Bell is taking a pricey shot at expanding its Canadian dominance south of the border.
What happened: Canada’s largest telecom is buying Pacific Northwest internet provider Ziply Fiber for $5 billion, a deal that will give it a foothold in four U.S. states. Bell will use $4.2 billion from its recent Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) sale to fund the deal.
- Investors expected Bell to use the proceeds of the MLSE sale to pay down its $39 billion debt load, but the company chose to prioritize its growth plans.
- To balance the books post-deal, the company said that it wouldn’t raise its dividend next year for the first time since 2008, which sent shares falling to an 11-year low.
Why it’s happening: Canadian telecoms have had no issues growing their customer base over recent years thanks to rapid population growth, but an immigration slowdown is now threatening their future profits.
Why it matters: The highly concentrated U.S. market has largely been avoided by Canadian telcos. One of the industry’s top dogs making a foray into the U.S. is a sign that the industry’s big three will have to deviate from their old playbooks to keep growing.—LA