The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, March 12, edition that National Bank Financial analyst Adam Shine has reaffirmed his "sector perform" recommendation for BCE. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Shine hiked his share target to $36 from $35. Analysts on average target the shares at $35.27. The Globe says Mr. Shine is expecting BCE to cut its dividend by 50 per cent by the end of the current fiscal year with its recently announced dividend reinvestment plan discount eliminated. Mr. Shine says in a note: "Talk persists on when, not if, BCE will cut its dividend. Some thought this might happen last month with 4Q24 reporting and 2025 guidance, but that was premature after it was signaled in early November that the dividend would be stable in 2025. There are those that believe the cut will come with 1Q25 reporting. This seems close to 4Q24 and not so far removed from November. What would the excuse be for the board? Could the trigger be closing the MLSE sale (possibly this summer) or better still the Ziply buy (expected in fall)? Will the cut come in period of announcement, or could it come with Q2 or Q3 reporting as a telegraphing of what the dividend will be in 2026?"