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Published: 2022-02-03 12:29:02 ET
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EX-99.2 3 d155750dex992.htm SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - FOURTH QUARTER 2021 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - FOURTH QUARTER 2021

Exhibit 99.2

 

   LOGO
 Q4   

Supplementary

Financial Information

 

Fourth Quarter 2021

BCE Investor Relations

Thane Fotopoulos

514-870-4619

thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca

   LOGO


BCE (1)

Consolidated Operational Data

 

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

Q4 

2021 

 

Q4

2020

      $ change   % change       TOTAL 
2021 
  TOTAL
2020
      $ change   % change

Operating revenues

                         

Service

    5,243       5,090         153       3.0%         20,350       19,832         518       2.6%  

Product

    966       1,012         (46     (4.5%)         3,099       3,051         48       1.6%  

Total operating revenues

    6,209       6,102         107       1.8%         23,449       22,883         566       2.5%  

Operating costs

    (3,779     (3,698       (81     (2.2%)         (13,556     (13,276       (280     (2.1%)  

Adjusted EBITDA (A)

    2,430       2,404         26       1.1%         9,893       9,607         286       3.0%  

Adjusted EBITDA margin (B)(3)

    39.1%       39.4%           (0.3) pts         42.2%       42.0%           0.2 pts  

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    (63     (52       (11     (21.2%)         (209     (116       (93     (80.2%)  

Depreciation

    (925     (872       (53     (6.1%)         (3,627     (3,475       (152     (4.4%)  

Amortization

    (251     (233       (18     (7.7%)         (982     (929       (53     (5.7%)  

Finance costs

                         

Interest expense

    (275     (274       (1     (0.4%)         (1,082     (1,110       28       2.5%  

Interest on post-employment benefit obligations

    (5     (11       6       54.5%         (20     (46       26       56.5%  

Impairment of assets

    (30     (12       (18     n.m.         (197     (472       275       58.3%  

Other income (expense)

    26       (38       64       n.m.         160       (194       354       n.m.  

Income taxes

    (249     (191       (58     (30.4%)         (1,044     (792       (252     (31.8%)  
Net earnings from continuing operations     658       721         (63     (8.7%)         2,892       2,473         419       16.9%  

Net earnings from discontinued operations

    -       211         (211     (100.0%)         -       226         (226     (100.0%)  

Net earnings

    658       932         (274     (29.4%)         2,892       2,699         193       7.2%  
   

Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to:

                         

Common shareholders

    625       678         (53     (7.8%)         2,709       2,272         437       19.2%  

Preferred shareholders

    33       32         1       3.1%         131       136         (5     (3.7%)  

Non-controlling interest

    -       11         (11     (100.0%)         52       65         (13     (20.0%)  

Net earnings from continuing operations

    658       721         (63     (8.7%)         2,892       2,473         419       16.9%  
   

Net earnings attributable to:

                         

Common shareholders

    625       889         (264     (29.7%)         2,709       2,498         211       8.4%  

Preferred shareholders

    33       32         1       3.1%         131       136         (5     (3.7%)  

Non-controlling interest

    -       11         (11     (100.0%)         52       65         (13     (20.0%)  

Net earnings

    658       932         (274     (29.4%)         2,892       2,699         193       7.2%  
   
Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted                          

Continuing operations

  $ 0.69     $ 0.75       $ (0.06     (8.0%)       $ 2.99     $ 2.51       $ 0.48       19.1%  

Discontinued operations

  $ -     $ 0.23       $ (0.23     (100.0%)       $ -     $ 0.25       $ (0.25     (100.0%)  
Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted   $ 0.69     $ 0.98       $ (0.29     (29.6%)       $ 2.99     $ 2.76       $ 0.23       8.3%  
   

Dividends per common share

  $     0.8750     $     0.8325       $     0.0425             5.1%       $     3.5000     $     3.3300       $       0.17             5.1%  
   
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (millions)     908.8       904.4               906.3       904.3        
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (millions)     909.6       904.4               906.7       904.4        

Number of common shares outstanding (millions)

    909.0       904.4                           909.0       904.4                    
   

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS

                                                                     

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

    625       889         (264     (29.7%)         2,709       2,498         211       8.4%  

Reconciling items:

                         

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    63       52         11       21.2%         209       116         93       80.2%  

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

    (57     1         (58     n.m.         (278     51         (329     n.m.  

Net equity losses (gains) on investment in associates and joint ventures

    35       -         35       n.m.         49       (43       92       n.m.  

Net losses (gains) on investments

    6       (3       9       n.m.         6       (3       9       n.m.  

Early debt redemption costs

    -       12         (12     (100.0%)         53       50         3       6.0%  

Impairment of assets

    30       12         18       n.m.         197       472         (275     (58.3%)  

Income taxes for the above reconciling items

    (9     (21       12       57.1%         (48     (185       137       74.1%  

Non-controlling interest (NCI) for the above reconciling items

    (1     -         (1     n.m.         (2     -         (2     n.m.  

Net earnings from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)

    -       (211       211       100.0%         -       (226       226       100.0%  

Adjusted net earnings (A)

    692       731         (39     (5.3%)         2,895       2,730         165       6.0%  

Adjusted EPS (A)

  $ 0.76     $ 0.81       $ (0.05     (6.2%)       $ 3.19     $ 3.02       $ 0.17       5.6%  

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 - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 2


BCE

Consolidated Operational Data - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except share amounts) (unaudited)    
TOTAL
2021
 
 
      Q4 21       Q3 21       Q2 21       Q1 21        
TOTAL
2020
 
 
      Q4 20       Q3 20       Q2 20       Q1 20  

Operating revenues

                         

Service

    20,350         5,243       5,099       5,040       4,968         19,832         5,090       4,924       4,800       5,018  

Product

    3,099         966       737       658       738         3,051         1,012       863       554       622  

Total operating revenues

    23,449         6,209       5,836       5,698       5,706         22,883         6,102       5,787       5,354       5,640  

Operating costs

    (13,556       (3,779     (3,278     (3,222     (3,277       (13,276       (3,698     (3,333     (3,023     (3,222

Adjusted EBITDA

    9,893         2,430       2,558       2,476       2,429         9,607         2,404       2,454       2,331       2,418  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    42.2%         39.1%       43.8%       43.5%       42.6%         42.0%         39.4%       42.4%       43.5%       42.9%  

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    (209       (63     (50     (7     (89       (116       (52     (26     (22     (16

Depreciation

    (3,627       (925     (902     (905     (895       (3,475       (872     (876     (869     (858

Amortization

    (982       (251     (245     (248     (238       (929       (233     (232     (234     (230

Finance costs

                         

Interest expense

    (1,082       (275     (272     (268     (267       (1,110       (274     (279     (280     (277

Interest on post-employment benefit obligations

    (20       (5     (5     (5     (5       (46       (11     (12     (11     (12

Impairment of assets

    (197       (30     -       (164     (3       (472       (12     (4     (449     (7

Other income (expense)

    160         26       35       91       8         (194       (38     (29     (80     (47

Income taxes

    (1,044       (249     (306     (236     (253       (792       (191     (262     (96     (243
Net earnings from continuing operations     2,892         658       813       734       687         2,473         721       734       290       728  

Net earnings from discontinued operations

    -         -       -       -       -         226         211       6       4       5  

Net earnings

    2,892         658       813       734       687         2,699         932       740       294       733  
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to:                          

Common shareholders

    2,709         625       757       685       642         2,272         678       686       233       675  

Preferred shareholders

    131         33       34       32       32         136         32       32       34       38  

Non-controlling interest

    52         -       22       17       13         65         11       16       23       15  

Net earnings from continuing operations

    2,892         658       813       734       687         2,473         721       734       290       728  

Net earnings attributable to:

                         

Common shareholders

    2,709         625       757       685       642         2,498         889       692       237       680  

Preferred shareholders

    131         33       34       32       32         136         32       32       34       38  

Non-controlling interest

    52         -       22       17       13         65         11       16       23       15  

Net earnings

    2,892         658       813       734       687         2,699         932       740       294       733  
Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted                          

Continuing operations

  $ 2.99       $ 0.69     $ 0.83     $ 0.76     $ 0.71       $ 2.51       $ 0.75     $ 0.76     $ 0.26     $ 0.74  

Discontinued operations

  $ -       $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -       $ 0.25       $ 0.23     $ 0.01     $ -     $ 0.01  
Net earnings per common share - basic and diluted   $ 2.99       $ 0.69     $ 0.83     $ 0.76     $ 0.71       $ 2.76       $ 0.98     $ 0.77     $ 0.26     $ 0.75  
Dividends per common share   $   3.5000       $   0.8750     $   0.8750     $   0.8750     $   0.8750       $   3.3300       $   0.8325     $   0.8325     $   0.8325     $   0.8325  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (millions)     906.3         908.8       906.9       905.0       904.5         904.3         904.4       904.3       904.3       904.1  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (millions)     906.7         909.6       907.6       905.3       904.5         904.4         904.4       904.4       904.4       904.5  
Number of common shares outstanding (millions)     909.0         909.0       908.8       905.7       904.6         904.4         904.4       904.3       904.3       904.3  
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted EPS                                                                                      
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders     2,709         625       757       685       642         2,498         889       692       237       680  
Reconciling items:                          

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    209         63       50       7       89         116         52       26       22       16  

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

    (278       (57     (61     (100     (60       51         1       13       9       28  

Net equity losses (gains) on investment in associates and joint ventures

    49         35       -       14       -         (43       -       (22     (11     (10

Net losses (gains) on investments

    6         6       -       -       -         (3       (3     -       -       -  

Early debt redemption costs

    53         -       -       -       53         50         12       21       -       17  

Impairment of assets

    197         30       -       164       3         472         12       4       449       7  

Income taxes for the above reconciling items

    (48       (9     2       (18     (23       (185       (21     (16     (129     (19

NCI for the above reconciling items

    (2       (1     -       (1     -         -         -       -       -       -  

Net earnings from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)

    -         -       -       -       -         (226       (211     (6     (4     (5
Adjusted net earnings     2,895         692       748       751       704         2,730         731       712       573       714  
Adjusted EPS   $ 3.19       $ 0.76     $ 0.82     $ 0.83     $ 0.78       $ 3.02       $ 0.81     $ 0.79     $ 0.63     $ 0.79  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 3


BCE (1)

Segmented Data

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)    Q4
        2021
    Q4
2020
           $ change     % change                TOTAL
2021
          TOTAL
2020
           $ change     % change  
                             

Operating revenues

                             

Bell Wireless

     2,475       2,408          67       2.8%          8,999       8,683          316       3.6%  

Bell Wireline

     3,079       3,095          (16     (0.5%)          12,178       12,206          (28     (0.2%)  

Bell Media

     849       791          58       7.3%          3,036       2,750          286       10.4%  

Inter-segment eliminations

     (194     (192        (2     (1.0%)          (764     (756        (8     (1.1%)  

Total

     6,209       6,102          107       1.8%          23,449       22,883          566       2.5%  
                             

Operating costs

                             

Bell Wireless

     (1,524     (1,505        (19     (1.3%)          (5,146     (5,017        (129     (2.6%)  

Bell Wireline

     (1,753     (1,783        30       1.7%          (6,863     (6,960        97       1.4%  

Bell Media

     (696     (602        (94     (15.6%)          (2,311     (2,055        (256     (12.5%)  

Inter-segment eliminations

     194       192          2       1.0%          764       756          8       1.1%  

Total

     (3,779     (3,698        (81     (2.2%)          (13,556     (13,276        (280     (2.1%)  
                             

Adjusted EBITDA

                             

Bell Wireless

     951       903          48       5.3%          3,853       3,666          187       5.1%  

Margin

     38.4%       37.5%            0.9 pts          42.8%       42.2%            0.6 pts  

Bell Wireline

     1,326       1,312          14       1.1%          5,315       5,246          69       1.3%  

Margin

     43.1%       42.4%            0.7 pts          43.6%       43.0%            0.6 pts  

Bell Media

     153       189          (36     (19.0%)          725       695          30       4.3%  

Margin

     18.0%       23.9%                  (5.9) pts          23.9%       25.3%                  (1.4) pts  

Total

     2,430       2,404          26       1.1%          9,893       9,607          286       3.0%  

Margin

     39.1%       39.4%            (0.3) pts          42.2%       42.0%            0.2 pts  
                             

Capital expenditures

                             

Bell Wireless

     274               392          118       30.1%          1,120       916          (204     (22.3%)  

Capital intensity (A)(3)

     11.1%       16.3%            5.2 pts          12.4%       10.5%            (1.9) pts  

Bell Wireline

     1,133       1,053          (80     (7.6%)          3,597       3,161          (436     (13.8%)  

Capital intensity

     36.8%       34.0%            (2.8) pts          29.5%       25.9%            (3.6) pts  

Bell Media

     52       49          (3     (6.1%)          120       125          5       4.0%  

Capital intensity

     6.1%       6.2%                  0.1 pts          4.0%       4.5%                  0.5 pts  

Total

     1,459       1,494          35       2.3%          4,837       4,202          (635     (15.1%)  

Capital intensity

     23.5%       24.5%            1.0 pts          20.6%       18.4%            (2.2) pts  

 

(A) 

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

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 4


BCE

Segmented Data - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)      TOTAL
2021
           Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21                TOTAL
2020
           Q4 20     Q3 20     Q2 20     Q1 20  
                             

Operating revenues

                             

Bell Wireless

     8,999          2,475       2,296       2,128       2,100          8,683          2,408       2,318       1,922       2,035  

Bell Wireline

     12,178          3,079       3,015       3,003       3,081          12,206          3,095       3,032       3,043       3,036  

Bell Media

     3,036          849       719       755       713          2,750          791       628       579       752  

Inter-segment eliminations

     (764        (194     (194     (188     (188        (756        (192     (191     (190     (183

Total

     23,449          6,209       5,836       5,698       5,706          22,883          6,102       5,787       5,354       5,640  
                             

Operating costs

                             

Bell Wireless

     (5,146        (1,524     (1,286     (1,159     (1,177        (5,017        (1,505     (1,362     (1,043     (1,107

Bell Wireline

     (6,863        (1,753     (1,682     (1,710     (1,718        (6,960        (1,783     (1,712     (1,764     (1,701

Bell Media

     (2,311        (696     (504     (541     (570        (2,055        (602     (450     (406     (597

Inter-segment eliminations

     764          194       194       188       188          756          192       191       190       183  

Total

     (13,556        (3,779     (3,278     (3,222     (3,277        (13,276        (3,698     (3,333     (3,023     (3,222
                             

Adjusted EBITDA

                             

Bell Wireless

     3,853          951       1,010       969       923          3,666          903       956       879       928  

Margin

     42.8%          38.4%       44.0%       45.5%       44.0%          42.2%          37.5%       41.2%       45.7%       45.6%  

Bell Wireline

     5,315          1,326       1,333       1,293       1,363          5,246          1,312       1,320       1,279       1,335  

Margin

     43.6%          43.1%       44.2%       43.1%       44.2%          43.0%          42.4%       43.5%       42.0%       44.0%  

Bell Media

     725          153       215       214       143          695          189       178       173       155  

Margin

     23.9%          18.0%       29.9%       28.3%       20.1%          25.3%          23.9%       28.3%       29.9%       20.6%  

Total

     9,893          2,430       2,558       2,476       2,429          9,607          2,404       2,454       2,331       2,418  

Margin

     42.2%          39.1%       43.8%       43.5%       42.6%          42.0%          39.4%       42.4%       43.5%       42.9%  
                             

Capital expenditures

                             

Bell Wireless

     1,120          274       254       306       286          916          392       212       182       130  

Capital intensity

     12.4%          11.1%       11.1%       14.4%       13.6%          10.5%          16.3%       9.1%       9.5%       6.4%  

Bell Wireline

     3,597          1,133       880       877       707          3,161          1,053       792       694       622  

Capital intensity

     29.5%          36.8%       29.2%       29.2%       22.9%          25.9%          34.0%       26.1%       22.8%       20.5%  

Bell Media

     120          52       25       24       19          125          49       27       24       25  

Capital intensity

     4.0%          6.1%       3.5%       3.2%       2.7%          4.5%          6.2%       4.3%       4.1%       3.3%  

Total

     4,837          1,459       1,159       1,207       1,012          4,202          1,494       1,031       900       777  

Capital intensity

     20.6%          23.5%       19.9%       21.2%       17.7%          18.4%          24.5%       17.8%       16.8%       13.8%  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 5


Bell Wireless (1)

 

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

Q4

2021

 

 

   

Q4

2020

 

 

      % change        
TOTAL
2021
 
 
   
TOTAL
2020
 
 
      % change  

Bell Wireless

                      

Operating revenues

                      

External service revenues

     1,641       1,543         6.4%         6,355       6,122         3.8%  

Inter-segment service revenues

     11       11                 45       47         (4.3%)  

Operating service revenues

     1,652       1,554         6.3%         6,400       6,169         3.7%  

External product revenues

     821       851         (3.5%)         2,593       2,508         3.4%  

Inter-segment product revenues

     2       3         (33.3%)         6       6          

Operating product revenues

     823       854         (3.6%)         2,599       2,514         3.4%  

Total external revenues

     2,462       2,394         2.8%         8,948       8,630         3.7%  

Total operating revenues

     2,475       2,408         2.8%         8,999       8,683         3.6%  

Operating costs

     (1,524     (1,505       (1.3%)         (5,146     (5,017       (2.6%)  

Adjusted EBITDA

     951       903         5.3%         3,853       3,666         5.1%  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     38.4%       37.5%         0.9 pts         42.8%       42.2%         0.6 pts  
   

Capital expenditures

     274       392         30.1%         1,120       916         (22.3%)  

Capital intensity

     11.1%       16.3%         5.2 pts         12.4%       10.5%         (1.9) pts  

Mobile phone subscribers(A)(3)

                      

Gross subscriber activations

     495,076       445,322         11.2%         1,653,771       1,545,173         7.0%  
   

Postpaid

     373,621       328,051         13.9%         1,201,659       1,025,748         17.1%  
   

Prepaid

     121,455       117,271         3.6%         452,112       519,425         (13.0%)  

Net subscriber activations (losses)

     109,726       61,716         77.8%         294,842       190,675         54.6%  
   

Postpaid

     109,527       73,388         49.2%         301,706       152,693         97.6%  
   

Prepaid

     199       (11,672       n.m.         (6,864     37,982         n.m.  

Subscribers end of period (EOP)

     9,459,185          9,164,343         3.2%         9,459,185         9,164,343         3.2%  
   

Postpaid

     8,630,045       8,328,339         3.6%         8,630,045       8,328,339         3.6%  
   

Prepaid

     829,140       836,004               (0.8%)               829,140       836,004               (0.8%)  
   
Blended average revenue per user (ARPU) ($/month)(B)(3)      58.61       56.75         3.3%         57.66       56.97         1.2%  

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

     1.37%       1.40%         0.03 pts         1.23%       1.26%         0.03 pts  
   

Postpaid

     1.08%       1.06%         (0.02) pts         0.93%       0.92%         (0.01) pts  
   

Prepaid

     4.42%       4.79%         0.37 pts         4.31%       4.60%         0.29 pts  

Mobile connected device subscribers (A)(3)

                      

Net subscriber activations

     38,998       98,949         (60.6%)         193,641       227,981         (15.1%)  
   

Subscribers EOP

     2,249,794       2,056,153         9.4%         2,249,794       2,056,153         9.4%  

n.m. : not meaningful

 

(A) 

Effective January 1, 2021, we changed our wireless operating metrics to reflect our revised approach to reporting wireless subscriber units. Consequently, we are now reporting in two categories, mobile phone subscriber units and mobile connected device subscriber units (e.g. tablets, wearables and mobile Internet devices). Additionally, mobile connected device subscribers now include previously undisclosed Internet of Things (IoT) units (e.g. connected telematics services, monitoring devices, connected cars and fleet management solutions). These changes are consistent with the way we manage our business, reflect our focus on mobile phone subscribers and align to industry peers. As a result, previously reported 2020 subscribers and associated operating metrics (gross and net activations (losses) and churn) have been restated for comparability.

 

(B) 

Effective Q4 2021, we are no longer reporting mobile phone blended average billing per user (ABPU). Instead, we are reporting mobile phone blended ARPU in order to align with industry peers. 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 - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 6


Bell Wireless - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where
otherwise indicated) (unaudited)
  TOTAL
2021
          Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21           TOTAL
2020
          Q4 20     Q3 20     Q2 20     Q1 20  

Bell Wireless

                         

Operating revenues

                                           

External service revenues

    6,355         1,641       1,642       1,569       1,503         6,122         1,543       1,563       1,481       1,535  

Inter-segment service revenues

    45         11       12       11       11         47         11       12       12       12  
Operating service revenues     6,400         1,652       1,654       1,580       1,514         6,169         1,554       1,575       1,493       1,547  

External product revenues

    2,593         821       642       546       584         2,508         851       742       428       487  

Inter-segment product revenues

    6         2       -       2       2         6         3       1       1       1  
Operating product revenues     2,599         823       642       548       586         2,514         854       743       429       488  
Total external revenues     8,948         2,462       2,284       2,115       2,087         8,630         2,394       2,305       1,909       2,022  
Total operating revenues     8,999         2,475       2,296       2,128       2,100         8,683         2,408       2,318       1,922       2,035  
Operating costs     (5,146       (1,524     (1,286     (1,159     (1,177       (5,017       (1,505     (1,362     (1,043     (1,107
Adjusted EBITDA     3,853         951       1,010       969       923         3,666         903       956       879       928  
Adjusted EBITDA margin     42.8%         38.4%       44.0%       45.5%       44.0%         42.2%         37.5%       41.2%       45.7%       45.6%  
Capital expenditures     1,120         274       254       306       286         916         392       212       182       130  
Capital intensity     12.4%         11.1%       11.1%       14.4%       13.6%         10.5%         16.3%       9.1%       9.5%       6.4%  
Mobile phone subscribers(A)                          

Gross subscriber activations

    1,653,771         495,076       470,165       348,403       340,127         1,545,173         445,322       457,161       309,133       333,557  

Postpaid

    1,201,659         373,621       336,328       242,720       248,990         1,025,748         328,051       308,558       179,589       209,550  

Prepaid

    452,112         121,455       133,837       105,683       91,137         519,425         117,271       148,603       129,544       124,007  

Net subscriber activations (losses)

    294,842         109,726       136,464       46,247       2,405         190,675         61,716       119,345       12,110       (2,496

Postpaid

    301,706         109,527       114,821       44,433       32,925         152,693         73,388       78,706       (960     1,559  

Prepaid

    (6,864       199       21,643       1,814       (30,520       37,982         (11,672     40,639       13,070       (4,055

Subscribers EOP

    9,459,185         9,459,185         9,349,459         9,212,995         9,166,748         9,164,343         9,164,343         9,102,627         8,983,282         8,971,172  

Postpaid

    8,630,045         8,630,045       8,520,518       8,405,697       8,361,264         8,328,339         8,328,339       8,254,951       8,176,245       8,177,205  

Prepaid

    829,140         829,140       828,941       807,298       805,484         836,004         836,004       847,676       807,037       793,967  
Blended ARPU ($/month) (B)     57.66         58.61       59.47       57.36       55.17         56.97         56.75       58.09       55.49       57.55  
Blended churn (%) (average per month)     1.23%         1.37%       1.21%       1.10%       1.23%         1.26%         1.40%       1.25%       1.11%       1.26%  

Postpaid

    0.93%         1.08%       0.93%       0.83%       0.89%         0.92%         1.06%       0.98%       0.76%       0.89%  

Prepaid

    4.31%         4.42%       4.15%       3.98%       4.68%         4.60%         4.79%       3.98%       4.63%       5.03%  
Mobile connected device subscribers(A)                          

Net subscriber activations

    193,641         38,998       33,035       47,449       74,159         227,981         98,949       41,225       38,843       48,964  

Subscribers EOP

    2,249,794         2,249,794       2,210,796       2,177,761       2,130,312         2,056,153         2,056,153       1,957,204       1,915,979       1,877,136  

 

(A) 

Effective January 1, 2021, we changed our wireless operating metrics to reflect our revised approach to reporting wireless subscriber units. Consequently, we are now reporting in two categories, mobile phone subscriber units and mobile connected device subscriber units (e.g. tablets, wearables and mobile Internet devices). Additionally, mobile connected device subscribers now include previously undisclosed IoT units (e.g. connected telematics services, monitoring devices, connected cars and fleet management solutions). These changes are consistent with the way we manage our business, reflect our focus on mobile phone subscribers and align to industry peers. As a result, previously reported 2020 subscribers and associated operating metrics (gross and net activations (losses) and churn) have been restated for comparability.

 

(B) 

Effective Q4 2021, we are no longer reporting mobile phone blended ABPU. Instead, we are reporting mobile phone blended ARPU in order to align with industry peers.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 7


Bell Wireline (1)

 

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

Q4

2021

   

Q4

2020

          % change            TOTAL
2021
    TOTAL
2020
          % change  

Bell Wireline

                     

Operating revenues

                     

Data

    1,986       1,953         1.7%         7,871       7,691         2.3%  

Voice

    779       828         (5.9%)         3,154       3,402         (7.3%)  

Other services

    75       67         11.9%         289       248         16.5%  

External service revenues

    2,840       2,848         (0.3%)         11,314       11,341         (0.2%)  

Inter-segment service revenues

    94       85         10.6%         358       321         11.5%  

Operating service revenues

    2,934       2,933                 11,672       11,662         0.1%  

Data

    132       148         (10.8%)         463       494         (6.3%)  

Equipment and other

    13       13                 43       49         (12.2%)  

External product revenues

    145       161         (9.9%)         506       543         (6.8%)  

Inter-segment product revenues

    -       1         (100.0%)         -       1         (100.0%)  

Operating product revenues

    145       162         (10.5%)         506       544         (7.0%)  

Total external revenues

    2,985       3,009         (0.8%)         11,820       11,884         (0.5%)  

Total operating revenues

    3,079       3,095         (0.5%)         12,178       12,206         (0.2%)  

Operating costs

    (1,753     (1,783       1.7%         (6,863     (6,960       1.4%  

Adjusted EBITDA

    1,326       1,312         1.1%         5,315       5,246         1.3%  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    43.1%       42.4%         0.7 pts         43.6%       43.0%         0.6 pts  
   

Capital expenditures

    1,133       1,053         (7.6%)         3,597       3,161         (13.8%)  
   

Capital intensity

    36.8%       34.0%             (2.8) pts         29.5%       25.9%         (3.6) pts  

Retail high-speed Internet subscribers (3)

                     
   

Retail net subscriber activations

    47,618       44,512         7.0%         152,285       148,989         2.2%  
   

Retail subscribers EOP(A)

    3,861,653       3,704,590         4.2%         3,861,653       3,704,590         4.2%  
   

Retail TV subscribers (3)

                     
   

Retail net subscriber activations (losses)

    6,049       536         n.m.         2,530       (33,859       n.m.  
   

Internet protocol television (IPTV)

    29,191       21,106         38.3%         76,068       39,191         94.1%  
   

Satellite

    (23,142     (20,570       (12.5%)         (73,538     (73,050       (0.7%)  
   

Total retail subscribers EOP(B)

    2,735,010       2,738,605         (0.1%)         2,735,010       2,738,605         (0.1%)  
   

IPTV

    1,882,441       1,806,373         4.2%         1,882,441       1,806,373         4.2%  
   

Satellite(B)

    852,569       932,232         (8.5%)         852,569       932,232         (8.5%)  
   

Retail residential network access services (NAS)(3)

                     
   

Retail residential NAS lines net losses

    (40,211     (53,759       25.2%         (185,327     (213,551       13.2%  
   

Retail residential NAS lines

        2,298,605           2,483,932         (7.5%)             2,298,605           2,483,932         (7.5%)  

n.m. : not meaningful

 

(A) 

At the beginning of Q1 2021, our retail high-speed Internet subscriber base was increased by 4,778 subscribers due to the transfer of fixed wireless Internet subscribers from our mobiled connected devices subscriber base.

 

(B) 

At the beginning of Q1 2021, we adjusted our satellite TV subscriber base to remove 6,125 non-revenue generating units.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 8


Bell Wireline - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   TOTAL
2021
          Q4 21     Q3 21     Q2 21     Q1 21           TOTAL
2020
          Q4 20     Q3 20     Q2 20     Q1 20  

Bell Wireline

                         

Operating revenues

                         

Data

    7,871         1,986       1,976       1,944       1,965         7,691         1,953       1,931       1,916       1,891  

Voice

    3,154         779       778       794       803         3,402         828       839       863       872  

Other services

    289         75       73       67       74         248         67       61       58       62  

External service revenues

    11,314         2,840       2,827       2,805       2,842         11,341         2,848       2,831       2,837       2,825  

Inter-segment service revenues

    358         94       93       86       85         321         85       80       80       76  

Operating service revenues

    11,672         2,934       2,920       2,891       2,927         11,662         2,933       2,911       2,917       2,901  

Data

    463         132       86       101       144         494         148       110       113       123  

Equipment and other

    43         13       9       11       10         49         13       11       13       12  

External product revenues

    506         145       95       112       154         543         161       121       126       135  

Inter-segment product revenues

    -         -       -       -       -         1         1       -       -       -  

Operating product revenues

    506         145       95       112       154         544         162       121       126       135  

Total external revenues

    11,820         2,985       2,922       2,917       2,996         11,884         3,009       2,952       2,963       2,960  

Total operating revenues

    12,178         3,079       3,015       3,003       3,081         12,206         3,095       3,032       3,043       3,036  

Operating costs

    (6,863       (1,753     (1,682     (1,710     (1,718       (6,960       (1,783     (1,712     (1,764     (1,701

Adjusted EBITDA

    5,315         1,326       1,333       1,293       1,363         5,246         1,312       1,320       1,279       1,335  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    43.6%         43.1%       44.2%       43.1%       44.2%         43.0%         42.4%       43.5%       42.0%       44.0%  

Capital expenditures

    3,597         1,133       880       877       707         3,161         1,053       792       694       622  

Capital intensity

    29.5%         36.8%       29.2%       29.2%       22.9%         25.9%         34.0%       26.1%       22.8%       20.5%  
Retail high-speed Internet subscribers                          

Retail net subscriber activations

    152,285         47,618       65,779       17,680       21,208         148,989         44,512       62,859       19,023       22,595  

Retail subscribers EOP(A)

    3,861,653         3,861,653       3,814,035       3,748,256       3,730,576         3,704,590         3,704,590       3,660,078       3,597,219       3,578,196  

Retail TV subscribers

                         
Retail net subscriber activations (losses)     2,530         6,049       10,521       (4,928     (9,112       (33,859       536       (296     (15,544     (18,555

IPTV

    76,068         29,191       31,641       4,540       10,696         39,191         21,106       18,837       (3,604     2,852  

Satellite

    (73,538       (23,142     (21,120     (9,468     (19,808       (73,050       (20,570     (19,133     (11,940     (21,407

Total retail subscribers EOP(B)

    2,735,010         2,735,010       2,728,961       2,718,440       2,723,368         2,738,605         2,738,605       2,738,069       2,738,365       2,753,909  

IPTV

    1,882,441         1,882,441       1,853,250       1,821,609       1,817,069         1,806,373         1,806,373       1,785,267       1,766,430       1,770,034  

Satellite(B)

    852,569         852,569       875,711       896,831       906,299         932,232         932,232       952,802       971,935       983,875  
Retail residential NAS                          
Retail residential NAS lines net losses     (185,327       (40,211     (42,755     (51,292     (51,069       (213,551       (53,759     (49,792     (48,405     (61,595

Retail residential NAS lines

    2,298,605         2,298,605       2,338,816       2,381,571       2,432,863         2,483,932         2,483,932       2,537,691       2,587,483       2,635,888  

 

(A)

At the beginning of Q1 2021, our retail high-speed Internet subscriber base was increased by 4,778 subscribers due to the transfer of fixed wireless Internet subscribers from our mobiled connected devices subscriber base.

 

(B) 

At the beginning of Q1 2021, we adjusted our satellite TV subscriber base to remove 6,125 non-revenue generating units.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 9


BCE

Net debt and other information

 

BCE - Net debt and preferred shares                                                   
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)                                
                                   December 31
2021
    September 30
2021
    June 30
2021
   

March 31

2021

    December 31
2020
 
     

Long-term debt

              27,048       27,070       25,422       24,965       23,906  

Debt due within one year

              2,625       1,994       2,304       3,786       2,417  

50% of preferred shares

              2,002       2,002       2,002       2,002       2,002  

Cash

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

Cash equivalents

              -       (81     -       (700     -  

Net debt (A)

              31,468       28,899       27,976       28,146       28,101  
     

Net debt leverage ratio (A)

              3.18       2.93       2.87       2.93       2.93  

Adjusted EBITDA /adjusted interest expense ratio (A)

              8.77       8.75       8.62       8.40       8.32  
   
                                                                                 
                   
Cash flow information                                                   
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)     Q4
        2021
    Q4
2020
    $ change     % change    

        TOTAL

2021

    TOTAL
2020
    $ change     % change  

Free cash flow (FCF) (A)

                         

Cash flows from operating activities

        1,743       1,631       112       6.9%       8,008       7,754       254       3.3%  

Capital expenditures

        (1,459     (1,494     35       2.3%       (4,837     (4,202     (635     (15.1%)  

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

 

    (32     (31     (1     (3.2%)       (125     (132     7       5.3%  

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

        (45     (16     (29     n.m.       (86     (53     (33     (62.3%)  

Acquisition and other costs paid

        29       2       27       n.m.       35       35       -        

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

 

    -       -       -             -       (54     54       100.0%  

FCF

        236       92       144       n.m.       2,995       3,348       (353     (10.5%)  
   
                                                                                 
                   
Cash flow information - Historical trend                                                   
(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)       TOTAL
2021
    Q4
2021
   

Q3

2021

    Q2
2021
   

Q1

2021

   

TOTAL

2020

   

Q4

2020

    Q3
2020
   

Q2

2020

   

Q1

2020

 
     

FCF

                       

Cash flows from operating activities

    8,008       1,743       1,774       2,499       1,992       7,754       1,631       2,110       2,562       1,451  

Capital expenditures

    (4,837     (1,459 )      (1,159     (1,207     (1,012     (4,202     (1,494     (1,031     (900     (777

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

    (125     (32 )      (31     (31     (31     (132     (31     (32     (33     (36

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

    (86     (45 )      (13     (15     (13     (53     (16     (11     (12     (14

Acquisition and other costs paid

    35       29       -       2       4       35       2       13       11       9  

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

    -       -       -       -       -       (54     -       (15     (17     (22

FCF

    2,995       236       571       1,248       940       3,348       92       1,034       1,611       611  
   
                                                                                 

 

  

n.m. : not meaningful

 

(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 - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 10


BCE

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   December 31
2021
        September 30
2021
                 June 30
2021
              March 31
2021
         December 31
2020
 

ASSETS

                    

Current assets

                    

Cash

    207         2,086          1,752          1,907          224  

Cash equivalents

    -         81          -          700          -  

Trade and other receivables

    3,949         3,498          3,244          3,247          3,528  

Inventory

    482         418          418          459          439  

Contract assets

    414         410          467          563          687  

Contract costs

    507         464          441          424          402  

Prepaid expenses

    254         292          346          345          209  

Other current assets

    335         292          278          244          199  

Assets held for sale

    50         -          -          -          -  

Total current assets

    6,198         7,541          6,946          7,889          5,688  

Non-current assets

                    

Contract assets

    251         235          230          236          256  

Contract costs

    387         373          364          344          362  

Property, plant and equipment

    28,235         27,825          27,554          27,370          27,513  

Intangible assets

    15,570         13,367          13,263          13,227          13,102  

Deferred tax assets

    105         124          118          107          106  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

    668         697          725          745          756  

Post-employment benefit assets

    3,441         3,785          3,185          2,601          1,277  

Other non-current assets

    1,306         1,811          1,167          1,124          1,001  

Goodwill

    10,572         10,578          10,579          10,606          10,604  

Total non-current assets

    60,535         58,795          57,185          56,360          54,977  

Total assets

    66,733         66,336          64,131          64,249          60,665  

LIABILITIES

                    

Current liabilities

                    

Trade payables and other liabilities

    4,455         4,131          3,904          3,723          3,935  

Contract liabilities

    799         748          767          762          717  

Interest payable

    247         159          228          181          222  

Dividends payable

    811         810          806          804          766  

Current tax liabilities

    141         162          344          271          214  

Debt due within one year

    2,625         1,994          2,304          3,786          2,417  

Liabilities held for sale

    35         -          -          -          -  

Total current liabilities

    9,113         8,004          8,353          9,527          8,271  

Non-current liabilities

                    

Contract liabilities

    246         245          242          242          242  

Long-term debt

    27,048         27,070          25,422          24,965          23,906  

Deferred tax liabilities

    4,671         4,824          4,530          4,285          3,810  

Post-employment benefit obligations

    1,734         1,672          1,734          1,723          1,962  

Other non-current liabilities

    1,003         1,012          1,081          1,141          1,145  

Total non-current liabilities

    34,702         34,823          33,009          32,356          31,065  

Total liabilities

    43,815         42,827          41,362          41,883          39,336  

EQUITY

                    

Equity attributable to BCE shareholders

                    

Preferred shares

    4,003         4,003          4,003          4,003          4,003  

Common shares

    20,662         20,646          20,467          20,400          20,390  

Contributed surplus

    1,157         1,151          1,156          1,154          1,174  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    213         320          204          163          103  

Deficit

    (3,423       (2,962        (3,401        (3,693        (4,681

Total equity attributable to BCE shareholders

    22,612         23,158          22,429          22,027          20,989  

Non-controlling interest

    306         351          340          339          340  

Total equity

    22,918         23,509          22,769          22,366          21,329  

Total liabilities and equity

    66,733         66,336          64,131          64,249          60,665  

Number of common shares outstanding (millions)

    909.0         908.8          905.7          904.6          904.4  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 11


BCE

Consolidated Cash Flow Data

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)   Q4
        2021
    Q4
        2020
            $ change               TOTAL
2021
            TOTAL
2020
            $ change  
     

Net earnings from continuing operations

    658       721         (63       2,892       2,473         419  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities

                   

Severance, acquisition and other costs

    63       52         11         209       116         93  

Depreciation and amortization

    1,176       1,105         71         4,609       4,404         205  

Post-employment benefit plans cost

    69       76         (7       286       315         (29

Net interest expense

    269       269         -         1,063       1,087         (24

Impairment of assets

    30       12         18         197       472         (275

Losses (gains) on investments

    6       (3       9         6       (3       9  

Income taxes

    249       191         58         1,044       792         252  

Contributions to post-employment benefit plans

    (69     (78       9         (282     (297       15  

Payments under other post-employment benefit plans

    (18     (17       (1       (65     (61       (4

Severance and other costs paid

    (55     (19       (36       (208     (78       (130

Interest paid

    (192     (235       43         (1,080     (1,112       32  

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

    (302     (383       81         (913     (846       (67

Acquisition and other costs paid

    (29     (2       (27       (35     (35       -  

Change in contract assets

    (21     132         (153       278       704         (426

Change in wireless device financing plan receivables

    (121     (319       198         (365     (867       502  

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

    30       129         (99       372       636         (264

Cash from discontinued operations

    -       -         -         -       54         (54

Cash flows from operating activities

    1,743       1,631         112         8,008       7,754         254  

Capital expenditures

    (1,459     (1,494       35         (4,837     (4,202       (635

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

    (32     (31       (1       (125     (132       7  

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

    (45     (16       (29       (86     (53       (33

Acquisition and other costs paid

    29       2         27         35       35         -  

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

    -       -         -         -       (54       54  

Free cash flow

    236       92         144         2,995       3,348         (353

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

    -       -         -         -       54         (54

Business acquisitions

    -       (42       42         (12     (65       53  

Acquisition and other costs paid

    (29     (2       (27       (35     (35       -  

Acquisition of spectrum licences

    (1,664     -         (1,664       (2,082     (86       (1,996

Other investing activities

    (23     (12       (11       (72     (79       7  

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from investing activities)

    -       913         (913       -       892         (892

Increase (decrease) in notes payable and bank advances

    719       (524       1,243         351       (1,641       1,992  

(Decrease) increase in securitized trade receivables

    (130     23         (153       (150     -         (150

Issue of long-term debt

    -       -         -         4,985       6,006         (1,021

Repayment of long-term debt

    (235     (1,094       859         (2,751     (5,003       2,252  

Issue of common shares

    16       4         12         261       26         235  

Purchase of shares for settlement of share-based payments

    (52     (54       2         (297     (263       (34

Cash dividends paid on common shares

    (795     (753       (42       (3,132     (2,975       (157

Other financing activities

    (3     (6       3         (78     (93       15  

Cash used in discontinued operations (included in cash flows from financing activities)

    -       -         -         -       (7       7  
      (2,196     (1,547       (649       (3,012     (3,269       257  

Net (decrease) increase in cash

    (1,879     (1,258       (621       (17     83         (100

Cash at beginning of period

    2,086       1,482         604         224       141         83  

Cash at end of period

    207       224         (17       207       224         (17

Net decrease in cash equivalents

    (81     (197       116         -       (4       4  

Cash equivalents at beginning of period

    81       197         (116       -       4         (4

Cash equivalents at end of period

    -       -         -         -       -         -  

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 12


BCE

Consolidated Cash Flow Data - Historical Trend

 

(In millions of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated) (unaudited)    TOTAL
2021
       Q4 21   Q3 21   Q2 21   Q1 21        TOTAL
2020
       Q4 20   Q3 20   Q2 20   Q1 20

Net earnings from continuing operations

       2,892            658       813       734       687            2,473            721       734       290       728

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities

                                                       

Severance, acquisition and other costs

       209            63       50       7       89            116            52       26       22       16

Depreciation and amortization

       4,609            1,176       1,147       1,153       1,133            4,404            1,105       1,108       1,103       1,088

Post-employment benefit plans cost

       286            69       70       68       79            315            76       77       75       87

Net interest expense

       1,063            269       268       263       263            1,087            269       273       275       270

Impairment of assets

       197            30       -       164       3            472            12       4       449       7

Losses (gains) on investments

       6            6       -       -       -            (3 )            (3 )       -       -       -

Income taxes

       1,044            249       306       236       253            792            191       262       96       243

Contributions to post-employment benefit plans

       (282 )            (69 )       (64 )       (70 )       (79 )            (297 )            (78 )       (69 )       (71 )       (79 )

Payments under other post-employment benefit plans

       (65 )            (18 )       (16 )       (16 )       (15 )            (61 )            (17 )       (15 )       (12 )       (17 )

Severance and other costs paid

       (208 )            (55 )       (31 )       (79 )       (43 )            (78 )            (19 )       (11 )       (13 )       (35 )

Interest paid

       (1,080 )            (192 )       (352 )       (230 )       (306 )            (1,112 )            (235 )       (321 )       (240 )       (316 )

Income taxes paid (net of refunds)

       (913 )            (302 )       (407 )       (95 )       (109 )            (846 )            (383 )       (236 )       6       (233 )

Acquisition and other costs paid

       (35 )            (29 )       -       (2 )       (4 )            (35 )            (2 )       (13 )       (11 )       (9 )

Change in contract assets

       278            (21 )       53       102       144            704            132       178       239       155

Change in wireless device financing plan receivables

       (365 )            (121 )       (92 )       (61 )       (91 )            (867 )            (319 )       (322 )       (150 )       (76 )

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

       372            30       29       325       (12 )            636            129       420       487       (400 )

Cash from discontinued operations

       -            -       -       -       -            54            -       15       17       22

Cash flows from operating activities

       8,008            1,743       1,774       2,499       1,992            7,754            1,631       2,110       2,562       1,451

Capital expenditures

       (4,837 )            (1,459 )       (1,159 )       (1,207 )       (1,012 )            (4,202 )            (1,494 )       (1,031 )       (900 )       (777 )

Cash dividends paid on preferred shares

       (125 )            (32 )       (31 )       (31 )       (31 )            (132 )            (31 )       (32 )       (33 )       (36 )

Cash dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

       (86 )            (45 )       (13 )       (15 )       (13 )            (53 )            (16 )       (11 )       (12 )       (14 )

Acquisition and other costs paid

       35            29       -       2       4            35            2       13       11       9

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

       -            -       -       -       -            (54 )            -       (15 )       (17 )       (22 )

Free cash flow

       2,995            236       571       1,248       940            3,348            92       1,034       1,611       611

Cash from discontinued operations (included in cash flows from operating activities)

       -            -       -       -       -            54            -       15       17       22

Business acquisitions

       (12 )            -       (1 )       (11 )       -            (65 )            (42 )       -       (23 )       -

Acquisition and other costs paid

       (35 )            (29 )       -       (2 )       (4 )            (35 )            (2 )       (13 )       (11 )       (9 )

Acquisition of spectrum licences

       (2,082 )            (1,664 )       (418 )       -       -            (86 )            -       (85 )       -       (1 )

Other investing activities

       (72 )            (23 )       (11 )       (17 )       (21 )            (79 )            (12 )       (49 )       (13 )       (5 )

Cash from (used in) discontinued operations (included in cash flows from investing activities)

       -            -       -       -       -            892            913       (6 )       (8 )       (7 )

Increase (decrease) in notes payable and bank advances

       351            719       (322 )       311       (357 )            (1,641 )            (524 )       317       (1,204 )       (230 )

(Decrease) increase in securitized trade receivables

       (150 )            (130 )       (7 )       -       (13 )            -            23       (23 )       (400 )       400

Issue of long-term debt

       4,985            -       1,570       500       2,915            6,006            -       750       1,975       3,281

Repayment of long-term debt

       (2,751 )            (235 )       (249 )       (2,041 )       (226 )            (5,003 )            (1,094 )       (979 )       (2,221 )       (709 )

Issue of common shares

       261            16       172       63       10            26            4       -       -       22

Purchase of shares for settlement of share-based payments

       (297 )            (52 )       (83 )       (71 )       (91 )            (263 )            (54 )       (40 )       (75 )       (94 )

Cash dividends paid on common shares

       (3,132 )            (795 )       (793 )       (791 )       (753 )            (2,975 )            (753 )       (753 )       (753 )       (716 )

Other financing activities

       (78 )            (3 )       (14 )       (44 )       (17 )            (93 )            (6 )       (32 )       (25 )       (30 )

Cash used in discontinued operations (included in cash flows from financing activities)

       -            -       -       -       -            (7 )            -       (4 )       (2 )       (1 )
         (3,012 )            (2,196 )       (156 )       (2,103 )       1,443            (3,269 )            (1,547 )       (902 )       (2,743 )       1,923

Net (decrease) increase in cash

       (17 )            (1,879 )       334       (155 )       1,683            83            (1,258 )       185       354       802

Cash at beginning of period

       224            2,086       1,752       1,907       224            141            1,482       1,297       943       141

Cash at end of period

       207            207       2,086       1,752       1,907            224            224       1,482       1,297       943

Net (decrease) increase in cash equivalents

       -            (81 )       81       (700 )       700            (4 )            (197 )       (53 )       (1,486 )       1,732

Cash equivalents at beginning of period

       -            81       -       700       -            4            197       250       1,736       4

Cash equivalents at end of period

       -            -       81       -       700            -            -       197       250       1,736

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 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 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 more reflective of our on-going operating results and provide readers with a better 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 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 - Fourth Quarter 2021 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.

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.

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.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 15


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.

 

      2021     2020      

Net interest expense

         1,063            1,087     

50% of net earnings attributable to preferred shareholders

   66      68     

Adjusted net interest expense

   1,129      1,155     

 

(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.

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.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 16


(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.

 

      2021     2020      

Net earnings

   2,892      2,699     

Severance, acquisition and other costs

   209      116     

Depreciation

   3,627      3,475     

Amortization

   982      929     

Finance costs

            

Interest expense

         1,082            1,110     

Interest on post-employment benefit obligations

   20      46     

Impairment of assets

   197      472     

Other (income) expense

   (160)     194     

Income taxes

   1,044      792     

Net earnings from discountinued operations (net of income taxes)

   -          (226)    

Adjusted EBITDA

   9,893      9,607     

 

(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.

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.

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 17


     

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.

 

(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.

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

 

BCE Supplementary Financial Information - Fourth Quarter 2021 Page 18