BCE announces 2021 financial targets, 5.1% dividend increase and capital investment acceleration of at least $1 billion to advance fibre and wireless network expansion over the next 2 years.
BCE Net earnings increased 28.9% to $932 million in Q4 with net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $889 million, or $0.98 per common share, up 32.3%; Q4 adjusted net earnings of $731 million generated adjusted EPS of $0.81, down 5.8%.
BCE Net earnings in Q4 increased 28.9% to $932 million and net earnings attributable to common shareholders totalled $889 million, or $0.98 per share, up 32.3% and 32.4% respectively. Higher net earnings and net earnings per common share reflected the gain realized on the sale of Bell data centres to Equinix in Q4 2020, lower year-over year noncash media asset impairment charges and decreased income taxes.
This was partly offset by lower adjusted EBITDA, increased depreciation and amortization expense, higher severance, acquisition and other costs, and higher other expense. For full-year 2020, net earnings decreased 17.0% to $2,699 million, and net earnings attributable to common shareholders were $2,498 million, or $2.76 per share, down 17.8% and 18.1% respectively.
