BMO Financial Group Reports Strong Net Income of $4.2 billion for 2012, Driving Strong EPS Growth
Fiscal 2012 Compared with Fiscal 2011:
· Net income of $4,189 million, up $1,075 million or 35%
· Adjusted net income(2) of $4,092 million, up $817 million or 25%
· EPS(3) of $6.15, up 27%
· Adjusted EPS(2)(3) of $6.00, up 18%
· Provisions for credit losses of $765 million; adjusted provisions of $471 million, down $637 million
· Common Equity Ratio increases to 10.5% using a Basel II approach
Fourth Quarter 2012 Compared with Fourth Quarter 2011:
· Net income of $1,082 million, up $314 million or 41%
· Adjusted net income(2) of $1,125 million, up $293 million or 35%
· EPS(3) of $1.59, up 43%
· Adjusted EPS(2)(3) of $1.65, up 38%
· ROE of 15.6%, compared with 12.7%
· Adjusted ROE(2) of 16.3%, compared with 13.9%
· Provisions for credit losses of $192 million; adjusted provisions of $113 million, down $168 million
For the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2012, BMO Financial Group reported strong net income of $1,082 million or $1.59 per share. On an adjusted basis, net income was $1,125 million or $1.65 per share. For fiscal 2012, net income was $4,189 million and EPS was $6.15. Adjusted net income was $4,092 million and adjusted EPS was $6.00.
(1) Effective the first quarter of 2012, BMO‘’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying Interim Management‘’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) or Financial Review are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2012. 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 fourth quarter 2012 results in the determination of adjusted results totalled a charge of $43 million after tax, comprised of a $35 million after tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the acquired Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I) performing loan portfolio; costs of $153 million ($95 million after tax) for the integration of the acquired business; a $34 million ($24 million after tax) charge for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets on all acquisitions; a benefit on run-off structured credit activities of $67 million ($67 million after tax); a restructuring charge of $74 million ($53 million after tax) to align our cost structure for the current and future business environment; and a decrease in the collective allowance for credit losses of $49 million ($27 million after tax). 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 Financial Review, 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. EPS is calculated using net income after deductions for net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries and preferred share dividends.
Note: All ratios and percentage changes in this report are based on unrounded numbers.
“BMO‘’s fourth quarter results mark a strong finish to a pivotal year for the bank,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "In the quarter we successfully completed the conversion of the core banking platform in the U.S. and turned the page on the purchase of M&I, announced 24 months ago. Since the fourth quarter of 2010, we have generated reported earnings of $7.3 billion and increased BMO‘’s book value from $19.3 billion to $26.2 billion - an increase of 18%. During the year we increased the dividend and grew net loans and acceptances by 7.4% and deposits by 7.1%. A concerted focus on efficiency was reflected in a reduction of 700 full-time employees.
"P&C Canada experienced good quarter-over-quarter balance sheet growth - with loans and deposits up. We continue to see growth in residential mortgage market share, and believe the changes to Canada‘’s mortgage market announced earlier this year, which are aligned with BMO‘’s risk practices and ongoing efforts to encourage Canadians to borrow smartly, are having the desired moderating effect on housing prices in most markets.
"Over the past two years, with the acquisition of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation, we have fundamentally transformed the bank, changed its growth trajectory, and enhanced long-term value for shareholders. BMO Harris Bank has strong deposit market share positions in our core Midwest markets, and our U.S. footprint has doubled in size.
"During the year over 600 U.S. bank branches have been refreshed; high visibility BMO signage and promotion have been put in place; and 1,370 bank machines were raised to a new standard. Our reputation as a consistent commercial lender continues to grow. The core commercial and industrial portfolio in the U.S. has now increased in four sequential quarters - up 15 per cent from a year ago.
"Our efforts to attract new client assets in our wealth businesses have been effective. Of note, our U.S. wealth segment, which has an advantaged private banking and asset management platform, delivered over $100 million in adjusted earnings in 2012. In Canada, we continue to innovate as a leader in the ETF market and BMO InvestorLine‘’s introduction of adviceDirect means that even if you are a do-it-yourself investor, you can get specific investment recommendations to help you manage your portfolio so you don‘’t have to feel like you‘’re on your own.
"BMO Capital Markets continues to deliver very good earnings with strong ROE. Our reputation as experienced advisors who help clients navigate emerging opportunities continues to grow.
"We are confident that each of our U.S. businesses - personal and commercial, wealth, and capital markets - has the scale to compete for new customers. We are well-positioned to leverage the investments we have made in each of these businesses and focus on organic growth.
"I would like to thank our customers for the trust they place in the bank and in particular acknowledge the customers who were part of the conversion of the core banking platform in the U.S. for their continuing loyalty. We recognize that critical to the bank‘’s success is our ability to serve customers exceptionally well - and help them succeed. The bank‘’s employees are at the heart of our differentiation strategy; they continuously drive forward our vision to define great customer experience - and I would like to acknowledge them for their hard work and the great improvements being made in the way work gets done more efficiently for our customers.
“As we look ahead to 2013, we are confident that each of our businesses is positioned to deliver high quality sustained earnings growth against a high standard of customer experience,” concluded Mr. Downe.
Concurrent with the release of results, BMO announced a first quarter 2013 dividend of $0.72 per common share, unchanged from the preceding quarter and equivalent to an annual dividend of $2.88 per common share. BMO‘’s capital position is strong. We announced our intention, subject to the approval of OSFI and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to initiate a normal course issuer bid for up to 15,000,000 of the bank‘’s own common shares.
BMO‘’s 2012 audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying management‘’s discussion & analysis (MD&A) will be available today at www.bmo.com, along with the supplementary financial information report.
Operating Segment Overview
P&C Canada
Net income was $439 million in the fourth quarter, unchanged from a year ago. Reported results reflect provisions for credit losses in BMO‘’s operating groups on an expected loss basis. On a basis that adjusts reported results to reflect provisions on an actual loss basis, P&C Canada‘’s net income was up $26 million or 6.2%. Results reflect the combination of higher volumes across most products and lower net interest margin. Expense growth of 0.7% year over year reflects good expense management with investments for growth.
We are focused on making money make sense for our customers while making it easier for them to use our products and services. Our distribution network continues to expand, with 51 branch locations opened or upgraded across the country, and the addition of more than 350 cash dispensing ABMs in 2012. Enhancements to online capabilities continue to provide customers with easy and quick access to our services, and more and more customers are using online and mobile features including email alerts and Mobile PayPass functionality.
In personal banking, with the success and momentum of our home financing campaign, we have established many new customer relationships while expanding existing ones through increased cross-selling of our products. In addition, our online appointment booking capabilities and leads management engine are enabling our sales force to work with customers to meet their needs and make money make sense for them. We are confident in the continued success of our business.
In commercial banking, our goal is to become the bank of choice for businesses across Canada by providing the knowledge, advice and guidance that customers value. Our award winning Online Banking for Business platform is helping customers manage their businesses better. We have seen positive early results following the recent launch of BMO Business Bundles, a product that provides flexible banking solutions that help make money make sense for business customers. We continue to rank #2 in Canadian business banking loan market share for small and medium sized loans.
P&C U.S. (all amounts in US$)
Net income of $132 million decreased $21 million or 14% from $153 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. Adjusted net income was $147 million, down $24 million or 13% from strong results a year ago due to lower revenue, due primarily to a reduction in certain loan portfolios and regulatory changes that lowered interchange fees. Adjusted net income increased 2.9% from the third quarter.
The core commercial and industrial loan portfolio continues to grow, having now increased in four sequential quarters with growth of $2.6 billion or 15% from the fourth quarter a year ago.
In the Chicago area, BMO Harris Bank‘’s deposits market share improved to 11.6% and we maintained our second place ranking. We have good relationships in place with our customers, who see BMO Harris Bank as a strong and stable leader, and deepening those relationships is helping to drive growth in market share. Our Wisconsin deposits market share was even higher, at 15.8% with a second place ranking.
During the quarter, we completed the integration of the operating systems of Harris Bank and M&I, giving customers access to a much larger network of branches and ABMs. In conjunction with the completion of the integration, we unveiled new signage on a number of the branches and our complete network of 630 branches and more than 1,370 ABMs now displays BMO Harris Bank signage.
Private Client Group
Net income was $166 million, up $29 million or 21% from a year ago. Adjusted net income was $171 million, up $28 million or 20% from a year ago. Adjusted net income in Private Client Group (PCG), excluding Insurance, was $95 million, down $8 million or 7.1% from a year ago. These results reflect higher revenue across most businesses, offset by higher strategic initiative spending to drive future revenue growth. Adjusted net income in PCG Insurance was $76 million, up $36 million or 86% from a year ago. These results benefited from changes to our investment portfolio to improve asset-liability management and the annual review of actuarial assumptions. Lower interest rates reduced PCG Insurance adjusted net income by $7 million in the current quarter and by $19 million a year ago.
Assets under management and administration grew $40 billion from a year ago to $465 billion due to market appreciation and new client assets.
On September 10, 2012, BMO InvestorLine launched adviceDirect, an innovative and personalized service that provides investing advice to online investors. The first of its kind in Canada, adviceDirect puts investors in control by providing specific investment recommendations to help them manage their investment portfolios.
BMO Capital Markets
Net income for the quarter was $293 million, more than double the level of a year ago. Revenues in the current quarter were significantly higher, as the market environment improved from the weak conditions of the previous year. These conditions provided more business opportunities, driving solid improvement in our trading revenue, particularly in interest rate and equity trading and increased underwriting fees.
Within BMO Capital Markets we remain focused on our core clients and staying true to our North American strategy of consistently delivering a great client experience while evolving in response to the market.
During the quarter, BMO Capital Markets was named as the North America M&A Investment Bank Team of the Year, Americas, by Global M&A Network at the Americas M&A Atlas Awards for our quality of advice on a series of award winning deals. The awards honour outstanding firms, top deals and influential dealmakers from the North American and South American mergers, acquisitions, corporate and private equity deal communities.
BMO Capital Markets participated in 134 new issues in the quarter including 38 corporate debt deals, 29 government debt deals, 57 common equity transactions and 10 issues of preferred shares, raising $52 billion.
Corporate Services
Net income for the quarter was $54 million, an improvement of $160 million from a year ago. On an adjusted basis, net income was $74 million, an improvement of $141 million from a year ago. Adjusting items are detailed in the Adjusted Net Income section and in the Non-GAAP Measures section. Adjusted provisions for credit losses were $173 million lower than a year ago due in part to a $132 million ($82 million after tax) recovery of provisions for credit losses on the M&I purchased credit impaired loan portfolio, primarily due to the timing and amount of repayments of loans in excess of expectations at closing. The remaining decrease was attributable to lower provisions charged to Corporate Services under BMO‘’s expected loss provisioning methodology, which is explained in the Review of Operating Groups‘’ Performance section at the end of this document.
Acquisition of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I)
On July 5, 2011, BMO completed the acquisition of M&I. In this document, M&I is generally referred to as the ‘’acquired business‘’ and other acquisitions are specifically identified. Activities of the acquired business are primarily reflected in the P&C U.S., Private Client Group and Corporate Services segments, with a small amount included in BMO Capital Markets.
The acquired business contributed $90 million to reported net income and $169 million to adjusted net income for the quarter. It contributed $647 million to reported net income and $730 million to adjusted net income for the fiscal year. In 2011, it contributed $105 million to net income and $180 million to adjusted net income.
Adjusted Net Income
Management has designated certain amounts as adjusting items and has adjusted GAAP results so that we can discuss and present financial results without the effects of adjusting items to facilitate understanding of business performance and related trends. Management assesses performance on a GAAP basis and on an adjusted basis and considers both to be useful in the assessment of underlying business performance. Presenting results on both bases provides readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results. Adjusted results and measures are non-GAAP and, together with items excluded in determining adjusted results, are disclosed in more detail in the Non-GAAP Measures section, along with comments on the uses and limitations of such measures. Items excluded from fourth quarter 2012 results in the determination of adjusted results reduced reported net income by $43 million or $0.06 per share and were comprised of:
· the $35 million after tax net benefit for credit-related items in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio, including $185 million for the recognition in net interest income of a portion of the credit mark on the portfolio (including $69 million for the release of the credit mark related to early repayment of loans), net of a $128 million provision for credit losses (comprised of an increase in the collective allowance of $25 million and specific provisions of $103 million) and related income taxes of $22 million. These credit-related items in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio can significantly impact both net interest income and the provision for credit losses in different periods over the life of the portfolio;
· costs of $153 million ($95 million after tax) for integration of the acquired business including amounts related to system conversions, restructuring and other employee-related charges, consulting fees and marketing costs in connection with customer communications and rebranding activities;
· the $67 million before and after tax benefit from run-off structured credit activities (our credit protection vehicle and structured investment vehicle). These vehicles are consolidated on our balance sheet under IFRS and results primarily reflect valuation changes associated with these activities that have been included in trading revenue;
· a decrease in the collective allowance for credit losses of $49 million ($27 million after tax) on loans other than the M&I purchased loan portfolio;
· a restructuring charge of $74 million ($53 million after tax) to help align our cost structure for the current and future business environment. This action is part of the broader effort underway in the bank to improve productivity; and
· the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $34 million ($24 million after tax).
Adjusted net income was $1,125 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, up $293 million or 35% from a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.65, up 38% from $1.20 a year ago. All of the above adjusting items were recorded in Corporate Services except the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which is charged to the operating groups. The impact of adjusting items for comparative periods is summarized in the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Caution
The foregoing sections contain forward-looking statements. Please see the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements that follows.
The foregoing sections contain adjusted results and measures, which are non-GAAP. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Financial Review
The Financial Review commentary is as of December 4, 2012. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). References to GAAP mean IFRS, unless indicated otherwise. The Financial Review should be read in conjunction with the summary unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements for the period ended October 31, 2012, included in this document, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2012, and Management‘’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for fiscal 2012. Note 30 to the audited financial statements contains reconciliations and descriptions of the effects of the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS on BMO‘’s financial results. The material that precedes this section comprises part of this Financial Review.
The annual MD&A includes a comprehensive discussion of our businesses, strategies and objectives, and can be accessed on our website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations. Readers are also encouraged to visit the site to view other quarterly financial information.
Bank of Montreal uses a unified branding approach that links all of the organization‘’s member companies. Bank of Montreal, together with its subsidiaries, is known as BMO Financial Group. As such, in this document, the names BMO and BMO Financial Group mean Bank of Montreal, together with its subsidiaries.
Management‘’s Responsibility for Financial Information
Bank of Montreal‘’s Audit and Conduct Review Committee reviewed this document, including the summary unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements, and Bank of Montreal‘’s Board of Directors approved the document prior to its release.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Bank of Montreal‘’s public communications often include written or oral forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document, and may be included in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or in other communications. All such statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments with respect to our objectives and priorities for 2013 and beyond, our strategies or future actions, our targets, expectations for our financial condition or share price, and the results of or outlook for our operations or for the Canadian and U.S. economies.
By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections. We caution readers of this document not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements.
The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: general economic and market conditions in the countries in which we operate; weak, volatile or illiquid capital and/or credit markets; interest rate and currency value fluctuations; changes in monetary, fiscal or economic policy; the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which we operate; changes in laws or in supervisory expectations or requirements, including capital, interest rate and liquidity requirements and guidance; judicial or regulatory proceedings; the accuracy and completeness of the information we obtain with respect to our customers and counterparties; our ability to execute our strategic plans and to complete and integrate acquisitions; critical accounting estimates and the effect of changes to accounting standards, rules and interpretations on these estimates; operational and infrastructure risks; changes to our credit ratings; general political conditions; global capital markets activities; the possible effects on our business of war or terrorist activities; disease or illness that affects local, national or international economies; natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply; technological changes; and our ability to anticipate and effectively manage risks associated with all of the foregoing factors.
We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Other factors could adversely affect our results. For more information, please see the discussion on pages 28 and 29 of BMO‘’s 2012 annual MD&A, which outlines in detail certain key factors that may affect Bank of Montreal‘’s future results. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Bank of Montreal, investors and others should carefully consider these factors, as well as other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements. Bank of Montreal does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the organization or on its behalf, except as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this document is presented for the purpose of assisting our shareholders in understanding our financial position as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, as well as our strategic priorities and objectives, and may not be appropriate for other purposes.
In calculating the pro-forma impact of Basel III on our regulatory capital, risk-weighted assets (including Counterparty Credit Risk and Market Risk) and regulatory capital ratios, we have assumed that our interpretation of the proposed rules and amendments announced by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) as of this date, and our models used to assess those requirements, are consistent with the final requirements that will be promulgated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI). We have also assumed that the proposed changes affecting capital deductions, risk-weighted assets, the regulatory capital treatment for non-common share capital instruments (i.e. grandfathered capital instruments) and the minimum regulatory capital ratios will be adopted by OSFI as proposed by BCBS, unless OSFI has expressly advised otherwise. We have also assumed that existing capital instruments that are non-Basel III compliant but are Basel II compliant can be fully included in the October 31, 2012, pro-forma calculations. The full impact of the Basel III proposals has been quantified based on our financial and risk positions at year end or as close to year end as was practical. In setting out the expectation that we will be able to refinance certain capital instruments in the future, as and when necessary to meet regulatory capital requirements, we have assumed that factors beyond our control, including the state of the economic and capital markets environment, will not impair our ability to do so.
Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian and U.S. economies, as well as overall market conditions and their combined effect on our business, are material factors we consider when determining our strategic priorities, objectives and expectations for our business. In determining our expectations for economic growth, both broadly and in the financial services sector, we primarily consider historical economic data provided by the Canadian and U.S. governments and their agencies. See the Economic Developments section on page 30 of BMO‘’s 2012 annual MD&A. Among the material factors that we considered when establishing our expectation of net interest margin changes in 2013 in the P&C Canada business, were assumptions about growth in and mix of loans and deposits, stable competitive pressures and an interest rate and economic environment as described on page 48 of BMO‘’s 2012 annual MD&A.
Regulatory Filings
Our continuous disclosure materials, including our interim filings, annual MD&A and audited consolidated financial statements, Annual Information Form and Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Circular are available on our website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations, on the Canadian Securities Administrators‘’ website at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR section of the SEC‘’s website at www.sec.gov.
Foreign Exchange
The Canadian dollar equivalents of BMO‘’s U.S.-dollar-denominated net income, revenues, expenses, provisions for credit losses and income taxes were decreased relative to the fourth quarter of 2011 and third quarter of 2012 by the weakening of the U.S. dollar. The average Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate for the quarter, expressed in terms of the Canadian dollar cost of a U.S. dollar, decreased by 1.8% from a year ago and by 2.8% from the average of the third quarter. The following table indicates the relevant average Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rates and the impact of changes in the rates. The effect of currency fluctuations on our investments in foreign operations is discussed in the Income Taxes section.
Net Income
Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011
Net income was $1,082 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, up $314 million or 41% from a year ago. Earnings per share were $1.59, up 43% from $1.11 a year ago.
Adjusted net income was $1,125 million, up $293 million or 35% from a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.65, up 38% from $1.20 a year ago. Adjusted results and items excluded in determining adjusted results are disclosed in more detail in the preceding Adjusted Net Income section and in the Non-GAAP Measures section, together with comments on the uses and limitations of such measures.
There was good revenue growth and controlled expense growth, resulting in adjusted operating leverage of 2.7%. Adjusted provisions for credit losses were lower than in 2011 and there was a lower effective tax rate. BMO Capital Markets adjusted net income was significantly higher than a year ago as the market environment improved. PCG results were also higher, due to improvements in its insurance operations. P&C Canada‘’s results on an expected loss basis were unchanged from a year ago as the effects of higher volumes across most products were offset by reduced net interest margin. Its net income increased on an actual loss basis. P&C U.S. results decreased from strong results a year ago due to lower revenue, due primarily to a reduction in certain loan portfolios and regulatory changes that lowered interchange fees. Corporate Services adjusted net income was higher, due primarily to a recovery of provisions for credit losses on the M&I purchased credit impaired loan portfolio and lower provisions charged to Corporate under BMO‘’s expected loss provisioning methodology.
Q4 2012 vs Q3 2012
Net income increased $112 million or 12% from the third quarter and earnings per share increased $0.16 or 12%. Adjusted net income increased $112 million or 11% and adjusted earnings per share increased $0.16 or 11%.
As with the year-over-year improvement, increased adjusted net income reflected good revenue growth and controlled expense growth, resulting in adjusted operating leverage of 2.6% from the third quarter. On an adjusted basis, there was increased net income in all groups except P&C Canada. There was strong growth in PCG and BMO Capital Markets and a more modest increase in P&C U.S. on a U.S. dollar basis. P&C Canada earnings were down due to lower net interest margin and higher initiative spending while Corporate Services adjusted net income was modestly higher.
Revenue
Total revenue increased $354 million or 9.3% from the fourth quarter a year ago to $4,176 million. Adjusted revenue increased $250 million or 6.8% to $3,920 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. There was strong growth in BMO Capital Markets in the improved trading environment and in PCG due to better insurance results. P&C Canada revenues were relatively unchanged as higher volumes across most products were offset by the effects of reduced net interest margin. P&C U.S. revenues decreased due primarily to a reduction in certain loan portfolios and regulatory changes that lowered interchange fees. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased adjusted revenue growth by $24 million or 0.7%.
Revenue increased $298 million or 7.7% from the third quarter. Adjusted revenue increased $243 million or 6.7%. There was strong growth in BMO Capital Markets and insurance revenue in PCG. Revenues were relatively unchanged in P&C Canada and were lower in P&C U.S., but increased on a U.S. dollar basis. Adjusted revenues in Corporate Services were higher. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased adjusted revenue growth by $38 million or 1.0%.
Changes in net interest income and non-interest revenue are reviewed in the sections that follow.
This section contains adjusted results and measures which are non-GAAP. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income decreased $117 million or 5.2% from a year ago to $2,145 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. Reported net interest income includes amounts for the recognition of a portion of the credit mark on the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio. Adjusted net interest income decreased $40 million or 2.0% to $1,956 million. On an adjusted basis, there were reductions in P&C Canada and P&C U.S. with increases in each of PCG, BMO Capital Markets and, Corporate Services.
BMO‘’s overall net interest margin decreased by 18 basis points year over year to 1.83%. Adjusted net interest margin decreased by 11 basis points to 1.67% with decreases in each of the operating groups. The decrease in P&C Canada was primarily driven by deposit spread compression in a low rate environment and changes in mix, including loan growth exceeding deposit growth. The decline in P&C U.S. was mainly due to deposit spread compression in a low rate environment, as well as a decline in loan spreads due to competitive pressures, partly offset by deposit growth exceeding loan growth. The reduction in PCG was mainly due to growth in insurance assets, which have no impact on net interest income, and lower loan spreads. BMO Capital Markets net interest margin reduction was modest. Corporate Services adjusted net interest income increased year over year and modestly reduced BMO‘’s overall margin decline.
Average earning assets in the fourth quarter of 2012 increased $20.2 billion or 4.5% relative to a year ago. There was strong growth in BMO Capital Markets due to increased holdings of securities, resulting from improved investment opportunities, and higher deposits at the Federal Reserve. There was also strong growth in P&C Canada, driven by volume growth across most products, and in Private Client Group, which benefited from personal loan growth in private banking and higher insurance assets. In P&C U.S., strong commercial loan growth was more than offset by a reduction in certain loan portfolios, decreases in our personal loan balances due in part to the current economic environment and the effects of our continued practice of selling most mortgage originations in the secondary market.
Relative to the third quarter, net interest income decreased $80 million or 3.6%. Adjusted net interest income decreased $56 million or 2.7%. The more significant decrease was in BMO Capital Markets due to lower assets and reduced margin. There were more modest decreases in P&C Canada, P&C U.S. and in PCG, with an increase in Corporate Services.
BMO‘’s overall net interest margin decreased 5 basis points from the third quarter. Adjusted net interest margin decreased 3 basis points. BMO‘’s overall margin decrease was relatively small as decreases in the P&C businesses were offset by a positive contribution from Corporate Services reflecting a decline in lower yielding earning assets. P&C Canada‘’s net interest margin decreased due to deposit spread compression in a low rate environment and changes in mix, including loan growth exceeding deposit growth. Lower net interest margin in P&C U.S. was mainly due to the effects of deposit spread compression in a low rate environment, as well as a decline in loan spreads due to competitive pressures. The margin decrease in Private Client Group was mainly due to deposit spread compression in private banking, and the decrease in BMO Capital Markets was due to lower spreads and lower net interest income due to a charge on the termination of a contract in the U.S. business.
Average earning assets decreased $5.4 billion or 1.2% from the third quarter, including a $0.7 billion decrease as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar. Good growth in P&C Canada and PCG was offset by reductions in the other operating groups.
Adjusted results in this section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Non-Interest Revenue
Non-interest revenue increased $471 million or 30% from the fourth quarter a year ago to $2,031 million. Adjusted non-interest revenue increased $290 million or 17% to $1,964 million. There was strong growth in trading revenues as the market environment improved from the prior year. Underwriting fees also improved. Foreign exchange revenues increased and insurance revenues were higher, mainly as a result of the benefits from changes to our investment portfolio to improve asset-liability management and the annual review of actuarial assumptions. The impact of lower interest rates reduced insurance non-interest revenue by less than the reduction of a year ago.
Relative to the third quarter, non-interest revenue increased $378 million or 23%. Adjusted non-interest revenue increased $299 million or 18%. There was a significant increase in trading revenues and in insurance revenues, for the reasons discussed above. Lower interest rates reduced insurance revenue by $61 million in the third quarter. Securities gains normalized from the low levels in the third quarter and underwriting and advisory fees decreased modestly.
Non-interest revenue is detailed in the attached summary unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.
Adjusted results in this section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $269 million or 11% from the fourth quarter a year ago to $2,701 million. Adjusted non-interest expense increased $95 million or 4.1% to $2,436 million due to higher revenue-driven costs and spending on strategic initiatives. There were also higher technology related costs. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased adjusted expense growth by $15 million or 0.6%. Our increased focus on productivity has contributed to relatively low expense growth through the year.
Relative to the third quarter, non-interest expense increased $217 million or 8.7%. Adjusted non-interest expense increased $94 million or 4.0%, due to higher revenue-driven costs and increased initiative and technology investment spending. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased adjusted expense growth by $23 million or 1.0%. There was strong quarter-over-quarter adjusted operating leverage of 2.6%.
Non-interest expense is detailed in the attached summary unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements.
Adjusted results in this section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Risk Management
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the provision for credit losses was $192 million and the adjusted provision for credit losses was $113 million. Adjusting items included a $103 million specific provision on the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio, a $25 million increase in the collective allowance for the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio and a $49 million reduction in the collective allowance on other loan portfolios. The reduction related to our other loan portfolios reflects an improving trend in the credit quality and the economic environment, particularly for our U.S. portfolio.
The adjusted provision for credit losses of $113 million represents an annualized 20 basis points of average net loans and acceptances, compared with $116 million or an annualized 21 basis points in the third quarter of 2012 and $281 million or an annualized 53 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2011. Included in the adjusted specific provision for credit losses is a recovery of $132 million related to the M&I purchased credit impaired loans this quarter, compared with a $118 million recovery in the third quarter of 2012 and $nil in the fourth quarter of 2011.
On a geographic basis, specific provisions in Canada and all other countries (excluding the United States) were $143 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, $138 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $180 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Specific provisions in the United States were $73 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, $91 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $119 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. On an adjusted basis, specific provisions in the United States for the comparable periods were a $30 million recovery, a $22 million recovery and a charge of $101 million, respectively.
Starting in the first quarter of 2012, provisions for credit losses for the current and prior periods are reported on an IFRS basis, and as such include provisions resulting from the recognition of our securitized loans and certain special purpose entities on our balance sheet. IFRS also requires that we recognize interest income on impaired loans with a corresponding increase in provision for credit losses.
BMO employs a methodology for segmented reporting purposes whereby credit losses are charged to the client operating groups quarterly, based on their share of expected credit losses. The difference between quarterly charges based on expected losses and required quarterly provisions based on actual losses is charged (or credited) to Corporate Services. The second table that follows outlines credit losses by client operating group based on actual credit losses. The actual losses in this table, for P&C Canada were relatively unchanged from the prior quarter. On an adjusted basis, P&C U.S. credit quality has stabilized as actual losses declined by $2 million to $69 million in the current quarter. There were actual losses of $101 million in P&C U.S. related to the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio. The potential for losses in this portfolio was adequately provided for in the credit mark.
On an adjusted basis, actual losses in Private Client Group and Corporate Services increased quarter over quarter by $6 million and $10 million, respectively. BMO Capital Markets realized credit quality improvement quarter over quarter with increased recoveries of previously written-off amounts.
Impaired loan formations in BMO‘’s legacy portfolio (which excludes the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio) totalled $428 million in the current quarter, up from $405 million in the third quarter of 2012 and down from $628 million a year ago. Impaired loan formations related to the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio were $359 million in the current quarter, compared with $386 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $104 million a year ago.
During the quarter, US regulatory guidance on consumer loans was issued requiring changes to impairment classification for certain loans in our P&C U.S. portfolio. This guidance has increased our impaired loan formations by $142 million ($67 million related to the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio and $75 million on the rest of the P&C U.S. portfolio). A specific provision of $71 million was also recognized related to this change, comprised of $38 million on the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio and $33 million on the rest of the P&C U.S. portfolio.
Total gross impaired loans, on a basis that excludes the purchased credit impaired loans, were $2,976 million at the end of the current quarter, up from $2,867 million in the third quarter of 2012 and $2,685 million a year ago. At the end of the quarter, there were $1,014 million of gross impaired loans related to the acquired portfolios, of which $136 million is subject to a loss-sharing agreement that expires in 2015 for commercial loans and in 2020 for retail loans.
An active housing market in Canada with low interest rates and high consumer debt levels could imply potential risk if there were an economic downturn or increase in interest rates. Approximately 64% of the portfolio is insured, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 64% (adjusted for current housing values). The remaining 36% of the portfolio is uninsured, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 58%. BMO‘’s Home Equity Line of Credit portfolio is uninsured, but 95% of the exposures represent a priority claim by BMO and there are no exposures that had a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% at time of origination. We remain satisfied with our prudent and consistent lending standards throughout the credit cycle and will continue to monitor the portfolio closely. BMO‘’s liquidity and funding, market and insurance risk management practices and key measures are outlined on pages 82 to 89 of BMO‘’s 2012 annual MD&A.
There were no significant changes to our level of liquidity and funding risk over the quarter. We remain satisfied that our liquidity and funding management framework provides us with a sound liquidity position.
Total Trading and Underwriting Market Value Exposure (MVE) remained relatively unchanged quarter over quarter. The gradual increase through the fourth quarter was mainly due to rising underwriting activity that subsequently subsided at the end of the period. Exposure in the bank‘’s available-for-sale portfolios declined over the period mainly due to a decrease in fixed income activity.
There were no significant changes in our structural market risk management practices during the quarter. Structural MVE is driven by rising interest rates and primarily reflects a lower market value for fixed-rate loans. Structural Earnings Volatility (EV) is driven by falling interest rates and primarily reflects the risk of prime-based loans repricing at lower rates. Risk positions were largely unchanged from the prior quarter.
There were no significant changes in the risk management practices or risk levels of our insurance business during the quarter.
This Risk Management section contains forward-looking statements. Please see the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Adjusted results in this section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Income Taxes
As explained in the Review of Operating Groups‘’ Performance section, management assesses BMO‘’s consolidated results and associated provisions for income taxes on a GAAP basis. We assess the performance of the operating groups and associated income taxes on a taxable equivalent basis and report accordingly.
The provision for income taxes of $201 million decreased $59 million from the fourth quarter of 2011 and increased $14 million from the third quarter of 2012. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 15.7%, compared with 25.3% in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 16.2% in the third quarter of 2012. The lower effective rate in the current quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2011 was in part due to the run-off structured credit activities.
The adjusted provision for income taxes of $246 million increased $30 million from a year ago and $40 million from the third quarter. The adjusted effective tax rate was 17.9% in the current quarter, compared with 20.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011 and 16.9% in the third quarter of 2012. The lower effective rate in the current quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to higher recoveries of prior periods‘’ income taxes. The adjusted effective tax rate is computed using adjusted net income rather than net income in the determination of income subject to tax.
Adjusted results in this section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Capital Management
BMO‘’s capital ratios are strong: the pro-forma Basel III Common Equity ratio is 8.7% and the Basel II Tier 1 Capital ratio is 12.6%. Both ratios are well in excess of regulatory minimums.
Q4-2012 Regulatory Capital Review
BMO remains well capitalized at October 31, 2012, with a Basel II Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 12.6%. Tier 1 capital was $26 billion, risk-weighted assets (RWA) were $205 billion and adjusted common shareholders‘’ equity was $22 billion. At July 31, 2012, the Tier 1 Ratio was 12.4%. Tier 1 capital increased $0.5 billion from July 31, 2012, primarily due to higher retained earnings, the issuance of common shares through the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, the exercise of stock options and lower Tier 1 capital deductions, partly offset by adjustments to retained earnings as part of the transition to IFRS, which is phased in over the five quarters ending January 2013. RWA was unchanged from July 31, 2012. The Tier 1 capital ratio increased 22 basis points from 12.4% at July 31, 2012. Total capital increased $0.4 billion due to growth in Adjusted Tier 1 capital as noted above, partly offset by higher Tier 2 capital deductions. BMO‘’s Basel II Total Capital Ratio was 14.9% at October 31, 2012.
Pending Basel III Regulatory Capital Changes
Effective the first quarter of 2013, regulatory capital requirements for the consolidated entity will be determined on a Basel III basis. The Basel III capital rules that come into effect in January 2013 have now been described by OSFI in drafts disclosed for public consultation. OSFI has indicated that it expects deposit-taking institutions to meet the fully implemented Basel III capital requirements early in the transition period and that it expects such institutions to have a Common Equity Ratio target of at least 7% (4.5% minimum plus 2.5% capital conservation buffer) in January 2013. BMO currently surpasses the fully implemented Basel III capital expectations on a pro-forma basis.
We consider the Common Equity Ratio and the Tier 1 Capital Ratio to be the primary capital ratios under Basel III. Based on our analysis and assumptions and including the full phase-in of the impacts of the adoption of IFRS, BMO‘’s pro-forma Basel III Common Equity Ratio and Tier 1 Capital Ratio at October 31, 2012, would be 8.7%% and 10.5%, respectively. Additional detail on BMO‘’s Basel III pro-forma capital ratio calculations and the impacts of changes associated with the adoption of IFRS is available in BMO‘’s 2012 annual MD&A.
Other Capital Developments
During the quarter, there were 3,791,000 shares issued through the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan and the exercise of stock options.
On December 4, 2012, BMO announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend payable to common shareholders of $0.72 per share, up 2 cents from a year ago and unchanged from the preceding quarter. The dividend is payable February 26, 2013, to shareholders of record on February 1, 2013. Common shareholders may elect to have their cash dividends reinvested in common shares of the bank in accordance with the bank‘’s Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (“Plan”). Under the Plan, the Board of Directors determines whether the common shares will be purchased in the secondary market or issued by the bank from treasury. At this time, the common shares purchased under the Plan will be issued from treasury without a discount from the average market price of the common shares (as defined in the Plan).
On December 4, 2012, BMO announced its intention, subject to the approval of OSFI and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to initiate a normal course issuer bid for up to 15,000,000 of the bank‘’s own common shares. Once approvals are obtained, the share repurchase program will permit us to purchase BMO‘’s own common shares on the TSX for the purpose of cancellation. The timing and amount of any purchases under the program is subject to regulatory approvals and to management discretion based on factors such as market conditions.
Caution
The foregoing Capital Management sections contain forward-looking statements. Please see the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
The foregoing Capital Management sections contain adjusted results and measures, which are non-GAAP. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Eligible Dividends Designation
For the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any similar provincial and territorial legislation, BMO designates all dividends paid or deemed to be paid on both its common and preferred shares as “eligible dividends”, unless indicated otherwise.
The following sections review the financial results of each of our operating segments and operating groups for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Periodically, certain business lines and units within the business lines are transferred between client groups to more closely align BMO‘’s organizational structure with its strategic priorities. Results for prior periods are restated to conform to the current presentation.
Effective in the first quarter of 2012, Private Client Group and P&C Canada entered into a revised agreement that changes the way they report financial results related to retail mutual fund sales. Prior periods have been restated.
Corporate Services is generally charged (or credited) with differences between the periodic provisions for credit losses charged to the client groups under our expected loss provisioning methodology and the periodic provisions required under GAAP.
BMO analyzes revenue at the consolidated level based on GAAP revenues reflected in the consolidated financial statements rather than on a taxable equivalent basis (teb), which is consistent with our Canadian peer group. Like many banks, we continue to analyze revenue on a teb basis at the operating group level. This basis includes an adjustment that increases GAAP revenues and the GAAP provision for income taxes by an amount that would raise revenues on certain tax-exempt items to a level equivalent to amounts that would incur tax at the statutory rate. The offset to the group teb adjustments is reflected in Corporate Services revenues and income tax provisions. The teb adjustments for the fourth quarter of 2012 totalled $92 million, up from $51 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 and up from $66 million in the third quarter of 2012.
The Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C) operating group represents the sum of our two retail and business banking operating segments, Personal and Commercial Banking Canada (P&C Canada) and Personal and Commercial Banking U.S. (P&C U.S.). These operating segments are reviewed separately in the sections that follow.
Q4 2012 VS Q4 2011
P&C Canada net income of $439 million was unchanged from a year ago. Reported results reflect provisions for credit losses in BMO‘’s operating groups on an expected loss basis. On a basis that adjusts reported results to reflect provisions on an actual loss basis, P&C Canada‘’s net income was up $26 million or 6.2%.
Revenue was essentially unchanged, as the effects of increased balances and fees across most products were offset by lower net interest margin. Net interest margin declined 21 basis points to 2.67% primarily due to deposit spread compression in a low rate environment and changes in mix, including loan growth exceeding deposit growth.
In the personal banking segment, revenue was unchanged year over year. Balance growth across most products was offset by the impact of lower net interest margin. Total personal lending balances (including mortgages, Homeowner ReadiLine and other consumer lending products) increased 7.8% year over year, while total personal lending market share was up 19 basis points from last year.
Our goal is to grow market share while remaining attentive to the credit quality of the portfolio. We continue to focus on strengthening the total personal lending business through focused investment and improved productivity in the sales force.
Personal deposit balances increased 3.5% year over year due to an increase in retail operating deposits. Market share for personal deposits decreased 47 basis points year over year due to slow growth in term deposits.
In the commercial banking segment, revenue was down a modest $5 million as the effects of higher balances and fees across most products were more than offset by lower net interest margin.
Commercial loan balances increased 8.1% year over year, and commercial deposit balances grew 6.2%. We continue to rank second in Canadian business banking market share of small and mid-sized business loans.
Non-interest expense increased marginally, rising $4 million or 0.7% from the prior year as the impact of higher initiative spending and advertising costs was mitigated by continued cost management actions.
Average current loans and acceptances increased $11.2 billion or 7.3% from a year ago, and personal and commercial deposits grew $4.6 billion or 4.4%.
Q4 2012 vs Q3 2012
Net income decreased $14 million or 3.2% from the third quarter. On a basis that adjusts reported results to reflect provisions on an actual loss basis, net income was down $13 million or 2.9% from the third quarter.
Revenue fell $3 million as the effects of higher balances across most products were offset by lower net interest margin. Net interest margin decreased 7 basis points due to deposit spread compression in a low rate environment and changes in mix, including loan growth exceeding deposit growth. The rate of net interest margin decline is expected to moderate in 2013.
Personal revenue increased $7 million quarter over quarter due to balance and fee growth, partially offset by lower net interest margin. Quarter-over-quarter personal lending market share was up 10 basis points and personal deposits market share was down 7 basis points.
Commercial revenue was $10 million lower than in the prior quarter due to reduced net interest margin, partially offset by balance growth.
Non-interest expense was $17 million or 2.2% higher primarily due to initiative spending, with increased costs for our distribution network, including ABMs. We continue to prudently manage expenses while still investing in the business.
Average current loans and acceptances increased $4.0 billion or 2.5% from last quarter, while personal and commercial deposits increased $1.9 billion or 1.7%.
Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011 (in U.S. $)
Net income of $132 million decreased $21 million or 14% from $153 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. Adjusted net income was $147 million, down $24 million or 13% from strong results a year ago due to lower revenue, due primarily to a reduction in certain loan portfolios and regulatory changes that lowered interchange fees.
Revenue of $743 million decreased $38 million from a year ago for the reasons mentioned above. A decrease in net interest margin also contributed to the decline.
Adjusted net interest margin decreased by 26 basis points due to deposit spread compression in a low rate environment, as well as a decline in loan spread due to competitive pressures, partly offset by deposit growth exceeding loan growth.
Non-interest expense of $467 million decreased $5 million. Adjusted non-interest expense of $444 million was $1 million lower.
Average current loans and acceptances decreased $1.7 billion year over year to $50.2 billion. The core commercial and industrial loan portfolio continues to grow, having now increased in four sequential quarters, with growth of $2.6 billion or 15% from the fourth quarter a year ago. As expected, there were declines in certain loan portfolios and decreases in our personal loan balances due in part to the current economic environment and the effects of our continued practice of selling most mortgage originations in the secondary market.
Average deposits increased $1.9 billion year over year to $59.3 billion as growth in our commercial business and in our personal chequing and savings accounts more than offset a decline in personal money market accounts and the impact of time deposit as well as maturities.
Q4 2012 vs Q3 2012 (in U.S. $)
Net income increased $5 million or 3.2% from the prior quarter and reflects a second consecutive quarter of sequential growth. Adjusted net income increased 2.9%, primarily due to increased revenue.
Revenue increased $4 million or 0.6%, due to higher fee revenue on the sale of newly originated mortgages and increases in commercial lending and deposit fees, partly offset by the effects of deposit spread compression in a low rate environment as well as a decline in loan spreads due to competitive pressures, which together lowered net interest margin by 12 basis points.
Non-interest expense and adjusted non-interest expense both decreased $1 million as effects of investments in the business were offset by expense management.
Average current loans and acceptances were essentially unchanged from the prior quarter as commercial banking loan growth in key segments was offset by decreases in personal banking loans and a reduction in certain loan portfolios, as expected. Core commercial and industrial loans increased more than $800 million or an annualized 17% from the third quarter, and have seen four sequential quarters of growth post acquisition.
Average deposits increased $0.4 billion from the prior quarter as increases in our commercial deposits outpaced decreases in money market and time deposit maturities in the low rate environment.
Adjusted results in the foregoing P&C U.S. sections are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011
Net income was $166 million, up $29 million or 21% from a year ago. Adjusted net income was $171 million, up $28 million or 20% from a year ago. Adjusted net income in PCG excluding insurance was $95 million, down $8 million or 7.1% from a year ago. These results reflect higher revenue across most businesses, offset by higher strategic initiative spending to drive future revenue growth. Adjusted net income in PCG Insurance was $76 million, up $36 million or 86% from a year ago. These results benefited from changes to our investment portfolio to improve asset-liability management and the annual review of actuarial assumptions. Lower interest rates reduced insurance net income in the current quarter by less than the reduction of a year ago.
Revenue was $783 million, up $77 million or 11% from a year ago. Revenue in PCG excluding insurance was up 3.0% from a year ago due to growth across most businesses. Insurance revenue was up 90% from a year ago due to the factors mentioned above. The weaker U.S. dollar lowered revenue by $3 million or 0.5%.
Non-interest expense was $563 million, up $29 million or 5.4%. Adjusted non-interest expense was $556 million, up $28 million or 5.3%, primarily due to higher initiative spending. We continue to strategically invest in our businesses for future growth while remaining focused on cost management. The weaker U.S. dollar lowered adjusted expense by $3 million or 0.5%.
Assets under management and administration grew $40 billion to $465 billion due to market appreciation and new client assets.
Q4 2012 vs Q3 2012
Net income increased $57 million or 51% and adjusted net income increased $56 million or 48% from the third quarter. Adjusted net income in PCG excluding insurance declined $2 million. Adjusted insurance net income increased $58 million due to a less unfavourable impact from movements in interest rates relative to the prior quarter, changes to our investment portfolio to improve asset-liability management, and the benefit from the annual review of actuarial assumptions.
Revenue increased $105 million or 16%. PCG revenue excluding insurance increased 2.3% due to growth across most businesses. Insurance revenue more than tripled from the prior quarter mainly due to the factors mentioned above. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased revenue by $5 million or 0.8%.
Adjusted non-interest expense increased $19 million or 3.6% due to higher strategic initiative spending. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased adjusted expense by $4 million or 0.8%.
Assets under management and administration grew $20 billion due to market appreciation and new client assets.
Adjusted results in the foregoing Private Client Group sections are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Q4 2012 vs Q4 2011
Net income was $293 million, an increase of $150 million as earnings more than doubled from the previous year. This significant improvement was driven by an increase in revenues as the market environment improved from the prior year. There was a recovery of prior periods‘’ income taxes recorded in the current quarter and a reduction in the provision for credit losses, which is charged to BMO‘’s operating groups on an expected loss basis. Return on equity was 25.2% compared with 13.9% a year ago.
Revenues increased $205 million or 30% to $898 million. Trading revenues improved significantly, primarily interest rate and equity trading revenues, as the market environment improved relative to the prior year. Underwriting fees also increased from the previous year. The overall improvement was dampened by reductions in securities commissions due to lower client activities. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased revenue by $7 million.
Non-interest expense increased $34 million or 6.9% primarily due to higher employee compensation costs, consistent with improved business performance, and higher technology and support costs. The weaker U.S. dollar decreased expense by $3 million.
Q4 2012 vs Q3 2012
Net income increased $61 million or 26% from the third quarter. Revenue increased $92 million or 11%, due to higher trading revenues as market conditions were improved, higher equity underwriting fees and increased securities gains from the lower levels of the previous quarter. Lowering the overall increase were reductions in mergers and acquisitions revenues and debt underwriting fees. Income taxes were lower in the current quarter due to a recovery of prior periods‘’ taxes.
Non-interest expense increased $39 million or 8.0% primarily due to higher employee compensation costs, in line with the strong business performance.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services consists of Corporate Units and Technology and Operations.
Corporate Units provides enterprise-wide expertise and governance support in a variety of areas, including strategic planning, risk management, finance, legal and compliance, marketing, communications and human resources.
Technology and Operations (T&O) manages, maintains and provides governance over information technology, operations services, real estate and sourcing for BMO Financial Group.
The costs of Corporate Units and T&O services are transferred to the three client operating groups (P&C, PCG and BMO Capital Markets), and only minor amounts are retained in Corporate Services results. As such, Corporate Services adjusted operating results reflect the impact of certain asset-liability management activities, the elimination of taxable equivalent adjustments, the results from certain impaired asset portfolios, recovery of provisions for credit losses on the M&I purchased credit impaired loan portfolio and the application of our expected loss provisioning methodology. Corporate Services reported results also reflect a number of items and activities that are excluded from BMO‘’s adjusted results to help assess BMO‘’s performance. These adjusting items are not reflective of core operating results. They are itemized in the Non-GAAP Measures section on pages 22 and 23. All adjusting items are recorded in Corporate Services except the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which is recorded in the client operating groups.
Corporate Services focuses on enterprise-wide priorities that improve service quality and efficiency to deliver an excellent customer experience.
Financial Performance Review
Corporate Services‘’ net income for the quarter was $54 million, an improvement of $160 million from a year ago. Corporate Services‘’ results reflect a number of items and activities that are excluded from BMO‘’s adjusted results to help assess BMO‘’s performance. As discussed above, these adjusting items are not reflective of core operating results.
Adjusted net income was $74 million, an improvement of $141 million from a year ago. Adjusted provisions for credit losses decreased by $173 million due in part to a $132 million ($82 million after tax) recovery of provisions for credit losses on the M&I purchased credit impaired loan portfolio, primarily as a result of the timing and amount of repayments of loans in excess of expectations at closing. The accounting policy for purchased loans is discussed in the Purchased Loans section on page 133 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2012, which are available on our website. The remaining decrease was attributable to lower provisions charged to Corporate Services under BMO‘’s expected loss provisioning methodology. Expected loss incorporates a through-the-cycle view of credit losses on portfolios versus actual losses that occurred on defaulted loans in the year or quarter. During economic downturns the actual provision for credit losses may be higher than the provision for credit losses on an expected loss basis. In the current quarter, the actual provision for credit losses exceeded the provision for credit losses on an expected loss basis.
Adjusted revenues were $23 million higher, due to a number of small items. Adjusted expenses were $41 million higher, primarily due to increases in technology investment spending and higher professional fees.
Corporate Services net income in the current quarter increased $7 million relative to the third quarter. Adjusted net income increased by $9 million. Adjusted revenues were $63 million higher than the low levels of the third quarter due to a number of small items. Adjusted expenses were $35 million higher, mainly due to increased technology investment spending. Adjusted provisions for credit losses were unchanged.
Loans and acceptances at the end of the current quarter were $1,314 million, a reduction of $532 million from the prior year and $246 million from the preceding quarter, reflecting run-off in the impaired real estate secured loan portfolio.
Adjusted results in the foregoing Corporate Services section are non-GAAP amounts or non-GAAP measures. Please see the Non-GAAP Measures section.
Non-GAAP Measures (Cont‘’d.)
Results and measures in this Financial Review are presented on a GAAP basis. They are also presented on an adjusted basis that excludes the impact of certain items as set out in the preceding table. Management assesses performance on both a reported 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. It also permits readers to assess the impact of the specified items on results for the periods presented and to better assess results excluding those items if they consider the items to not be reflective of ongoing results. As such, the presentation may facilitate readers‘’ analysis of trends as well as comparisons with our competitors. Adjusted results and measures are non-GAAP and as such do not have standardized meaning under GAAP. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from or as a substitute for GAAP results. Details of adjustments are also set out in the Adjusted Net Income section.
Certain of the adjusting items relate to expenses that arise as a result of acquisitions including the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and are adjusted because the purchase decision may not consider the amortization of such assets to be a relevant expense. Certain other acquisition-related costs in respect of the acquired business have been designated as adjusting items due to the significance of the amounts and the fact that they can impact trend analysis. Certain other items have also been designated as adjusting items due to their effects on trend analysis. They include changes in the collective allowance and credit-related amounts in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio, structured credit run-off activities and restructuring costs.
Net economic profit represents net income available to common shareholders after deduction of a charge for capital, and is considered an effective measure of added economic value. Income before provision for credit losses and income taxes (pre-provision, pre-tax earnings) is considered useful information as it provides a measure of performance that excludes the effects of credit losses and income taxes, which can at times mask performance because of their size and variability.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, adjusting items reduced reported net income by $43 million after tax, comprised of a $35 million after-tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio (including $185 million in net interest income, net of a $128 million provision for credit losses and related income taxes of $22 million); a $49 million ($27 million after tax) decrease in the collective allowance; costs of $153 million ($95 million after tax) for the integration of the acquired business; a $34 million ($24 million after tax) charge for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets on all acquisitions; a benefit on run-off structured credit activities of $67 million ($67 million after tax) primarily included in trading revenue; and a restructuring charge of $74 million ($53 million after tax) to align our cost structure for the current and future business environment. Adjusting items were charged to Corporate Services with the exception of the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which was charged to the operating groups as follows: P&C Canada $3 million ($2 million after tax); P&C U.S. $24 million ($16 million after tax); and Private Client Group $7 million ($6 million after tax).
In the fourth quarter of 2011, adjusting reduced reported net income by $64 million after tax. Adjusting items consisted of a $107 million after-tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio (including $271 million in net interest income, net of a $98 million provision for credit losses and related income taxes of $66 million); a $53 million charge ($35 million after tax) for the integration costs of the acquired business; a $33 million ($25 million after tax) charge for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets on all acquisitions; a $119 million loss ($119 million after tax) from the results of run-off structured credit activities, primarily included in trading revenue; a $17 million ($12 million after tax) increase in the collective allowance; and a $5 million charge ($4 million after tax) on M&I acquisition related costs. Adjusting items were charged to Corporate Services with the exception of the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which was charged to the operating groups as follows: P&C Canada $3 million ($2 million after tax); P&C U.S. $25 million ($17 million after tax); and Private Client Group $6 million ($6 million after tax).
In the third quarter of 2012, adjusting items reduced reported net income by $43 million after tax, comprised of a $47 million after-tax net benefit of credit-related items in respect of the M&I purchased performing loan portfolio (including $212 million in net interest income, net of a $136 million provision for credit losses and related income taxes of $29 million); a $15 million ($14 million after tax) decrease in the collective allowance; costs of $105 million ($65 million after tax) for the integration of the acquired business; a $33 million ($24 million after tax) charge for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; and a $15 million ($14 million after tax) loss from the results of run-off structured credit activities, primarily included in trading revenue. All of the above adjusting items were charged to Corporate Services except for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, which was charged to the operating groups as follows: P&C Canada $3 million ($3 million after tax); P&C U.S. $23 million ($15 million after tax); and Private Client Group $7 million ($6 million after tax).
INVESTOR AND MEDIA PRESENTATION
Investor Presentation Materials
Interested parties are invited to visit our website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations to review our 2012 annual report, this quarterly news release, presentation materials and a supplementary financial information package online.
Quarterly Conference Call and Webcast Presentations
Interested parties are also invited to listen to our quarterly conference call on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. (EST). At that time, senior BMO executives will comment on results for the quarter and respond to questions from the investor community. The call may be accessed by telephone at 416-695-9753 (from within Toronto) or 1-888-789-0089 (toll-free outside Toronto). A replay of the conference call can be accessed until Monday, February 25, 2013, by calling 905-694-9451 (from within Toronto) or 1-800-408-3053 (toll-free outside Toronto) and entering passcode 6850310.
A live webcast of the call can be accessed on our website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations. A replay can be accessed on the site until Monday, February 25, 2013.
*See whole press release at:(http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/bmo-financial-group-reports-strong-net-income-42-billion-2012-driving-strong-eps-growth-tsx-bmo-1733241.htm)
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416-867-3996
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Valerie Doucet, Montreal
514-877-8224
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Investor Relations Contacts
Sharon Haward-Laird
Head, Investor Relations
416-867-6656
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Andrew Chin
Senior Manager
416-867-7019
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Chief Financial Officer
Tom Flynn
Executive Vice-President and CFO
416-867-4689
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