50% of net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders (year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)      66       68    
50% of net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders (three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)      (16     (19  
50% of 12-month trailing net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders (ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)      67       65    
Adjusted net interest expense for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively      1,125       1,145    

 

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Free cash flow

The term free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities, excluding cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid (which include significant litigation costs) and voluntary pension funding, less capital expenditures, preferred share dividends and dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI. We exclude cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid and voluntary pension funding because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.

We consider free cash flow to be an important indicator of the financial strength and performance of our businesses. Free cash flow shows how much cash is available to pay dividends on common shares, repay debt and reinvest in our company. We believe that certain investors and analysts use free cash flow to value a business and its underlying assets and to evaluate the financial strength and performance of our businesses. The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is cash flows from operating activities. Refer to pages 10, 12 and 13 of this report for a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow on a consolidated basis.

Net debt

The term net debt does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

We define net debt as debt due within one year plus long-term debt and 50% of preferred shares, less cash and cash equivalents, as shown in BCE’s consolidated statements of financial position. We include 50% of outstanding preferred shares in our net debt as it is consistent with the treatment by certain credit rating agencies.

We consider net debt to be an important indicator of the company’s financial leverage because it represents the amount of debt that is not covered by available cash and cash equivalents. We believe that certain investors and analysts use net debt to determine a company’s financial leverage.

Net debt is calculated using several asset and liability categories from the statements of financial position. The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is long-term debt. Refer to page 10 of this report for a reconciliation of long-term debt to net debt on a consolidated basis.

 

(2.2)

Non-GAAP ratios

A non-GAAP ratio is a financial measure disclosed in the form of a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar representation and that has a non-GAAP financial measure as one or more of its components.

Adjusted EPS

The term adjusted EPS does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

We define adjusted EPS as adjusted net earnings per BCE common share. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further details on adjusted net earnings, see note 2.1 – Non-GAAP financial measures above.

 

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We use adjusted EPS, and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.

 

(2.3)

Total of segments measures

A total of segments measure is a financial measure that is a subtotal or total of 2 or more reportable segments and is disclosed within the Notes to BCE’s consolidated primary financial statements.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define adjusted EBITDA as operating revenues less operating costs as shown in BCE’s consolidated income statements.

The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is net earnings. The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis.

 

      Q1 2022     Q1 2021      
Net earnings      934       687    
Severance, acquisition and other costs      13       89    
Depreciation      891       895    
Amortization      260       238    
Finance costs           

Interest expense

     260       267    

Net (return) interest on post-employment benefit plans

     (18     5    
Impairment of assets      2       3    
Other income      (93     (8  
Income taxes      335       253    
Adjusted EBITDA      2,584       2,429    

 

(2.4)

Capital management measures

A capital management measure is a financial measure that is intended to enable a reader to evaluate our objectives, policies and processes for managing our capital and is disclosed within the Notes to BCE’s consolidated financial statements.

The financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements requires disclosure that helps readers assess the company’s capital management objectives, policies, and processes, as set out in IFRS in IAS – 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements. BCE has its own methods for managing capital and liquidity, and IFRS does not prescribe any particular calculation method.

 

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Adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio

The adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio represents adjusted EBITDA divided by adjusted net interest expense. For the purposes of calculating our adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio, adjusted EBITDA is twelve-month trailing adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted net interest expense used in the calculation of the adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as twelve-month trailing net interest expense as shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows, plus 50% of twelve-month trailing net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders as shown in our consolidated income statements. For further details on adjusted net interest expense, see note 2.1, Non-GAAP financial measures above.

We use, and believe that certain investors and analysts use, the adjusted EBITDA to adjusted net interest expense ratio, among other measures, to evaluate the financial health of the company.

Net debt leverage ratio

The net debt leverage ratio represents net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA. Net debt used in the calculation of the net debt leverage ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further details on net debt, see note 2.1, Non-GAAP financial measures above. For the purposes of calculating our net debt leverage ratio, adjusted EBITDA is twelve-month trailing adjusted EBITDA.

We use, and believe that certain investors and analysts use, the net debt leverage ratio as a measure of financial leverage.

 

(2.5)

Supplementary financial measures

A supplementary financial measure is a financial measure that is not reported in BCE’s consolidated financial statements, and is, or is intended to be, reported periodically to represent historical or expected future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows.

An explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this report if the supplementary financial measures’ labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.

 

   (3)

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

In addition to the non-GAAP financial measures and other financial measures described previously, we use the following KPIs to measure the success of our strategic imperatives. These KPIs are not accounting measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by operating revenues.

Capital intensity is defined as capital expenditures divided by operating revenues.

Mobile phone blended ARPU is calculated by dividing wireless operating service revenues by the average mobile phone subscriber base for the specified period and is expressed as a dollar unit per month.

Mobile phone churn is the rate at which existing mobile phone subscribers cancel their services. It is a measure of our ability to retain our customers. Mobile phone churn is calculated by dividing the number of mobile phone deactivations during a given period by the average number of mobile phone subscribers in the base for the specified period and is expressed as a percentage per month.

Mobile phone subscriber unit is comprised of a recurring revenue generating portable unit (e.g. smartphones and feature phones) on an active service plan, that has access to our wireless networks and includes voice, text and/or data connectivity. We report mobile phone subscriber units in two categories: postpaid and prepaid. Prepaid mobile phone subscriber units are considered active for a period of 90 days following the expiry of the subscriber’s prepaid balance.

 

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Mobile connected device subscriber unit is comprised of a recurring revenue generating portable unit (e.g. tablets, wearables, mobile Internet devices and Internet of Things) on an active service plan, that has access to our wireless networks and is intended for limited or no cellular voice capability.

Wireline subscriber unit consists of an active revenue-generating unit with access to our services, including retail Internet, satellite TV, IPTV, and/or residential NAS. A subscriber is included in our subscriber base when the service has been installed and is operational at the customer premise and a billing relationship has been established.

   

Retail Internet, IPTV and satellite TV subscribers have access to stand-alone services, and are primarily represented by a dwelling unit

   

Retail residential NAS subscribers are based on a line count and are represented by a unique telephone number

 

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