(IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)
NOTE
2022
2021
2022
2021
Operating revenues
3
5,861
5,698
11,711
11,404
Operating costs
3,
5
(3,271)
(3,222)
(6,537)
(6,499)
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
(40)
(7)
(53)
(96)
Depreciation
(933)
(905)
(1,824)
(1,800)
Amortization
(266)
(248)
(526)
(486)
Finance costs
Interest expense
(269)
(268)
(529)
(535)
Net return (interest) on post-employment benefit plans
11
7
(5)
25
(10)
Impairment of assets
7
(106)
(164)
(108)
(167)
Other (expense) income
8
(97)
91
(4)
99
Income taxes
(232)
(236)
(567)
(489)
Net earnings
654
734
1,588
1,421
Net earnings attributable to:
Common shareholders
596
685
1,473
1,327
Preferred shareholders
35
32
69
64
Non-controlling interest
23
17
46
30
Net earnings
654
734
1,588
1,421
Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted
9
0.66
0.76
1.62
1.47
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (millions)
911.9
905.0
911.0
904.7
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 1
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
(IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED)
NOTE
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net earnings
654
734
1,588
1,421
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
Items that will be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Net change in value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $29 million and ($15) million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and ($26) million and ($39) million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively
(77)
39
71
104
Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings
Actuarial gains on post-employment benefit plans, net of income taxes of ($95) million and ($154) million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and ($330) million and ($574) million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively(1)
11
259
420
903
1,565
Net change in value of publicly-traded and privately-held investments, net of income taxes of ($14) million and nil for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and ($14) million and nil for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively
(5)
3
(4)
—
Net change in value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of ($7) million and $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively and ($4) million and $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively
19
(8)
11
(14)
Other comprehensive income
196
454
981
1,655
Total comprehensive income
850
1,188
2,569
3,076
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Common shareholders
791
1,139
2,453
2,982
Preferred shareholders
35
32
69
64
Non-controlling interest
24
17
47
30
Total comprehensive income
850
1,188
2,569
3,076
(1)The discount rate used to value our post-employment benefit obligations at June 30, 2022 was 5.3% compared to 4.3% at March 31, 2022 and 3.2% at December 31, 2021. The discount rate used to value our post-employment benefit obligations at June 30, 2021 was 3.3% compared to 3.4% at March 31, 2021 and 2.6% at December 31, 2020.
2 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Consolidated statements of financial position
(IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED)
NOTE
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash
2
596
289
Trade and other receivables
3,584
3,949
Inventory
565
482
Contract assets
373
414
Contract costs
594
507
Prepaid expenses
364
254
Other current assets
2
226
253
Assets held for sale
8
—
50
Total current assets
6,302
6,198
Non-current assets
Contract assets
237
251
Contract costs
366
387
Property, plant and equipment
28,157
28,235
Intangible assets
15,950
15,570
Deferred tax assets
107
105
Investments in associates and joint ventures
633
668
Post-employment benefit assets
11
4,247
3,472
Other non-current assets
1,307
1,306
Goodwill
4
10,724
10,572
Total non-current assets
61,728
60,566
Total assets
68,030
66,764
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade payables and other liabilities
4,248
4,455
Contract liabilities
785
799
Interest payable
253
247
Dividends payable
855
811
Current tax liabilities
299
141
Debt due within one year
10
3,309
2,625
Liabilities held for sale
8
—
35
Total current liabilities
9,749
9,113
Non-current liabilities
Contract liabilities
239
246
Long-term debt
10
27,007
27,048
Deferred tax liabilities
5,120
4,679
Post-employment benefit obligations
11
1,266
1,734
Other non-current liabilities
884
1,003
Total non-current liabilities
34,516
34,710
Total liabilities
44,265
43,823
Commitments
15
EQUITY
Equity attributable to BCE shareholders
Preferred shares
13
3,885
4,003
Common shares
20,837
20,662
Contributed surplus
13
1,151
1,157
Accumulated other comprehensive income
273
213
Deficit
(2,709)
(3,400)
Total equity attributable to BCE shareholders
23,437
22,635
Non-controlling interest
328
306
Total equity
23,765
22,941
Total liabilities and equity
68,030
66,764
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 3
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
ATTRIBUTABLE TO BCE SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 (IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED)
NOTE
PREFERRED SHARES
COMMON SHARES
CONTRI-BUTED SURPLUS
ACCUM-ULATED OTHER COMPRE-HENSIVE INCOME
DEFICIT
TOTAL
NON-CONTROL-LING INTEREST
TOTAL EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2021
4,003
20,662
1,157
213
(3,400)
22,635
306
22,941
Net earnings
—
—
—
—
1,542
1,542
46
1,588
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
78
902
980
1
981
Total comprehensive income
—
—
—
78
2,444
2,522
47
2,569
Common shares issued under employee stock option plan
—
175
(7)
—
—
168
—
168
Other share-based compensation
—
—
(2)
—
(25)
(27)
—
(27)
Repurchase of preferred shares
13
(118)
—
3
—
—
(115)
—
(115)
Dividends declared on BCE common and preferred shares
—
—
—
—
(1,747)
(1,747)
—
(1,747)
Dividends declared by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
(25)
(25)
Settlement of cash flow hedges transferred to the cost basis of hedged items
—
—
—
1
—
1
—
1
Other
—
—
—
(19)
19
—
—
—
Balance at June 30, 2022
3,885
20,837
1,151
273
(2,709)
23,437
328
23,765
ATTRIBUTABLE TO BCE SHAREHOLDERS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED)
PREFERRED SHARES
COMMON SHARES
CONTRI-BUTED SURPLUS
ACCUM-ULATED OTHER COMPRE-HENSIVE INCOME
DEFICIT
TOTAL
NON-CONTROL-LING INTEREST
TOTAL EQUITY
Balance at December 31, 2020
4,003
20,390
1,174
103
(4,681)
20,989
340
21,329
Net earnings
—
—
—
—
1,391
1,391
30
1,421
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
91
1,564
1,655
—
1,655
Total comprehensive income
—
—
—
91
2,955
3,046
30
3,076
Common shares issued under employee stock option plan
—
77
(3)
—
—
74
—
74
Other share-based compensation
—
—
(15)
—
(27)
(42)
—
(42)
Dividends declared on BCE common and preferred shares
—
—
—
—
(1,648)
(1,648)
—
(1,648)
Dividends declared by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
(29)
(29)
Settlement of cash flow hedges transferred to the cost basis of hedged items
—
—
—
10
—
10
—
10
Other
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1)
(1)
Balance at June 30, 2021
4,003
20,467
1,156
204
(3,401)
22,429
340
22,769
4 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Consolidated statements of cash flows
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
(IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS) (UNAUDITED)
NOTE
2022
2021
2022
2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings
654
734
1,588
1,421
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
40
7
53
96
Depreciation and amortization
1,199
1,153
2,350
2,286
Post-employment benefit plans cost
11
52
68
103
147
Net interest expense
265
263
523
526
Impairment of assets
7
106
164
108
167
Gains on investments
8
(16)
—
(53)
—
Income taxes
232
236
567
489
Contributions to post-employment benefit plans
(35)
(70)
(114)
(149)
Payments under other post-employment benefit plans
(15)
(16)
(30)
(31)
Severance and other costs paid
(30)
(79)
(58)
(122)
Interest paid
(196)
(230)
(569)
(536)
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)
(143)
(95)
(259)
(204)
Acquisition and other costs paid
(3)
(2)
(6)
(6)
Change in contract assets
23
102
55
246
Change in wireless device financing plan receivables
68
(61)
127
(152)
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
396
325
(72)
313
Cash flows from operating activities
2,597
2,499
4,313
4,491
Cash flows used in investing activities
Capital expenditures
2
(1,219)
(1,210)
(2,178)
(2,222)
Business acquisitions
4
—
(11)
(139)
(11)
Business dispositions
8
2
—
54
—
Other investing activities
27
(17)
17
(38)
Cash flows used in investing activities
(1,190)
(1,238)
(2,246)
(2,271)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in notes payable
187
311
656
(46)
Decrease in securitized trade receivables
—
—
—
(13)
Issue of long-term debt
10
—
500
945
3,415
Repayment of long-term debt
10
(245)
(2,041)
(1,503)
(2,267)
Issue of common shares
7
63
168
73
Purchase of shares for settlement of share-based payments
(51)
(71)
(157)
(162)
Repurchase of preferred shares
13
—
—
(115)
—
Cash dividends paid on common shares
(839)
(791)
(1,634)
(1,544)
Cash dividends paid on preferred shares
(34)
(31)
(67)
(62)
Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest
(14)
(15)
(25)
(28)
Other financing activities
2
—
(44)
(28)
36
Cash flows used in financing activities
(989)
(2,119)
(1,760)
(598)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
418
(158)
307
1,622
Cash at beginning of period
178
2,004
289
224
Cash at end of period
596
1,846
596
1,846
Net decrease in cash equivalents
—
(700)
—
—
Cash equivalents at beginning of period
—
700
—
—
Cash equivalents at end of period
—
—
—
—
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 5
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
These consolidated interim financial statements (financial statements) should be read in conjunction with BCE’s 2021 annual consolidated financial statements, approved by BCE’s board of directors on March 3, 2022.
These notes are unaudited.
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.
Note 1
Corporate information
BCE is incorporated and domiciled in Canada. BCE’s head office is located at 1, Carrefour Alexander-Graham-Bell, Verdun, Québec, Canada. BCE is a telecommunications and media company providing wireless, wireline, Internet and television (TV) services to residential, business and wholesale customers in Canada. Our Bell Media segment provides conventional TV, specialty TV, pay TV, streaming services, digital media services, radio broadcasting services and out-of-home advertising services to customers in Canada.
6 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Note 2
Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), under International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 - Interim Financial Reporting and were approved by BCE’s board of directors on August 3, 2022. These financial statements were prepared using the same basis of presentation, accounting policies and methods of computation as outlined in Note 2, Significant accounting policies in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, except as noted below.
These financial statements do not include all of the notes required in annual financial statements.
All amounts are in millions of Canadian dollars, except where noted.
Adoption of amended accounting standards
As required, we adopted the following amendments and clarifications to accounting standards issued by the IASB.
STANDARD
DESCRIPTION
IMPACT
Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract, Amendments to IAS 37 – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
These amendments clarify which costs should be included in determining the cost of fulfilling a contract when assessing whether a contract is onerous.
These amendments were adopted effective January 1, 2022 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.
IFRIC Agenda Decision on Demand Deposits with Restrictions on Use arising from a Contract with a Third Party (IAS 7 – Statement of Cash Flows)
In April 2022, the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) issued an agenda decision clarifying that an entity should present a demand deposit with restrictions on use arising from a contract with a third party as cash and cash equivalents in the statements of financial position and cash flows, unless those restrictions change the nature of the deposit such that it no longer meets the definition of cash in IAS 7.
In Q2 2022, we applied this agenda decision retrospectively to each prior period presented, the impact of which was limited to the classification of funding of $97 million received in Q1 2021 under a subsidy agreement with the Government of Québec. The application of this agenda decision resulted in the following:
•an increase in Cash of $82 million with a corresponding decrease in Other current assets in the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2021
•an increase in Capital expenditures of ($3) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, and ($15) million for the year ended December 31, 2021 in the statements of cash flows
•an increase in Other financing activities of nil and $97 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 in the statement of cash flows.
•no impact in the statement of financial position as at January 1, 2021 as the funding was received in Q1 2021.
Future changes to accounting standards
The following amendments to standards issued by the IASB have not yet been adopted by BCE.
STANDARD
DESCRIPTION
IMPACT
EFFECTIVE DATE
Disclosure of Accounting Policies - Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements
These amendments require that entities disclose material accounting policies, as defined, instead of significant accounting policies.
We are currently assessing the impact of these amendments on the disclosure of our accounting policies.
Effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Early application is permitted.
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 7
Note 3
Segmented information
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.
The following tables present financial information by segment for the three month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
NOTE
BELL WIRELESS
BELL WIRELINE
BELL MEDIA
INTER- SEGMENT ELIMINA- TIONS
BCE
Operating revenues
External service revenues
1,692
2,808
733
—
5,233
Inter-segment service revenues
11
101
88
(200)
—
Operating service revenues
1,703
2,909
821
(200)
5,233
External product revenues
542
86
—
—
628
Inter-segment product revenues
1
—
—
(1)
—
Operating product revenues
543
86
—
(1)
628
Total external revenues
2,234
2,894
733
—
5,861
Total inter-segment revenues
12
101
88
(201)
—
Total operating revenues
2,246
2,995
821
(201)
5,861
Operating costs
5
(1,197)
(1,680)
(595)
201
(3,271)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
1,049
1,315
226
—
2,590
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
(40)
Depreciation and amortization
(1,199)
Finance costs
Interest expense
(269)
Net return on post-employment benefit plans
11
7
Impairment of assets
7
(106)
Other expense
8
(97)
Income taxes
(232)
Net earnings
654
(1) The chief operating decision maker uses primarily one measure of profit to make decisions and assess performance, being operating revenues less
operating costs.
8 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
NOTE
BELL WIRELESS
BELL WIRELINE
BELL MEDIA
INTER- SEGMENT ELIMINA- TIONS
BCE
Operating revenues
External service revenues
1,569
2,805
666
—
5,040
Inter-segment service revenues
11
86
89
(186)
—
Operating service revenues
1,580
2,891
755
(186)
5,040
External product revenues
546
112
—
—
658
Inter-segment product revenues
2
—
—
(2)
—
Operating product revenues
548
112
—
(2)
658
Total external revenues
2,115
2,917
666
—
5,698
Total inter-segment revenues
13
86
89
(188)
—
Total operating revenues
2,128
3,003
755
(188)
5,698
Operating costs
5
(1,159)
(1,710)
(541)
188
(3,222)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
969
1,293
214
—
2,476
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
(7)
Depreciation and amortization
(1,153)
Finance costs
Interest expense
(268)
Net interest on post-employment benefit plans
11
(5)
Impairment of assets
7
(164)
Other income
8
91
Income taxes
(236)
Net earnings
734
(1) The chief operating decision maker uses primarily one measure of profit to make decisions and assess performance, being operating revenues less operating costs.
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 9
The following tables present financial information by segment for the six month periods ended June 30, 2022 and 2021.
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
NOTE
BELL WIRELESS
BELL WIRELINE
BELL MEDIA
INTER- SEGMENT ELIMINA- TIONS
BCE
Operating revenues
External service revenues
3,327
5,609
1,474
—
10,410
Inter-segment service revenues
22
203
172
(397)
—
Operating service revenues
3,349
5,812
1,646
(397)
10,410
External product revenues
1,105
196
—
—
1,301
Inter-segment product revenues
2
—
—
(2)
—
Operating product revenues
1,107
196
—
(2)
1,301
Total external revenues
4,432
5,805
1,474
—
11,711
Total inter-segment revenues
24
203
172
(399)
—
Total operating revenues
4,456
6,008
1,646
(399)
11,711
Operating costs
5
(2,398)
(3,326)
(1,212)
399
(6,537)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
2,058
2,682
434
—
5,174
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
(53)
Depreciation and amortization
(2,350)
Finance costs
Interest expense
(529)
Net return on post-employment benefit plans
11
25
Impairment of assets
7
(108)
Other expense
8
(4)
Income taxes
(567)
Net earnings
1,588
(1) The chief operating decision maker uses primarily one measure of profit to make decisions and assess performance, being operating revenues less
operating costs.
FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
NOTE
BELL WIRELESS
BELL WIRELINE
BELL MEDIA
INTER- SEGMENT ELIMINA- TIONS
BCE
Operating revenues
External service revenues
3,072
5,647
1,289
—
10,008
Inter-segment service revenues
22
171
179
(372)
—
Operating service revenues
3,094
5,818
1,468
(372)
10,008
External product revenues
1,130
266
—
—
1,396
Inter-segment product revenues
4
—
—
(4)
—
Operating product revenues
1,134
266
—
(4)
1,396
Total external revenues
4,202
5,913
1,289
—
11,404
Total inter-segment revenues
26
171
179
(376)
—
Total operating revenues
4,228
6,084
1,468
(376)
11,404
Operating costs
5
(2,336)
(3,428)
(1,111)
376
(6,499)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
1,892
2,656
357
—
4,905
Severance, acquisition and other costs
6
(96)
Depreciation and amortization
(2,286)
Finance costs
Interest expense
(535)
Net interest on post-employment benefit plans
11
(10)
Impairment of assets
7
(167)
Other income
8
99
Income taxes
(489)
Net earnings
1,421
(1) The chief operating decision maker uses primarily one measure of profit to make decisions and assess performance, being operating revenues less operating costs.
10 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Revenues by services and products
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
Services(1)
Wireless
1,692
1,569
3,327
3,072
Wireline data
1,974
1,944
3,927
3,909
Wireline voice
756
794
1,527
1,597
Media
733
666
1,474
1,289
Other wireline services
78
67
155
141
Total services
5,233
5,040
10,410
10,008
Products(2)
Wireless
542
546
1,105
1,130
Wireline data
73
101
172
245
Wireline equipment and other
13
11
24
21
Total products
628
658
1,301
1,396
Total operating revenues
5,861
5,698
11,711
11,404
(1) Our service revenues are generally recognized over time.
(2) Our product revenues are generally recognized at a point in time.
Note 4
Business acquisition
In February 2022, Bell acquired EBOX and other related companies, which provide Internet, telephone and television services to consumers and businesses in Québec and parts of Ontario for a total cash consideration of $153 million ($139 million net of cash acquired). The acquisition of EBOX and other related companies is expected to accelerate growth in Bell's residential and small business customers. The results of the acquired companies are included in our Bell Wireline segment.
The allocation of the purchase price includes provisional estimates and has been primarily allocated to goodwill. Goodwill arises principally from expected synergies and future growth and is not deductible for tax purposes.
Operating revenues of $18 million from EBOX are included in the consolidated income statements from the date of acquisition. The transaction did not have a significant impact on our net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 11
Note 5
Operating costs
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
NOTE
2022
2021
2022
2021
Labour costs
Wages, salaries and related taxes and benefits (1)
(1,085)
(1,071)
(2,125)
(2,104)
Post-employment benefit plans service cost (net of capitalized amounts)
11
(59)
(63)
(128)
(137)
Other labour costs (1) (2)
(247)
(258)
(484)
(504)
Less:
Capitalized labour
283
270
543
525
Total labour costs
(1,108)
(1,122)
(2,194)
(2,220)
Cost of revenues (1) (3)
(1,694)
(1,663)
(3,422)
(3,403)
Other operating costs (1) (4)
(469)
(437)
(921)
(876)
Total operating costs
(3,271)
(3,222)
(6,537)
(6,499)
(1)We have reclassified amounts from the previous period to make them consistent with the presentation for the current period.
(2)Other labour costs include contractor and outsourcing costs.
(3)Cost of revenues includes costs of wireless devices and other equipment sold, network and content costs, and payments to other carriers.
(4)Other operating costs include marketing, advertising and sales commission costs, bad debt expense, taxes other than income taxes, information technology costs, professional service fees and rent.
Note 6
Severance, acquisition and other costs
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
Severance
(38)
(7)
(56)
(104)
Acquisition and other
(2)
—
3
8
Total severance, acquisition and other costs
(40)
(7)
(53)
(96)
Severance costs
Severance costs consist of charges related to involuntary and voluntary employee terminations.
Acquisition and other costs
Acquisition and other costs consist of transaction costs, such as legal and financial advisory fees, related to completed or potential acquisitions, employee severance costs related to the purchase of a business, the costs to integrate acquired companies into our operations, costs relating to litigation and regulatory decisions, when they are significant, and other costs.
12 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Note 7
Impairment of assets
2022
During the second quarter of 2022, we recorded an impairment charge of $106 million on right-of-use assets for certain office spaces we ceased using as part of our real estate optimization strategy as a result of our hybrid work policy.
2021
During the second quarter of 2021, we identified indicators of impairment for our Bell Media radio markets, notably a decline in advertising revenue and an increase in the discount rate resulting from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, impairment testing was required for our group of radio cash-generating units (CGUs).
Impairment charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 of $164 million and $167 million, respectively, related primarily to $163 million of charges for various radio markets within our Bell Media segment. These charges included $150 million allocated to indefinite-life intangible assets for broadcast licences, and $13 million to property, plant and equipment mainly for buildings and network infrastructure and equipment. They were determined by comparing the carrying value of the CGUs to their fair value less cost of disposal. We estimated the fair value of the CGUs using both discounted cash flows and market-based valuation models, which include five-year cash flow projections derived from business plans reviewed by senior management for the period of July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2026, using a discount rate of 8.5% and a perpetuity growth rate of (2.0)% as well as market multiple data from public companies and market transactions. After impairments, the carrying value of our group of radio CGUs was $235 million.
Note 8
Other (expense) income
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
NOTE
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans
(81)
100
(6)
160
Equity (losses) gains from investments in associates and joint ventures
Loss on investment
(42)
(14)
(42)
(14)
Operations
12
(2)
3
(15)
Gains on investments
16
—
53
—
Gains (losses) on retirements and disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
2
(3)
(4)
(8)
Early debt redemption costs
10
—
—
(18)
(53)
Other
(4)
10
10
29
Total other (expense) income
(97)
91
(4)
99
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 13
Equity (loss) gain from investments in associates and joint ventures
We recorded a loss on investment of $42 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and a loss on investment of $14 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, related to equity losses on our share of an obligation to repurchase at fair value the minority interest in one of BCE's joint ventures. The obligation is marked to market each reporting period and the gain or loss on investment is recorded as equity gains or losses from investments in associates and joint ventures.
Gains on investments
In Q2 2022, we recorded a gain on investment of $14 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, related to an obligation to repurchase at fair value the minority interest in one of our subsidiaries.
On March 1, 2022, we completed the previously announced sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary 6362222 Canada Inc. (Createch). We recorded cash proceeds of $54 million and a gain on sale of $39 million (before tax expense of $2 million).
Our results for the three months ended June 30, 2021 included Createch revenue of $17 million and net earnings of $1 million. Our results for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 included Createch revenue of $10 million and $34 million and net earnings of nil and $1 million respectively.
Note 9
Earnings per share
The following table shows the components used in the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share for earnings attributable to common shareholders.
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders - basic
596
685
1,473
1,327
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars)
0.9200
0.8750
1.8400
1.7500
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in millions)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
911.9
905.0
911.0
904.7
Assumed exercise of stock options (1)
0.9
0.3
0.8
0.1
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in millions)
912.8
905.3
911.8
904.8
(1)The calculation of the assumed exercise of stock options includes the effect of the average unrecognized future compensation cost of dilutive options. It excludes options for which the exercise price is higher than the average market value of a BCE common share. The number of excluded options was nil for the second quarter and the first half of 2022, compared to 3,337,131 for the second quarter of 2021 and 10,458,921 for the first half of 2021.
Note 10
Debt
On February 11, 2022, Bell Canada issued, under its 2016 trust indenture, 3.65% Series US-7 Notes, with a principal amount of $750 million in U.S. dollars ($954 million in Canadian dollars), which mature on August 15, 2052. The Series US-7 Notes have been hedged for foreign currency fluctuations through cross currency interest rate swaps. See Note 12, Financial assets and liabilities, for additional details.
The Series US-7 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BCE.
14 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
On March 16, 2022, Bell Canada redeemed, prior to maturity, its 3.35% Series M-26 medium-term note (MTN) debentures, having an outstanding principal amount of $1 billion, which were due on March 22, 2023. As a result, in Q1 2022, we recognized early debt redemption charges of $18 million, which were recorded in Other (expense) income in the consolidated income statement.
Securitization program
Subsequent to quarter end, we entered into a new securitization program which replaces our previous securitized trade receivables program and now includes wireless device financing plan receivables. As a result, the maximum amount available under our securitization program increased from $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion.
Similar to the previous program, the securitization program is recorded as a floating rate revolving loan secured by certain receivables. We continue to service trade receivables and wireless device financing plan receivables under the securitization program, which matures in July 2025 unless previously terminated. The lenders' interest in the collection of these receivables ranks ahead of our interests, which means that we are exposed to certain risks of default on the amounts securitized.
We have provided various credit enhancements in the form of overcollateralization and subordination of our retained interests. The lenders have no further claim on our other assets if customers do not pay the amounts owed.
Additionally, subsequent to quarter end, our loans secured by receivables increased from $900 million at June 30, 2022 to $1.6 billion based on a total receivable balance collateralized under the program of $3.2 billion.
Note 11
Post-employment benefit plans
Post-employment benefit plans cost
We provide pension and other benefits for most of our employees. These include defined benefit (DB) pension plans, defined contribution (DC) pension plans and other post-employment benefits (OPEBs).
COMPONENTS OF POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS SERVICE COST
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
DB pension
(49)
(56)
(97)
(111)
DC pension
(26)
(26)
(64)
(62)
OPEBs
—
—
—
(1)
Less:
Capitalized benefit plans cost
16
19
33
37
Total post-employment benefit plans service cost
(59)
(63)
(128)
(137)
COMPONENTS OF POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS FINANCING INCOME (COST)
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
DB pension
16
2
42
5
OPEBs
(9)
(7)
(17)
(15)
Total net return (interest) on post-employment benefit plans
7
(5)
25
(10)
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 15
FUNDED STATUS OF POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS
The following table shows the funded status of our post-employment benefit obligations.
FUNDED
PARTIALLY FUNDED(1)
UNFUNDED(2)
TOTAL
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
Present value of post- employment benefit obligations
(18,016)
(23,872)
(1,430)
(1,840)
(223)
(289)
(19,669)
(26,001)
Fair value of plan assets
23,460
27,979
407
412
—
—
23,867
28,391
Plan surplus (deficit)
5,444
4,107
(1,023)
(1,428)
(223)
(289)
4,198
2,390
Effect of asset limit
(1,217)
(652)
—
—
—
—
(1,217)
(652)
Post-employment benefit asset (liability)
4,227
3,455
(1,023)
(1,428)
(223)
(289)
2,981
1,738
(1)The partially funded plans consist of supplementary executive retirement plans (SERPs) for eligible employees and certain OPEBs. The company partially funds the SERPs through letters of credit and a retirement compensation arrangement account with the Canada Revenue Agency. Certain paid-up life insurance benefits are funded through life insurance contracts.
(2)Our unfunded plans consist of certain OPEBs, which are paid as claims are incurred.
In Q2 2022, we recorded an increase in our post-employment benefit plans and a gain, before taxes, in Other comprehensive income of $354 million due to a decrease in the present value of our post-employment benefit obligations of $2,672 million as a result of an increase in the discount rate to 5.3% at June 30, 2022, compared to 4.3% at March 31, 2022, partly offset by a decrease in the fair value of plan assets of $2,092 million as a result of a loss on plan assets of 7.2% and an increase in the effect of the asset limit of $226 million.
During the first half of 2022, we recorded an increase in our post-employment benefit plans and a gain, before taxes, in Other comprehensive income of $1,233 million due to a decrease in the present value of our post-employment benefit obligations of $6,112 million as a result of an increase in the discount rate to 5.3% at June 30, 2022, compared to 3.2% at December 31, 2021, partly offset by a decrease in the fair value of plan assets of $4,314 million as a result of a loss on plan assets of 13.8% and an increase in the effect of the asset limit of $565 million.
Note 12
Financial assets and liabilities
FAIR VALUE
The following table provides the fair value details of financial instruments measured at amortized cost in the consolidated statements of financial position.
JUNE 30, 2022
DECEMBER 31, 2021
CLASSIFICATION
FAIR VALUE METHODOLOGY
CARRYING VALUE
FAIR VALUE
CARRYING VALUE
FAIR VALUE
CRTC deferral account obligation
Trade payables and other liabilities and other non-current liabilities
Present value of estimated future cash flows discounted using observable market interest rates
56
56
66
67
Debt securities and other debt
Debt due within one year and long-term debt
Quoted market price of debt
23,734
22,072
23,729
26,354
16 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
The following table provides the fair value details of financial instruments measured at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position.
FAIR VALUE
CLASSIFICATION
CARRYING VALUE OF ASSET (LIABILITY)
QUOTED PRICES IN ACTIVE MARKETS FOR IDENTICAL ASSETS (LEVEL 1)
OBSERVABLE MARKET DATA (LEVEL 2)(1)
NON-OBSERVABLE MARKET INPUTS (LEVEL 3)(2)
June 30, 2022
Publicly-traded and privately-held investments (3)
Other non-current assets
175
14
—
161
Derivative financial instruments
Other current assets, trade payables and other liabilities, other non-current assets and liabilities
365
—
365
—
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) financial liability(4)
Trade payables and other liabilities
(149)
—
—
(149)
Other
Other non-current assets and liabilities
124
—
173
(49)
December 31, 2021
Publicly-traded and privately-held investments (3)
Other non-current assets
183
24
—
159
Derivative financial instruments
Other current assets, trade payables and other liabilities, other non-current assets and liabilities
279
—
279
—
MLSE financial liability(4)
Trade payables and other liabilities
(149)
—
—
(149)
Other
Other non-current assets and liabilities
122
—
185
(63)
(1)Observable market data such as equity prices, interest rates, swap rate curves and foreign currency exchange rates.
(2)Non-observable market inputs such as discounted cash flows and earnings multiples. A reasonable change in our assumptions would not result in a significant increase (decrease) to our level 3 financial instruments.
(3)Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Other comprehensive income in the statements of comprehensive income and are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deficit in the statements of financial position when realized.
(4)Represents BCE’s obligation to repurchase the BCE Master Trust Fund's (Master Trust Fund) 9% interest in MLSE at a price not less than an agreed minimum price should the Master Trust Fund exercise its put option. The obligation to repurchase is marked to market each reporting period and the gain or loss is recognized in Other (expense) income in the income statements.
MARKET RISK
CURRENCY EXPOSURES
We use forward contracts, options and cross currency interest rate swaps to manage foreign currency risk related to anticipated purchases and certain foreign currency debt.
In Q1 2022, we entered into cross currency interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $750 million in U.S. dollars ($954 million in Canadian dollars) to hedge the U.S. currency exposure of our US-7 Notes maturing in 2052. See Note 10, Debt, for additional details.
A 10% depreciation (appreciation) in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would result in a loss of $13 million (loss of $21 million) recognized in net earnings at June 30, 2022 and a gain of $138 million (loss of $119 million) recognized in Other comprehensive income at June 30, 2022, with all other variables held constant.
A 10% depreciation (appreciation) in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the Philippine peso would result in a gain (loss) of $6 million recognized in Other comprehensive income at June 30, 2022, with all other variables held constant.
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 17
The following table provides further details on our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts and options as at June 30, 2022.
TYPE OF HEDGE
BUY CURRENCY
AMOUNT TO RECEIVE
SELL CURRENCY
AMOUNT TO PAY
MATURITY
HEDGED ITEM
Cash flow
USD
1,095
CAD
1,390
2022
Commercial paper
Cash flow
USD
291
CAD
370
2022
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow
PHP
1,174
CAD
28
2022
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow
PHP
2,147
CAD
50
2023
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow
USD
611
CAD
752
2023
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow
USD
254
CAD
317
2024
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow - call options
USD
100
CAD
129
2022
Anticipated purchases
Cash flow - put options
USD
100
CAD
127
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic
USD
12
CAD
15
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic - put options
USD
120
CAD
147
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic - call options
USD
75
CAD
89
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic - call options
CAD
95
USD
75
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic - options (1)
USD
90
CAD
109
2022
Anticipated purchases
Economic - options (1)
USD
169
CAD
205
2023
Anticipated purchases
Economic - call options
USD
120
CAD
146
2024
Anticipated purchases
(1) Foreign currency options with a leverage provision and a profit cap limitation.
INTEREST RATE EXPOSURES
In Q2 2022, we sold interest rate swaptions maturing in Q3 2022 with a notional amount of $750 million for $6 million. These interest rate swaptions hedge economically the fair value of our Series M-53 MTN debentures. The fair value of these interest rate swaptions at June 30, 2022 was a liability of $9 million recognized in Trade payables and other liabilities.
In 2022, we entered into cross currency basis rate swaps maturing in 2023 with a notional amount of $540 million to hedge economically the basis rate exposure on future debt issuances. The fair value of these cross currency basis rate swaps at June 30, 2022 was a liability of $8 million recognized in Trade payables and other liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the statements of financial position.
We use leveraged interest rate options to hedge economically the dividend rate resets on $582 million of our preferred shares which had varying reset dates in 2021 for the periods ending in 2026. The fair value of these leveraged interest rate options at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was nil and a liability of $2 million, respectively, recognized in Trade payables and other liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the statements of financial position. A gain of $1 million and $2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, relating to these leveraged interest rate options is recognized in Other (expense) income in the income statements.
A 1% increase (decrease) in interest rates would result in a loss of $40 million and a (gain of $28 million) recognized in net earnings at June 30, 2022, with all other variables held constant.
A 0.1% increase (decrease) in cross currency basis swap rates would result in a gain (loss) of $7 million recognized in net earnings at June 30, 2022, with all other variables held constant.
EQUITY PRICE EXPOSURES
We use equity forward contracts on BCE’s common shares to hedge economically the cash flow exposure related to the settlement of equity settled share-based compensation plans. The fair value of our equity forward contracts at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was a net asset of $16 million and $130 million, respectively, recognized in Other current assets, Trade payables and other liabilities, Other non-current assets and Other non-current liabilities in the statements of financial position. A loss of $81 million and $6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, relating to these equity forward contracts is recognized in Other (expense) income in the income statements.
A 5% increase (decrease) in the market price of BCE’s common shares would result in a gain (loss) of $35 million recognized in net earnings at June 30, 2022, with all other variables held constant.
18 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT
Note 13
Share capital
Redemption of Series AO Preferred Shares
On March 31, 2022, BCE redeemed its 4,600,000 issued and outstanding Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series AO (Series AO Preferred Shares) with a stated capital of $118 million for a total cost of $115 million. The remaining $3 million was recorded to contributed surplus.
Note 14
Share-based payments
The following share-based payment amounts are included in the income statements as operating costs.
THREE MONTHS
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30
2022
2021
2022
2021
Employee savings plan
(6)
(8)
(14)
(16)
Restricted share units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs)
(21)
(13)
(46)
(33)
Other (1)
(2)
(1)
(3)
(3)
Total share-based payments
(29)
(22)
(63)
(52)
(1) Includes deferred share units and stock options.
The following tables summarize the change in outstanding RSUs/PSUs and stock options for the period ended June 30, 2022.
RSUs/PSUs
NUMBER OF RSUs/PSUs
Outstanding, January 1, 2022
3,085,667
Granted
1,005,712
Dividends credited
79,276
Settled
(1,031,426)
Forfeited
(52,717)
Outstanding, June 30, 2022
3,086,512
STOCK OPTIONS
NUMBER OF OPTIONS
WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE ($)
Outstanding, January 1, 2022
10,778,724
60
Exercised(1)
(2,910,716)
58
Forfeited or expired
(23,624)
65
Outstanding, June 30, 2022
7,844,384
61
Exercisable, June 30, 2022
4,581,464
58
(1)The weighted average market share price for options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $69.
BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER REPORT 19
Note 15
Commitments
The following table is a summary of our contractual obligations at June 30, 2022 that are due in 2022 and in each of the next four years and thereafter.
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
THERE- AFTER
TOTAL
Commitments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
826
1,377
775
559
388
1,060
4,985
Purchase obligations
318
497
385
338
399
390
2,327
Leases committed not yet commenced
7
3
6
—
—
—
16
Total
1,151
1,877
1,166
897
787
1,450
7,328
Our commitments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets include program and feature film rights and investments to expand and update our networks to meet customer demand.
Purchase obligations consist of contractual obligations under service and product contracts for operating expenditures and other purchase obligations.
Our commitments for leases not yet commenced include OOH advertising spaces, fibre use and real estate. These leases are non-cancellable.
Subsequent to quarter end, our commitments for purchase obligations increased by approximately $1.3 billion, which are payable $28 million in 2022, $55 million in 2023, $54 million in 2024, $91 million in 2025, $164 million in 2026 and $908 million thereafter.
Note 16
COVID-19
During the second quarter of 2022, the unfavourable effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial and operating performance continued to moderate due to our operational execution and easing of government restrictions during the quarter. However, due to uncertainties relating to the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible further resurgences in the number of COVID-19 cases, including as a result of the potential emergence of other variants, and various potential outcomes, it is difficult at this time to estimate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. Our business and financial results could continue to be unfavourably impacted, and could again become more significantly and negatively impacted, in future periods, including, among others, as a result of global supply chain challenges adversely affecting our wireless and wireline product revenues.
20 BCE Inc. 2022 SECOND QUARTER SHAREHOLDER
REPORT