BMO Financial Group Reports Another Quarter of Strong Results, Increasing Net Income by 27% Year Over Year to $1.03 Billion

 

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 23, 2012) - BMO Financial Group (TSX: BMO)(NYSE: BMO) and BMO Bank of Montreal -

Second Quarter 2012 Report to Shareholders

BMO Financial Group Reports Another Quarter of Strong Results, Increasing Net Income by 27% Year Over Year to $1.03 Billion

Financial Results Highlights(1):

Second Quarter 2012 Compared with Second Quarter 2011:

 

--  Net income of $1,028 million, up $215 million or 27%

 

--  Adjusted net income(2) of $982 million, up $212 million or 28%

 

--  Reported EPS(3) of $1.51, up 14%

 

--  Adjusted EPS(2,3) of $1.44, up 15%

 

--  Reported ROE of 16.2%, compared with 17.5%

 

--  Adjusted ROE(2) of 15.4%, compared with 16.6%

 

--  Provisions for credit losses of $195 million, down $102 million

 

--  Common Equity Ratio remains strong at 9.90%, using a Basel II approach

 

Year-to-Date 2012 Compared with Year-to-Date 2011:

 

--  Net income of $2,137 million, up $499 million or 31%

 

--  Adjusted net income(2) of $1,954 million, up $367 million or 23%

 

--  Reported EPS(3) of $3.14, up 18%

 

--  Adjusted EPS(2,3) of $2.86, up 11%

 

--  Provisions for credit losses of $336 million, down $284 million

 

For the second quarter ended April 30, 2012, BMO Financial Group (TSX: BMO)(NYSE: BMO) reported strong net income of $1,028 million or $1.51 per share. On an adjusted basis, net income was $982 million or $1.44 per share.

"BMO produced strong financial results again in the second quarter," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The consistent focus we have on customers and their success is underpinned by a strong, consistent brand and is grounded in the belief that a relationship bank is relevant to households and companies, as they manage their finances and improve their financial position. Simply stated, the importance we place on giving our customers increased confidence has helped us carve out a distinct position in the marketplace - and is the key to accelerating profitable growth.

"In P&C Canada, our sales efforts are driving higher volumes across most products and higher fee revenues. We continue to benefit from a deeper understanding of customers' evolving needs. In anticipation of market conditions, we acted to introduce offers that we believe are more suitable for all customers - and we are helping to move the market as a consequence, to a better place.

"The integration of our U.S. banking platform is on track. The business has been materially strengthened with expanded access to existing and new regions, increased brand awareness and a better ability to compete in highly attractive markets. The commercial team continues to outperform, and there's visible, strong growth in our commercial and industrial book.

"BMO Capital Markets delivered good performance with higher revenue and net income than last quarter. Obviously, market uncertainty persists, but our diversified portfolio of businesses and broad client base position us well to take advantage of revenue opportunities.

"Private Client Group's net income was up sharply - its best financial performance in two years. The results were strong and we continue to grow. We entered into two definitive agreements to acquire businesses that further enhance our wealth management capabilities and expand our geographic reach. Earlier this month, we opened a representative office in the Gulf Cooperation Council states to get closer to clients we have been dealing with for decades - and raise the visibility of our global asset management capability.

"Our businesses delivered strong performance in a highly competitive environment. Last fall, we embarked on a significant long-term plan to further increase the competitiveness of the bank and enhance our return on equity; the work is well underway, and we're simplifying structures and processes. Ultimately, the BMO brand and the message it carries is our best resource in building the business - and it's also our best protection against uncertainty. There can be no element more important in managing the complexity of regulatory change than our established commitment to making money make sense," concluded Mr. Downe.

Concurrent with the release of results, BMO announced a third quarter dividend of $0.70 per common share, unchanged from the preceding quarter and equivalent to an annual dividend of $2.80 per common share.

(1) Effective the first quarter of 2012, BMO's consolidated financial statements and the accompanying Interim Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as described in Note 1 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Amounts in respect of comparative periods for 2011 have been restated to conform to the current presentation. References to GAAP mean IFRS, unless indicated otherwise.

(2) Results and measures in this document are presented on a GAAP basis. They are also presented on an adjusted basis that excludes the impact of certain items. Items excluded from second quarter 2012 results in the determination of adjusted results totalled net income of $46 million after tax, comprised of a $55 million after-tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the acquired Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I) performing loan portfolio; costs of $74 million ($47 million after tax) for the integration of the acquired business; a $33 million ($24 million after tax) charge for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets on all acquisitions; the benefit of run-off structured credit activities of $76 million ($73 million after tax); restructuring charges of $31 million ($23 million after tax) to align our cost structure with the current and future business environment; and a decrease in the collective allowance for credit losses of $18 million ($12 million after tax). Items excluded from the year-to-date adjusted results totalled net income of $183 million after tax and consisted of a $169 million after-tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the acquired M&I performing loan portfolio; a $144 million ($90 million after tax) charge for the integration of the acquired business; a $67 million ($48 million after tax) charge for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; the benefit of run-off structured credit activities of $212 million ($209 million after tax); restructuring charges of $99 million ($69 million after tax) to align our cost structure with the current and future business environment; and a decrease in the collective allowance for credit losses of $18 million ($12 million after tax). All of the adjusting items are reflected in results of Corporate Services except for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which is charged across the operating groups. Management assesses performance on both a GAAP basis and adjusted basis and considers both bases to be useful in assessing underlying, ongoing business performance. Presenting results on both bases provides readers with an enhanced understanding of how management views results and may enhance readers' analysis of performance. Adjusted results and measures are non-GAAP and are detailed in the Adjusted Net Income section, and (for all reported periods) in the Non-GAAP Measures section of the MD&A, where such non-GAAP measures and their closest GAAP counterparts are disclosed.

(3) All Earnings per Share (EPS) measures in this document refer to diluted EPS unless specified otherwise. Earnings per share is calculated using net income after deductions for net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries and preferred share dividends. 

 

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