BCE Inc.: Facing the Future

BCE Inc. (BCE), one of Canada's leading integrated communications companies, faced numerous challenges. In the key wireless communications market, BCE was trailing its competitors on growth and revenue. BCE's share price was underperforming and shareholders, including the powerful Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, were becoming concerned. In addition there were regulatory changes on the horizon that could have a serious impact on BCE's wireless division. BCE's chief executive officer (CEO) was faced with the task of improving BCE's competitiveness and shareholder value in a dynamic industry. What options did the CEO and his leadership team have, which ones were better for BCE and how could the better ones be executed in order to satisfy BCE's shareholders? The case provides a good opportunity to assess financial performance and assist in understanding the interaction of strategy and finance.