The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that BCE is likely to cut its dividend this quarter as the sector continues to face headwinds to growth, according to several analysts. The Globe's Irene Galea writes that the widely held stock has in recent quarters paid out more in dividends than the company has earned in free cash flow. The yield has remained at an uncommonly high level, currently 12.8 per cent, suggesting many investors see the payout as unsustainable. BCE reports its first-quarter earnings on May 8, the same day as its annual shareholder meeting, and several analysts expect the company may take the action that many investors have long expected. In a note to investors Monday, Desjardins analyst Jerome Dubreuil said that a BCE dividend cut was a matter of "when, not if," saying there is a "significant probability" of BCE cutting its dividend this quarter. He estimated that the company would require a cut of more than 50 per cent to bring the payout ratio down significantly and save cash to spend on any potential acquisitions or on investment in its proposed acquisition of U.S. Internet service provider Ziply Fiber. BCE first put its dividend growth on hold last fall when it announced the Ziply deal.