Bank of Montreal - BMO STOCK NEWS

Bank of Montreal (BMO) has completed its common shares offering, raising approximately C$2.6 billion. The offering comprised C$1.6 billion from public sales and C$1.0 billion from a private placement, with a total of 13,575,750 shares issued. The private placement to BNP Paribas is linked to BMO's acquisition of Bank of the West and is expected to yield an additional C$750 million, bringing total gross proceeds to about C$3.35 billion. The shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.

BMO Financial Group announced an increase in its US prime lending rate from 7.00% to 7.50%, effective December 15, 2022. This adjustment reflects the bank's response to ongoing economic conditions. BMO is a major financial services provider in North America, holding $1.14 trillion in total assets as of October 31, 2022, and serves around 12 million customers.

Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO) announced a public offering and concurrent private placement of common shares targeting gross proceeds of approximately C$3.15 billion. This comes following OSFI's decision to raise the Domestic Stability Buffer to 3.0%, effective February 1, 2023. The Bank plans to use the funds to enhance its capital position and meet new regulatory requirements. The public offering includes 11,805,000 shares at C$118.60 each, while the private placement consists of 14,755,477 shares for institutional investors, expected to close by December 16, 2022.

BMO has partnered with Extend, becoming the first organization in Canada to enhance Corporate Card offerings with virtual card capabilities. This collaboration enables rapid onboarding and customizable payment solutions for clients across North America. Extend's platform allows employees to manage vendor payments, track expenses, and automate reconciliation processes. Juniper Research anticipates a tripling of charge volume on virtual cards in four years, indicating the growing demand for such solutions. This move aligns with BMO's Digital First strategy to leverage emerging technologies for improved financial services.

BMO announces the return of its #WraptheGood campaign, designed to support women-owned businesses during the holiday season. This initiative features festive wrapping paper and a decorative ornament that serve as ad space for these businesses and is expanded to include participants from the U.S. and Quebec. The colorful paper showcases numerous products, complemented by a Shoppable Ornament linking consumers to vendors' websites. Additionally, BMO is set to announce $150,000 in grants for women-owned businesses in February 2023, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the financial progress of women entrepreneurs.

Bank of Montreal (BMO) has successfully completed its acquisition of Radicle Group Inc., a Calgary-based leader in sustainability advisory services. Announced on July 20, 2022, this acquisition aims to strengthen BMO's position in the transition to a net-zero world. Radicle's expertise in emissions measurement will enhance BMO Capital Markets' Global Markets group. As of October 31, 2022, BMO reported total assets of $1.14 trillion and serves over 12 million customers across North America.

Bank of Montreal (BMO) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.43 per common share for Q1 2023, marking a 3% increase from the prior quarter and an 8% year-over-year rise. The common share dividend is payable on February 28, 2023, to shareholders on record as of January 30, 2023. Additionally, various dividends on preferred shares were announced, with payments scheduled for February 27, 2023. Shareholders can reinvest dividends through the Bank's Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, which offers a 2% discount on shares purchased through this plan.

BMO Financial Group reported a net income of $4,483 million for Q4 2022, a significant increase from $2,159 million year-over-year. The adjusted EPS was $3.04, slightly down from $3.33. For the fiscal year, net income reached $13,537 million, up from $7,754 million, with an adjusted EPS of $13.23. However, the provision for credit losses rose to $313 million compared to $20 million last year. Despite economic uncertainties, the CEO emphasized the bank's strong performance backed by effective risk management and targeted investments. A dividend of $1.43 per share was declared for Q1 2023, marking an 8% increase from the previous year.