Technology

BCE announces renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid for Preferred Shares

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” later in this news release.

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – BCE Inc. (BCE) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has accepted a notice filed by BCE of its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to 10% of the public float of each series of BCE’s outstanding First Preferred Shares that are listed on the TSX (the “Preferred Shares”). The period of the NCIB will extend from November 11, 2024 to November 10, 2025, or an earlier date should BCE complete its purchases under the NCIB. BCE will pay the prevailing market price at the time of acquisition for any Preferred Shares purchased plus brokerage fees payable by BCE (except with respect to purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order, which will be at a discount to the prevailing market price), and all Preferred Shares acquired by BCE under the NCIB will be cancelled.

The actual number of Preferred Shares repurchased under the NCIB and the timing of such repurchases will be at BCE’s discretion and shall be subject to the limitations set out in the TSX Company Manual.

The NCIB will be conducted through a combination of discretionary transactions and purchases under an automatic securities purchase plan through the facilities of the TSX as well as alternative trading systems in Canada, if eligible, or by such other means as may be permitted by securities regulatory authorities, including pre-arranged crosses, exempt offers, private agreements under an issuer bid exemption order issued by securities regulatory authorities and block purchases of Preferred Shares. Purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price.

Under the NCIB, BCE is authorized to repurchase shares of each respective series of the Preferred Shares as follows:

Series

Ticker

Issued and
Outstanding
Shares(1)

Public
Float(1)

Average Daily
Trading
Volume(2)

Maximum Number of
Shares Subject to
Purchase

Total(3)

Daily(4)

BCE.PR.R

7,620,200

4,265

762,020

1,066

BCE.PR.S

2,013,867

1,653

201,386

1,000

BCE.PR.T

5,193,033

3,461

519,303

1,000

BCE.PR.Y

6,007,652

4,863

600,765

1,215

BCE.PR.Z

2,665,831

1,733

266,583

1,000

BCE.PR.A

11,202,331

8,483

1,120,233

2,120

BCE.PR.B

6,432,139

7,945

643,213

1,986

BCE.PR.C

6,330,674

3,531

633,067

1,000

BCE.PR.D

11,880,838

12,036

1,188,083

3,009

BCE.PR.E

5,863,513

7,429

586,351

1,857

BCE.PR.F

9,005,387

7,298

900,538

1,824

BCE.PR.G

8,413,630

5,780

841,363

1,445

BCE.PR.H

4,669,570

3,701

466,957

1,000

BCE.PR.I

9,058,240

6,697

905,824

1,674

BCE.PR.J

3,895,960

2,962

389,596

1,000

BCE.PR.K

21,545,712

17,801

2,154,571

4,450

BCE.PR.L

1,730,888

883

173,088

1,000

BCE.PR.M

9,986,278

8,948

998,627

2,237

BCE.PR.N

1,011,822

835

101,182

1,000

BCE.PR.Q

8,121,514

4,918

812,151

1,229

(1)

As of October 31, 2024.

(2)

For the 6 months ended October 31, 2024.

(3)

Represents approximately 10% of the public float in respect of each series of Preferred Shares.

(4)

Represents the maximum number of shares of each series of Preferred Shares that may be purchased over the TSX (or alternative trading systems in Canada, if eligible) during the course of one trading day. This amount is equal to the greater of (i) 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX calculated in accordance with the rules of the TSX, and (ii) 1,000 shares. This limitation does not apply to purchases made pursuant to block purchase exemptions.

BCE is making this NCIB because it believes that, from time to time, the Preferred Shares may trade in price ranges that do not fully reflect their value. BCE believes that, in such circumstances, the repurchase of its Preferred Shares represents an appropriate use of its available funds.

As of October 31, 2024, under its current normal course issuer bid that commenced on November 9, 2023 and will expire on November 8, 2024, and for which the company received approval from the TSX, BCE purchased, through the facilities of the TSX and alternative eligible trading systems, Preferred Shares as follows:

Series

Ticker

Maximum Number
of Shares
Subject to Purchase

Number of Shares
Purchased

Weighted Average Price
Paid per Security

BCE.PR.R

789,480

271,700

$15.67

BCE.PR.S

206,496

50,500

$18.34

BCE.PR.T

535,483

153,800

$17.20

BCE.PR.Y

666,705

558,700

$18.38

BCE.PR.Z

278,569

119,867

$17.34

BCE.PR.A

1,160,466

392,430

$16.80

BCE.PR.B

705,563

587,200

$18.47

BCE.PR.C

650,577

170,900

$17.39

BCE.PR.D

1,267,112

738,788

$18.36

BCE.PR.E

609,791

179,400

$18.41

BCE.PR.F

914,538

89,200

$16.67

BCE.PR.G

863,693

143,400

$15.25

BCE.PR.H

487,837

164,300

$18.37

BCE.PR.I

936,254

201,400

$16.15

BCE.PR.J

427,996

331,400

$18.26

BCE.PR.K

2,245,531

890,200

$15.07

BCE.PR.L

176,118

29,300

$16.68

BCE.PR.M

1,025,397

263,500

$15.42

BCE.PR.N

104,232

29,800

$17.09

BCE.PR.Q

841,041

233,500

$22.10

BCE will enter into an automatic securities purchase plan (“ASPP”) with a designated broker in relation to the NCIB on or about the commencement date of the NCIB. The ASPP will allow for the purchase of Preferred Shares, subject to certain trading parameters, at times when BCE ordinarily would not be active in the market due to applicable regulatory restrictions or self-imposed trading black-out periods. Outside of these periods, the Preferred Shares will be repurchased by BCE at its discretion under the NCIB.

About BCE

BCE is Canada’s largest communications company,5 providing advanced Bell broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

5 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries
Richard Bengian
Richard.bengian@bell.ca

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to potential future purchases by BCE of its Preferred Shares pursuant to the NCIB and ASPP. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that BCE will repurchase all or any of the numbers of Preferred Shares referred to in this news release under the NCIB. In particular, the purchase by BCE of its Preferred Shares pursuant to the NCIB will depend, among other, on the prevailing market price from time to time of the Preferred Shares. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the potential future purchases of Preferred Shares by BCE pursuant to the NCIB and ASPP referred to above. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. For additional information on assumptions and risks underlying certain of our forward-looking statements made in this news release, please consult BCE’s 2023 Annual MD&A dated March 7, 2024, BCE’s 2024 First Quarter MD&A dated May 1, 2024, BCE’s 2024 Second Quarter MD&A dated July 31, 2024, BCE’s 2024 Third Quarter MD&A dated November 6, 2024 and BCE’s news release dated November 7, 2024 announcing its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, filed by BCE with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at Sedarplus.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). These documents are also available at BCE.ca.

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SOURCE Bell Canada

Technology

“India Global Forum’s mission more relevant than ever,” says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of IGF Middle East and Africa 2024

Published

2 hours ago

November 24, 2024

India Global Forum’s flagship event in UAE kicks off in Dubai on 25 November with IGF ForumPolicymakers, politicians, business figures and celebrities from India, UAE, Africa to converge at inaugural session

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of India Global Forum’s (IGF) flagship Middle East & Africa 2024 (ME&A 2024) in Dubai on Monday, 25 November, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commended the role of the organisation in fostering global partnerships.

“Through their impactful and outcomes driven work, India Global Form has consistently provided a platform that fosters a better understanding of modern India and its vast opportunities for the global audience. It has also played an important role in building meaningful cross-border connections.

“India Global Forum’s mission to build corridors of technology, talent, investment and trust is more relevant than ever,” she said.

Under the theme of ‘Limitless Horizons’, IGF ME&A 2024 will foster new partnerships and collaborations between India, the Middle East, and Africa, unlocking opportunities in sectors such as technology, finance, sustainability and innovation.

The two-day event will begin with a special address by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The inaugural session will also witness UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar al Olama, delve into the policies and reforms driving technological innovation in the UAE.

Looking forward to IGF ME&A, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir said: “The India-UAE relationship has entered an exciting new phase of exponential growth. We are at a moment in history where India-UAE relations are driving the synergy between our regions which has never been greater, and IGF serves as a beacon for harnessing this potential.”

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman, India Global Forum (IGF), said: “India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, aptly noted during his recent visit to Dubai that the India-UAE ties are in an era of new milestones. These ties are not just about trade figures or agreements – they represent a deeper alignment of values, aspirations, and shared visions for the future. IGF Middle East and Africa is an opportunity to channel this momentum into actionable outcomes that benefit not just our nations but the wider region.”

Featuring over 200 speakers and 1,000 participants across nine streams, IGF ME&A 2024 includes:

IGF Dialogues: An exclusive gathering of industry leaders and policymakers engaging in peer-to-peer roundtable discussions.IGF Forum: A Deep dive into how India, the Middle East, and Africa can embrace limitless horizons in a changing worldLeaders Dinner: An exclusive by-invite only dinner at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu DhabiFounders and Funders Forum: Spotlighting the possibilities and pitfalls of the growing role of AI in India, the Middle East, and Africa.Climate and Business Forum (ClimB) – Exploring how businesses can achieve growth while prioritising sustainability and climate actionIGF Focus Forum – Discussions across diverse event streams, including leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, skilling and cultureDisruptors in the Desert – Demystifying emerging trends and technologies across key sectors poised to shape the next decade of the Global South.

These engagements will tackle pressing global challenges, from climate change and energy transition to the future of AI and digital economies, bringing together a diverse lineup of global leaders, business pioneers, policymakers, and innovators.

Key Speakers across the event include:

H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work ApplicationsH.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAEMahesh Bhupathi, Indian Tennis LegendYusuf Tambawala, Vice President of Growth & Business Support, DP WorldLeander Paes, Indian Tennis LegendAbhimanyu Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero FincorpHarsh Jain, Co-Founder, Dream11Monish Shah, Founder and CEO, DreamSetGoSanjay Nayyar, Founder and Chairman, Sorin AdvisorsAmnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, MastercardNeeraj Makin, Senior Executive Vice President, Group Head – Strategy, Analytics & Venture Capital, Emirates NBDSiddharth Shah, Co-founder, PharmeasyFaizal Kottikollon, Chairman, KEF HoldingsRola Abu Manneh, CEO Middle East, Standard CharteredSiddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman & CEO, Buimerc CorporationKuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head, Zoho for StartupsMina Liccione, Comedian, Dubomedy

About India Global Forum
India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity. To know more, click here

Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow
Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa
LinkedIn: India Global Forum
#IGFUAE

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566068/IGF_Finance_Minister.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566069/IGF_Logo.jpg

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Technology

Zooming into the green transformation, the “Together We Act” platform for China’s dual-carbon talent plan was released

Published

6 hours ago

November 24, 2024

“Empowering Green Value Chains, Contributing to New Productive Forces” Side Event was Successfully Held at COP29

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The side event titled “Empowering Green Value Chains, Contributing to New Productive Forces” was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, during COP29. The event was jointly organized by the Vanke Foundation, C Team, and Phoenix TV. The aim of the event was to explore how industries in China can empower human capital and implement green value chains to achieve green, efficient, and low-carbon operational models under the country’s dual-carbon strategy. The goal was also to inspire new productive forces and drive the green transformation of economic and social development.

The side event brought together experts, scholars, business representatives, and NGO partners from both China and abroad to discuss the latest global trends and developments in green value chains across key industries. The event was chaired by Yang Peidan, Director of C Team. In her opening remarks, Liu Xi, Senior Manager of Climate Change and Biodiversity at the Vanke Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s vision of a “beautiful and shared future home” and its commitment to promoting environmental protection and social public welfare. She also introduced the “Net Zero Drive” Talents Acceleration Initiative, unveiling the “Together We Act” platform, a significant new step in the foundation’s efforts to align with its strategies.

Liu Yifeng, Deputy Director of C Team, provided an in-depth introduction to the “Together We Act” platform. This platform aims to cultivate and empower talents in the field of China’s dual-carbon strategy, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to better adapt to and lead the green low-carbon transformation.

C Team is implementing a strategic upgrade to support the development of emerging industry talents while facilitating the transition of workers from traditional industries. This initiative aims to create a green employment market system. According to Liu, workers in traditional industries need to adapt to the “new wave” of industry transformation, while employees in emerging sectors must quickly update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with technological advancements. Through effective training and accelerated efforts, industries, businesses, and regions can better apply technologies and management practices, achieving both technological and energy transformations.

To this end, C Team has partnered with Tencent to develop the “Together We Act” platform. The platform breaks down knowledge into “knowledge cards,” which are categorized and tailored for workers in need of transformation or upskilling. The platform offers smart, content-driven training and quantitative assessments. By using algorithms, the platform provides personalized knowledge to users and includes management features that allow administrators to assign tasks and learning objectives. Knowledge and exercises are managed separately, creating a flexible and intelligent learning system.

Additionally, C Team plans to leverage the data on workforce technology upgrades and training behaviors collected by the platform to analyze the impact of dual-transformation policies and strategies on the workforce in both corporate supply chains and regional areas. This data will help companies and local governments better understand workforce trends and provide support for industry and regional transitions.

Media’s role is also essential in promoting new productive forces. Yang Yuntong, Director of International Cooperation and Project Operations at Phoenix TV, shared that as the largest well-rounded Chinese-language cultural media group overseas, Phoenix TV has long been committed to advancing new productive forces through practical actions. The group has been actively involved in climate-change communication in China and has hosted the annual “Zero-Carbon Mission International Climate Summit” for the past four years in the lead-up to COP, providing a platform for dialogue and discussion among stakeholders and influencing corporate practices and public advocacy.

Xu Shilun, head of the ESG projects at Onewo’s Sustainable Development Center, shared that reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in property management are key concerns for the company. Onewo is integrating its experience from managing various spaces, such as communities and office buildings, into its “Magic Stone” AI system, focusing on energy management to improve carbon management efficiency in public spaces and encourage owners and tenants to adopt greener lifestyles.

The roundtable discussion focused on two main themes: “Collaborative Innovation of Diverse Forces in Creating New Productive Forces” and “Empowering Green Value Chains to Drive the Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development”. Representatives from leading companies such as JA Solar, Anta Group, Lenovo, Carbonstop, PES, Exiss, ACT, Dasso, Hainan Deeprock, and SQUAKE participated in the discussion. The Secretary of the CPC Municipal Committee of Huzhou City, Chen Hao, also joined via video to introduce the innovative concept of “Bamboo Forest Carbon Sequestration.”

The organizers stated that the side event was not only a deep exploration of green development concepts but also a firm commitment to future sustainable development. C Team plans to further collaborate with nonprofit organizations, environmental foundations, leading enterprises, research institutions, and knowledge service platforms to jointly promote public and inclusive transformation, ensuring that high-quality training content is presented on the platform. Through collective effort and the pooling of knowledge and resources, the event sought to support industry development, regional transformation, and the green transformation of society.

About C Team：
C Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting corporate climate action and sustainable development.

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SOURCE C Team

Technology

Urgent Call: Donate Electronics to Empower Charities Nationwide

Published

7 hours ago

November 23, 2024

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – This holiday season, the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is spreading the spirit of giving with its annual 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign. Aiming to donate over 200 electronic devices to charities across Canada, ERA is committed to empowering organizations to deliver critical services to their communities.

However, the demand for electronics remains pressing. More than 500 charities are still on ERA’s waitlist—a number that highlights the urgent need for public and corporate donations of pre-loved technology.

“Together, We Can Create Impact”
Bojan Paduh, Founder and President of ERA, urges individuals and businesses to step up this holiday season:

“We’ve accomplished so much, but hundreds of charities are still waiting for essential technology to continue their work. I encourage everyone to consider donating their unused laptops, tablets, or cell phones. Your generosity can transform lives and reduce e-waste at the same time.”

ERA’s 12 Days of Electronic Giving campaign is already making an impact, supporting a wide range of organizations across the country, including:

Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton – Edmonton, ABWinnipeg Humane Society – Winnipeg, MBBent Arrow Traditional Healing Society – Edmonton, ABCanadian Mental Health Association – Toronto, ONYork Region Educational Services – Toronto, ONIt Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy – Halifax, NSToronto Fringe – Toronto, ONMarina Housing Co-op – Vancouver, BCAgape Table Inc. – Winnipeg, MBGreater Edmonton Live-In Society – Edmonton, ABEqual Housing Initiative Inc. – Winnipeg, MBValley Community Learning Association – Kentville, NSAlberta Children’s Hospital – Calgary, AB

How You Can Help
The holidays are the perfect time to give back. If you or your organization have unused electronic devices gathering dust, ERA invites you to donate and make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or cell phone, every device can create opportunities, reduce e-waste, and bring hope to someone in need.

Donating is Simple
ERA offers convenient, free pickup services across Canada.

Call: 1-877-9EWASTE / Email: info@era.ca / Visit: www.era.ca to schedule a pickup.

Let’s Make This Season Count
“Your donation today can change lives tomorrow,” adds Paduh. “Together, we can meet the urgent needs of these charities while fostering a sustainable future.” Don’t wait—help ERA ensure no charity is left behind this holiday season.

SOURCE Electronic Recycling Association