The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Nov. 27, edition that Scotia Capital analyst Maher Yaghi thinks the Street's expectations for Canadian telecommunication companies are "still too high heading into 2025." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that accordingly, Mr. Yaghi gave his share target for BCE a $3 haircut to $42, while maintaining a "sector perform" recommendation. Analysts on average target the shares at $43.49. Mr. Yaghi says in a note: "Current consensus estimates imply a view that wireless pressure should peak late this year with the rate of decline improving in 2025 with wireless ARPU only declining by 0 to 1 per cent year-over-year in 2025 on average for incumbents. In a market where the CRTC continues to scrutinize wireless pricing and Freedom Mobile calling out incumbents in public such as their petition last week, we see little probability of a quick improvement in pricing. Our consolidated EBITDA forecasts imply 1- to 3-per-cent lower growth for 2025 vs consensus. This lower growth expectation is due to lower wireless ARPU and loading forecasts. We have lowered some of our valuation multiples and short/medium term DCF growth assumptions leading to lower target prices."
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