BCE reports Q2 profit slips, Manitoba Telecom deal boosts revenue

MONTREAL – BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE) saw its second-quarter profit slip compared with a year ago while revenue was boosted by its acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. earlier this year.

The company says it earned a profit attributable to common shareholders of $762 million or 84 cents per share.

That compared with a profit attributable to shareholders of $778 million or 89 cents per share a year ago.

Operating revenue increased to nearly $5.7 billion for the three months ended June 30 compared with $5.34 billion in the same quarter last year.

BCE attributed the decrease in its earnings to higher depreciation and amortization costs, higher interest expenses and lower other income.

On an adjusted basis, the company said it earned $792 million or 88 cents per share, down from $824 million or 94 cents per share a year ago.