Standard&Poor's today said BCE Inc.'s (A/Stable/A-2) announced results will not affect the ratings or outlook on the company. Given a softer economy, quarterly revenues of C$4.9 billion increased 3.6% versus C$4.8 billion in 2001, while EBITDA increased 6.6% to C$1.9 billion. Bell Canada contributed 91% and 93% to revenue and EBITDA, respectively; key engines of growth in wireless and at Bell ExpressVu offset softness in the large enterprise and wholesale data markets. Although debt is expected to increase to fund BCE's 20% purchase of Bell Canada from SBC Communications Inc., Standard&Poor's believes BCE will be prudent in its permanent financing arrangements associated with a shelf prospectus filing for up to C$5 billion in debt, and common
