Bank Of Montreal - BMO STOCK NEWS

BMO Financial Group announced an increase in its US prime lending rate from 5.50% to 6.25%, effective September 22, 2022. This adjustment reflects ongoing trends in interest rates and aims to align with market conditions.

BMO is a leading financial services provider in North America, ranking as the 8th largest bank by assets, totaling $1.07 trillion as of July 31, 2022.

BMO Capital Markets announced that its 2022 Equity Through Education (ETE) trading day raised C$1.65 million for educational assistance on September 20, 2022. The program, established in 2005, has contributed almost C$30 million to aid over 5000 students globally. BMO donates a day's worth of trading commissions from its operations in Toronto, New York, and London to charities focused on scholarships and mentoring. CEO Dan Barclay highlighted the program's impact on promoting diversity and supporting underprivileged students.

BMO Capital Markets is set to hold its 18th annual Equity Through Education (ETE) Trading Day on September 20, 2022, across its trading floors in Toronto, New York, and London. The initiative will donate all institutional equity commissions to charities that support post-secondary students through scholarships and leadership development. Since its inception in 2005, ETE has raised over C$28 million and helped more than 5,000 students. This year, BMO introduces a partnership with The Brokerage to provide scholarships and internships, focusing on enhancing opportunities for students from minority backgrounds.

Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO, NYSE: BMO) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.39 per share for Q4 2022, maintaining the same rate as the prior quarter. Additionally, various dividends were announced for preferred shares, with amounts ranging from $0.190875 to $24.644 per share. Payment dates are set for November 25 and November 28, 2022, with record dates on November 1, 2022. The dividends are designated as "eligible" dividends under Canadian tax law. A 2% discount is available for reinvested dividends through the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

BMO Financial Group reported a net income of $1,365 million for Q3 2022, down from $2,275 million in Q3 2021. Adjusted net income was $2,132 million, compared to $2,292 million a year prior. Reported earnings per share (EPS) were $1.95 versus $3.41 in the same quarter last year. Despite challenging market conditions, the company achieved record revenue in its North American personal and commercial sectors. BMO announced a fourth quarter dividend of $1.39 per common share, a 31% increase from last year.

BMO Financial Group partners with Xero to enhance banking efficiency for business customers. This integration allows BMO’s Online Banking users to automatically synchronize daily transactions and account balances with their Xero accounts. Key features include automatic transaction updates, a one-year transaction history, and control to modify the integration at any time. By streamlining bookkeeping tasks, BMO aims to empower businesses to focus on growth. This partnership underscores BMO's commitment to leveraging technology to offer improved financial services.

BMO Financial Group and 1871 have announced the five women-led startups participating in the 2022 WMNfintech Program, aimed at bridging the gender gap in fintech. Over 15% of women fintech founders in North America have engaged with this initiative since 2018, which has helped women-led fintechs raise over $29 million and create 170 jobs. The program includes educational workshops and provides valuable exposure to industry leaders. BMO emphasizes its commitment to inclusive economic recovery and support for women entrepreneurs through various funding initiatives.

BMO Financial Group (TSX: BMO) has received a Securities License in Japan, allowing the company to market, sell, and distribute foreign fixed income securities. This strategic move enhances BMO's service offerings to existing clients and helps attract new clients who prefer onshore banking. It aligns with BMO Capital Markets’ plan to build a premier distribution capability. The license comes after a review indicating strong demand for BMO's products in Japan, which is a significant foreign holder of US Treasuries and Canadian bonds.

BMO Financial Group announced a $650,000 investment in community programs supporting Black-owned businesses and cultural initiatives in Madison, Wisconsin. This funding is part of BMO's total commitment of over $1 million to the area, which includes investments in the Urban League of Greater Madison's Black Business Hub, The Center for Black Excellence & Culture, and the Boys & Girls Clubs' McKenzie Workforce Development Center. These initiatives aim to enhance local economic growth, create jobs, and provide training opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and youth.