EX-99.1 2 d539344dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

BMO Financial Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Results

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release

BMO’s 2023 audited annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are available online at www.bmo.com/investorrelations and at www.sedarplus.ca.

Financial Results Highlights

Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared with Fourth Quarter 2022:

 

 

Net income of $1,617 million, compared with $4,483 million; adjusted net income 1, 3 of $2,150 million, compared with $2,136 million

 

 

Reported earnings per share (EPS) 2 of $2.06, compared with $6.51; adjusted EPS 1, 2, 3 of $2.81, compared with $3.04

 

 

Provision for credit losses (PCL) of $446 million, compared with $226 million

 

 

Return on equity (ROE) of 8.6%, compared with 27.6%; adjusted ROE 1, 3 of 11.7%, compared with 12.9%

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio 4 of 12.5%, compared with 16.7%

Fiscal 2023 Compared with Fiscal 2022:

 

 

Net income of $4,377 million, compared with $13,537 million; adjusted net income 1, 3 of $8,675 million, compared with $9,039 million

 

 

Reported EPS 2 of $5.68, compared with $19.99; adjusted EPS 1, 2, 3 of $11.73, compared with $13.23

 

 

PCL of $2,178 million, compared with $313 million; adjusted PCL 1, 3 of $1,473 million, compared with $313 million

 

 

ROE of 6.0%, compared with 22.9%; adjusted ROE 1, 3 of 12.3%, compared with 15.2%

Adjusted 1, 3 results in the current quarter and the prior year excluded the following items:

 

 

Acquisition and integration costs of $433 million ($582 million pre-tax) in the current quarter, and $145 million ($193 million pre-tax) in the prior year.

 

 

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $88 million ($119 million pre-tax) in the current quarter, and $6 million ($8 million pre-tax) in the prior year.

 

 

Impact of a lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, of $12 million ($16 million pre-tax) in the current quarter and $846 million ($1,142 million pre-tax) in the prior year.

 

 

Revenue of $3,336 million ($4,541 million pre-tax) in the prior year related to the management of the impact of interest rate changes between the announcement and closing of the Bank of the West acquisition on its fair value and goodwill.

 

 

A recovery of $8 million ($6 million pre-tax) in the prior year related to the sale of our EMEA and U.S. Asset Management businesses.

Toronto, December 1, 2023 – For the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2023, BMO Financial Group recorded net income of $1,617 million or $2.06 per share on a reported basis, and net income of $2,150 million or $2.81 per share on an adjusted basis.

“Our results this year reflect the fundamental strength and diversification of our businesses. Driven by record revenue and ongoing momentum in Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking and the contribution of Bank of the West, we delivered strong performance in a challenging economic backdrop,” said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group.

“This year, we made significant progress against our strategic priorities to continue to grow and strengthen our bank, completing three notable acquisitions, advancing our Digital First capabilities and delivering interconnected One Client experiences. With the successful conversion of Bank of the West, BMO is the most integrated north-south bank on the continent. Our relentless focus on putting customers first and supporting their financial goals with innovative digital experiences and expert guidance continues to be recognized, including being ranked first by J.D. Power (5) for Personal Banking Customer Satisfaction among the Big 5 Banks in its 2023 Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Study.

Caution

The foregoing section contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

(1)

Results and measures in this document are presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis. They are also presented on an adjusted basis that excludes the impact of certain specified items from reported results. Adjusted results and ratios are non-GAAP and are detailed for all reported periods in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section. For details on the composition of non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios, as well as supplementary financial measures, refer to the Glossary of Financial Terms.

(2)

All EPS measures in this document refer to diluted EPS, unless specified otherwise.

(3)

Refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section for further information on adjusting items.

(4)

The CET1 Ratio is disclosed in accordance with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ (OSFI’s) Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline.

(5)

For more information, refer to www.jdpower.com/business.

Note: All ratios and percentage changes in this document are based on unrounded numbers.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     1  


“Looking to 2024, we have proactively positioned the bank for future growth and are confident that our dynamic expense and capital management actions and ongoing targeted investments will drive consistent and differentiated performance. At BMO we are leveraging our position as a leading financial services provider to put our Purpose into action and help our clients and communities make progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future and an inclusive society,” concluded Mr. White.

Concurrent with the release of results, BMO announced a first quarter 2024 dividend of $1.51 per common share, an increase of $0.04 from the prior quarter and an increase of $0.08 or 6% from the prior year. The quarterly dividend of $1.51 per common share is equivalent to an annual dividend of $6.04 per common share.

Recent Acquisitions

On February 1, 2023, we completed our acquisition of Bank of the West, including its subsidiaries, from BNP Paribas. Bank of the West provides a broad range of banking products and services, primarily in the Western and Midwestern regions of the United States. The acquisition strengthens our position in North America with increased scale and greater access to growth opportunities in strategic new markets. We completed the conversion of Bank of the West customer accounts and systems to our respective BMO operating platforms in September 2023. The acquisition has been reflected in our results as a business combination, primarily in the U.S. P&C and BMO Wealth Management reporting segments.

On June 1, 2023, we completed the acquisition of the AIR MILES Reward Program (AIR MILES) business of LoyaltyOne Co. The AIR MILES business operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMO. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the acquired business and corresponding goodwill are included in our Canadian P&C reporting segment.

For more information on the acquisition of Bank of the West and AIR MILES, refer to Note 10 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements.

Caution

The foregoing section contain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Performance Review

Adjusted results and ratios in this section are on a non-GAAP basis. Refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section for further information on adjusting items. The order in which the impact on net income is discussed in this section follows the order of revenue, expenses and provision for credit losses, regardless of their relative impact.

Reported net income was $1,617 million, a decrease of $2,866 million or 64%, and adjusted net income was $2,150 million, an increase of $14 million or 1%. The inclusion of Bank of the West results in the current quarter decreased reported net income by $317 million, and increased adjusted net income by $195 million. Adjusted results excluded the items noted above. Reported EPS was $2.06, a decrease of $4.45, and adjusted EPS was $2.81, a decrease of $0.23, including the impact of common share issuances in the first quarter of 2023.

Canadian P&C

Reported net income was $962 million, an increase of $45 million or 5% from the prior year, and adjusted net income was $966 million, an increase of $49 million or 5%. Results reflected a 13% increase in revenue, due to higher net interest income driven by higher balance growth and margins, and higher non-interest revenue, partially offset by higher expenses and a higher provision for credit losses.

U.S. P&C

Reported net income was $661 million, an increase of $1 million from the prior year, and adjusted net income was $740 million, an increase of $78 million or 12% from the prior year. The impact of the stronger U.S. dollar increased net income by 1%.

On a U.S. dollar basis, reported net income was $486 million, a decrease of $2 million or 1% from the prior year. Adjusted net income, which excluded amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, was $543 million, an increase of $54 million or 11% due to inclusion of Bank of the West, partially offset by a decrease in underlying revenue primarily due to lower net interest income, higher expenses and a higher provision for credit losses.

BMO Wealth Management

Reported net income was $262 million, a decrease of $36 million or 12% from the prior year, and adjusted net income was $263 million, a decrease of $35 million or 12%. Wealth and Asset Management reported net income was $212 million, a decrease of $9 million or 4%, and adjusted net income was $213 million, a decrease of $8 million or 3% as the inclusion of Bank of the West and higher revenue from growth in client assets was more than offset by higher underlying expenses. Insurance net income was $50 million, a decrease of $27 million or 36% from the prior year, primarily due to unfavourable market movements in the current year relative to favourable market movements in the prior year.

 

2   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


BMO Capital Markets

Reported net income was $489 million, an increase of $132 million or 37% from the prior year, and adjusted net income was $492 million, an increase of $129 million or 36%. Results reflected revenue growth of 19%, with higher revenue in both Global Markets and Investment and Corporate Banking, partially offset by higher expenses and a higher provision for credit losses, compared with a recovery in the prior year.

Corporate Services

Reported net loss was $757 million, compared with reported net income of $2,251 million in the prior year, and adjusted net loss was $311 million, compared with adjusted net loss of $104 million.

Capital

BMO’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio was 12.5% as at October 31, 2023, an increase from 12.3% at the end of the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to internal capital generation and common shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, partially offset by the impact of acquisition and integration costs related to Bank of the West and unrealized losses on fair value through other comprehensive income securities.

Credit Quality

Total provision for credit losses was $446 million, compared with a provision of $226 million in the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans was $408 million, an increase of $216 million from the prior year. The provision for credit losses on performing loans was $38 million, an increase of $4 million from the prior year.

Refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report and Note 4 of our audited annual consolidated financial statements for further information on the allowance for credit losses as at October 31, 2023.

Caution

The foregoing sections contain forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

Regulatory Filings

BMO’s continuous disclosure materials, including interim filings, annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis and audited annual 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.sedarplus.ca, and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through our website (www.bmo.com), or any third-party websites mentioned herein, does not form part of this document.

 

 

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. In this document, the names BMO and BMO Financial Group, as well as the words “bank”, “we” and “our”, mean Bank of Montreal, together with its subsidiaries.

 

 

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     3  


Financial Review

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) commentary is as at December 1, 2023. The material that precedes this section comprises part of this MD&A. The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the period ended October 31, 2023, included in this document, as well as the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023, and the MD&A for fiscal 2023, contained in BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

BMO’s 2023 Annual Report includes a comprehensive discussion of its 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.

 

 

Table of Contents

5    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
6    Financial Highlights
7    Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
12    Foreign Exchange
12    Net Income
13    Revenue
15    Total Provision for Credit Losses
16    Impaired Loans
16    Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities
16    Non-Interest Expense
17    Provision for Income Taxes
17    Capital Management
19    Review of Operating Groups’ Performance
   19    Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C)
     
   20    Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking (Canadian P&C)
   21    U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking (U.S. P&C)
   23    BMO Wealth Management
   24    BMO Capital Markets
   25    Corporate Services
26    Risk Management
27    Glossary of Financial Terms
30    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   30    Consolidated Statement of Income
   31    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
   32    Consolidated Balance Sheet
   33    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
34    Investor and Media Information
     
 

 

Bank of Montreal’s management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness, as at October 31, 2023, of Bank of Montreal’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators) and has concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 31, 2023, which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Because of inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements.

As in prior quarters, Bank of Montreal’s Audit and Conduct Review Committee reviewed this document and Bank of Montreal’s Board of Directors approved the document prior to its release.

 

4   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings 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 in this document may include, but are not limited to: statements with respect to our objectives and priorities for fiscal 2024 and beyond; our strategies or future actions; our targets and commitments (including with respect to net zero emissions); expectations for our financial condition, capital position, the regulatory environment in which we operate, the results of, or outlook for, our operations or the Canadian, U.S. and international economies; plans for the combined operations of BMO and Bank of the West; and include statements made by our management. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “goal”, “commit”, “target”, “may”, “might”, “schedule”, “forecast”, “outlook”, “timeline”, “suggest”, “seek” and “could” or negative or grammatical variations thereof.

By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. 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 – many of which are beyond our control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict – 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, including labour challenges; the anticipated benefits from acquisitions, including Bank of the West, are not realized; changes to our credit ratings; the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, and their impact on local, national or international economies, as well as their heightening of certain risks that may affect our future results; cyber and cloud security, including the threat of data breaches, hacking, identity theft and corporate espionage, as well as the possibility of denial of service resulting from efforts targeted at causing system failure and service disruption; technology resiliency; failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to us; political conditions, including changes relating to, or affecting, economic or trade matters; climate change and other environmental and social risks; the Canadian housing market and consumer leverage; inflationary pressures; technological innovation and competition; changes in monetary, fiscal or economic policy; changes in laws, including tax legislation and interpretation, or in supervisory expectations or requirements, including capital, interest rate and liquidity requirements and guidance, and the effect of such changes on funding costs and capital requirements; weak, volatile or illiquid capital or credit markets; the level of competition in the geographic and business areas in which we operate; exposure to, and the resolution of, significant litigation or regulatory matters, our ability to successfully appeal adverse outcomes of such matters and the timing, determination and recovery of amounts related to such matters; the accuracy and completeness of the information we obtain with respect to our customers and counterparties; our ability to execute our strategic plans, complete proposed acquisitions or dispositions and integrate acquisitions, including obtaining regulatory approvals; critical accounting estimates and judgments, and the effects of changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations on these estimates; operational and infrastructure risks, including with respect to reliance on third parties; global capital markets activities; the possible effects on our business of war or terrorist activities; natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply; and our ability to anticipate and effectively manage risks arising from all of the foregoing factors.

We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Other factors and risks could adversely affect our results. For more information, please refer to the discussion in the Risks That May Affect Future Results section, and the sections related to credit and counterparty, market, insurance, liquidity and funding, operational non-financial, legal and regulatory, strategic, environmental and social, and reputation risk, in the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report, all of which outline certain key factors and risks that may affect our future results. Investors and others should carefully consider these factors and risks, as well as other uncertainties and potential events, and the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements. We do 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 shareholders and analysts 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.

Material economic assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained in this document include those set out in the Economic Developments and Outlook section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report, as well as in the Allowance for Credit Losses section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report. 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, we primarily consider historical economic data, past relationships between economic and financial variables, changes in government policies, and the risks to the domestic and global economy.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     5  


Financial Highlights

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)

  Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022     Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022  

Summary Income Statement (1) (5)

                                                                                                                  

Net interest income

    4,941       4,905       3,767       18,681       15,885  

Non-interest revenue

    3,419       3,024       6,803       12,518       17,825  

Revenue

    8,360       7,929       10,570       31,199       33,710  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    151       4       (369     1,939       (683

Revenue, net of CCPB (2)

    8,209       7,925       10,939       29,260       34,393  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    408       333       192       1,180       502  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    38       159       34       998       (189

Total provision for credit losses (PCL)

    446       492       226       2,178       313  

Non-interest expense

    5,700       5,594       4,776       21,219       16,194  

Provision for income taxes

    446       385       1,454       1,486       4,349  

Net income

    1,617       1,454       4,483       4,377       13,537  

Net income available to common shareholders

    1,485       1,411       4,406       4,034       13,306  

Adjusted net income

    2,150       2,037       2,136       8,675       9,039  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    2,018       1,994       2,059       8,332       8,808  

Common Share Data ($, except as noted) (1)

         

Basic earnings per share

    2.07       1.97       6.52       5.69       20.04  

Diluted earnings per share

    2.06       1.97       6.51       5.68       19.99  

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

    2.81       2.78       3.04       11.73       13.23  

Book value per share

    97.17       93.79       95.60       97.17       95.60  

Closing share price

    104.79       122.54       125.49       104.79       125.49  

Number of common shares outstanding (in millions)

         

End of period

    720.9       716.7       677.1       720.9       677.1  

Average basic

    719.2       715.4       676.1       709.4       664.0  

Average diluted

    720.0       716.4       677.5       710.5       665.7  

Market capitalization ($ billions)

    75.5       87.8       85.0       75.5       85.0  

Dividends declared per share

    1.47       1.47       1.39       5.80       5.44  

Dividend yield (%)

    5.6       4.8       4.4       5.5       4.3  

Dividend payout ratio (%)

    71.1       74.6       21.3       102.0       27.1  

Adjusted dividend payout ratio (%)

    52.3       52.7       45.6       49.4       41.0  

Financial Measures and Ratios (%) (1)

         

Return on equity

    8.6       8.3       27.6       6.0       22.9  

Adjusted return on equity

    11.7       11.7       12.9       12.3       15.2  

Return on tangible common equity

    12.5       11.9       30.1       8.2       25.1  

Adjusted return on tangible common equity

    16.0       15.8       14.0       15.8       16.6  

Efficiency ratio

    68.2       70.6       45.2       68.0       48.0  

Adjusted efficiency ratio, net of CCPB (2)

    60.8       61.6       57.2       59.8       55.8  

Operating leverage

    (40.2     (14.9     35.3       (38.5     19.6  

Adjusted operating leverage, net of CCPB (2)

    (7.3     (10.4     0.4       (8.2     1.3  

Net interest margin on average earning assets

    1.66       1.68       1.46       1.63       1.62  

Net interest margin on average earning assets excluding trading revenue and trading assets

    1.87       1.90       1.56       1.82       1.72  

Effective tax rate

    21.62       20.92       24.49       25.34       24.31  

Adjusted effective tax rate

    22.65       21.85       21.83       22.33       22.80  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances

    0.27       0.30       0.16       0.35       0.06  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances

    0.25       0.21       0.14       0.19       0.10  

Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) (3)

    128       131       135       128       135  

Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) (3)

    115       114       114       115       114  

Balance Sheet and other information (as at October 31, $ millions, except as noted)

         

Assets

    1,293,276       1,248,554       1,139,199       1,293,276       1,139,199  

Average earning assets

    1,177,770       1,161,226       1,021,540       1,145,632       979,341  

Gross loans and acceptances

    668,396       643,911       567,191       668,396       567,191  

Net loans and acceptances

    664,589       640,391       564,574       664,589       564,574  

Deposits

    909,676       883,569       769,478       909,676       769,478  

Common shareholders’ equity

    70,051       67,215       64,730       70,051       64,730  

Total risk weighted assets (4)

    424,197       412,943       363,997       424,197       363,997  

Assets under administration

    808,985       774,760       744,442       808,985       744,442  

Assets under management

    332,947       340,184       305,462       332,947       305,462  

Capital Ratios (%) (4)

         

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio

    12.5       12.3       16.7       12.5       16.7  

Tier 1 Capital Ratio

    14.1       14.0       18.4       14.1       18.4  

Total Capital Ratio

    16.2       16.1       20.7       16.2       20.7  

Leverage Ratio

    4.2       4.2       5.6       4.2       5.6  

TLAC Ratio

    27.0       26.8       33.1       27.0       33.1  

Foreign Exchange Rates ($)

         

As at October 31, Canadian/U.S. dollar

    1.3868       1.3177       1.3625       1.3868       1.3625  

Average Canadian/U.S. dollar

    1.3648       1.3331       1.3516       1.3492       1.2918  

 

(1)

Adjusted results exclude certain items from reported results and are used to calculate our adjusted measures as presented in the above table. Management assesses performance on a reported basis and an adjusted basis, and considers both to be useful. Revenue, net of CCPB, as well as reported ratios calculated net of CCPB, and adjusted results, measures and ratios in this table are non-GAAP amounts. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section; for details on the composition of non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios, as well as supplementary financial measures, refer to the Glossary of Financial Terms.

(2)

We present revenue, efficiency ratio and operating leverage on a basis that is net of CCPB, which reduces the variability in insurance revenue resulting from changes in fair value that are largely offset by changes in the fair value of policy benefit liabilities, the impact of which is reflected in CCPB. For further information, refer to the Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefits section.

(3)

LCR and NSFR are disclosed in accordance with the Liquidity Adequacy Requirements (LAR) Guideline as set out by Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), as applicable.

(4)

Capital ratios and risk-weighted assets are disclosed in accordance with the Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline, as set out by OSFI, as applicable.

(5)

Due to the increase in the bank’s investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entities following our acquisition of Bank of the West, we have updated our accounting policy related to the presentation of returns from these investments in the consolidated statement of income. As a result, amounts previously recorded in non-interest expense and provision for income taxes are both recorded in non-interest revenue. Fiscal 2023 comparatives have been reclassified to conform with the current period’s methodology. The impact in fiscal 2022 was not material.

 

6   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

Results and measures in this document are presented on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our audited annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. References to GAAP mean IFRS. We use a number of financial measures to assess our performance, as well as the performance of our operating segments, including amounts, measures and ratios that are presented on a non-GAAP basis, as described below. We believe that these non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our GAAP results, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

Non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings 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.

Further information regarding the composition of our non-GAAP and other financial measures, including supplementary financial measures, is provided in the Glossary of Financial Terms and available online at www.bmo.com/investorrelations and at www.sedarplus.ca.

Our non-GAAP measures broadly fall into the following categories:

Adjusted measures and ratios

Management considers both reported and adjusted results and measures to be useful in assessing underlying ongoing business performance. Adjusted results and measures remove certain specified items from revenue, non-interest expense, provision for credit losses and income taxes, as detailed in the following table. Adjusted results and measures presented in this document are non-GAAP amounts. Presenting results on both a reported basis and an adjusted basis permits readers to assess the impact of certain items on results for the periods presented, and to better assess results excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. As such, the presentation may facilitate readers’ analysis of trends. Except as otherwise noted, management’s discussion of changes in reported results in this document applies equally to changes in the corresponding adjusted results.

Measures net of insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities

We also present reported and adjusted revenue on a basis that is net of insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB), and our efficiency ratio and operating leverage are calculated on a similar basis. Measures and ratios presented on a basis net of CCPB are non-GAAP amounts. Insurance revenue can experience variability arising from fluctuations in the fair value of insurance assets caused by movements in interest rates and equity markets. The investments that support policy benefit liabilities are predominantly fixed income assets recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in insurance revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Income. These fair value changes are largely offset by changes in the fair value of policy benefit liabilities, the impact of which is reflected in CCPB. The presentation and discussion of revenue, efficiency ratios and operating leverage on a net basis reduces this variability, which allows for a better assessment of operating results. For more information, refer to the Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities section.

Tangible common equity and return on tangible common equity

Tangible common equity is calculated as common shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets, net of related deferred tax liabilities. Return on tangible common equity is commonly used in the North American banking industry and is meaningful because it measures the performance of businesses consistently, whether they were acquired or developed organically.

Caution

This Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     7  


Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022     Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022  

Reported Results

                                                                                                                           

Net interest income

    4,941       4,905       3,767       18,681       15,885  

Non-interest revenue

    3,419       3,024       6,803       12,518       17,825  

Revenue

    8,360       7,929       10,570       31,199       33,710  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    (151     (4     369       (1,939     683  

Revenue, net of CCPB

    8,209       7,925       10,939       29,260       34,393  

Provision for credit losses

    (446     (492     (226     (2,178     (313

Non-interest expense

    (5,700     (5,594     (4,776     (21,219     (16,194

Income before income taxes

    2,063       1,839       5,937       5,863       17,886  

Provision for income taxes

    (446     (385     (1,454     (1,486     (4,349

Net income

    1,617       1,454       4,483       4,377       13,537  

Diluted EPS ($)

    2.06       1.97       6.51       5.68       19.99  

Adjusting Items Impacting Revenue (Pre-tax)

         

Impact of divestitures (1)

                            (21

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West (2)

                4,541       (2,011     7,713  

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees) (3)

    (14     (3     (515     (30     (515

Impact of Canadian tax measures (4)

          (138           (138      

Impact of adjusting items on revenue (pre-tax)

    (14     (141     4,026       (2,179     7,177  

Adjusting Items Impacting Provision for Credit Losses (Pre-tax)

         

Initial provision for credit losses on purchased performing loans (pre-tax) (5)

                      (705      

Adjusting Items Impacting Non-Interest Expense (Pre-tax)

         

Acquisition and integration costs (6)

    (582     (497     (193     (2,045     (326

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (7)

    (119     (115     (8     (357     (31

Impact of divestitures (1)

                6             (16

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees) (3)

    (2     7       (627     3       (627

Impact of Canadian tax measures (4)

          (22           (22      

Impact of adjusting items on non-interest expense (pre-tax)

    (703     (627     (822     (2,421     (1,000

Impact of adjusting items on reported net income (pre-tax)

    (717     (768     3,204       (5,305     6,177  

Adjusting Items Impacting Revenue (After-tax)

         

Impact of divestitures (1)

                            (23

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West (2)

                3,336       (1,461     5,667  

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees) (3)

    (10     (2     (382     (23     (382

Impact of Canadian tax measures (4)

          (115           (115      

Impact of adjusting items on revenue (after-tax)

    (10     (117     2,954       (1,599     5,262  

Adjusting Items Impacting Provision for Credit Losses (After-tax)

         

Initial provision for credit losses on purchased performing loans (after-tax) (5)

                      (517      

Adjusting Items Impacting Non-Interest Expense (After-tax)

         

Acquisition and integration costs (6)

    (433     (370     (145     (1,533     (245

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (7)

    (88     (85     (6     (264     (23

Impact of divestitures (1)

                8             (32

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees) (3)

    (2     5       (464     2       (464

Impact of Canadian tax measures (4)

          (16           (16      

Impact of adjusting items on non-interest expense (after-tax)

    (523     (466     (607     (1,811     (764

Adjusting Items Impacting Provision for Income Taxes (After-tax)

         

Impact of Canadian tax measures (4)

                      (371      

Impact of adjusting items on reported net income (after-tax)

    (533     (583     2,347       (4,298     4,498  

Impact on diluted EPS ($)

    (0.75     (0.81     3.47       (6.05     6.76  

Adjusted Results

         

Net interest income

    4,955       4,908       4,439       19,094       16,352  

Non-interest revenue

    3,419       3,162       2,105       14,284       10,181  

Revenue

    8,374       8,070       6,544       33,378       26,533  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    (151     (4     369       (1,939     683  

Revenue, net of CCPB

    8,223       8,066       6,913       31,439       27,216  

Provision for credit losses

    (446     (492     (226     (1,473     (313

Non-interest expense

    (4,997     (4,967     (3,954     (18,798     (15,194

Income before income taxes

    2,780       2,607       2,733       11,168       11,709  

Provision for income taxes

    (630     (570     (597     (2,493     (2,670

Net income

    2,150       2,037       2,136       8,675       9,039  

Diluted EPS ($)

    2.81       2.78       3.04       11.73       13.23  

 

(1)

Reported net income in fiscal 2022 included the impact of divestitures related to the sale of our EMEA and U.S. Asset Management businesses: Q4-2022 included a $8 million ($6 million pre-tax) recovery of non-interest expense; Q3-2022 included non-interest expense of $6 million ($7 million pre-tax); Q2-2022 included a loss of $9 million ($10 million pre-tax), comprising a gain of $8 million related to the transfer of certain U.S. asset management clients recorded in non-interest revenue and non-interest expense of $18 million; and Q1-2022 included a loss of $48 million ($26 million pre-tax), comprising a $29 million loss related to foreign currency translation reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to non-interest revenue, and a $3 million net recovery of non-interest expense, including taxes of $22 million on the closing of the sale of our EMEA Asset Management businesses. These amounts were recorded in Corporate Services.

(2)

Reported net income included revenue (losses) related to the acquisition of Bank of the West resulting from the management of the impact of interest rate changes between the announcement and closing of the acquisition on its fair value and goodwill:Q1-2023 included a loss of $1,461 million ($2,011 million pre-tax), comprising $1,628 million of mark-to-market losses on certain interest rate swaps recorded in non-interest trading revenue and $383 million of losses on a portfolio of primarily U.S. treasuries and other balance sheet instruments recorded in net interest income; Q4-2022 included revenue of $3,336 million ($4,541 million pre-tax), comprising $4,698 million of mark-to-market gains and $157 million of net interest losses; Q3-2022 included a loss of $694 million ($945 million pre-tax), comprising $983 million of mark-to-market losses and $38 million of net interest income; Q2-2022 included revenue of $2,612 million ($3,555 million pre-tax), comprising $3,433 million of mark-to-market gains and $122 million pre-tax net interest income; and Q1-2022 included revenue of $413 million ($562 million pre-tax), comprising $517 million of mark-to-market gains and $45 million of net interest income. These amounts were recorded in Corporate Services. For further information on this acquisition, refer to the Recent Acquisitions section.

(3)

Reported net income included the impact of a lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank: Q4-2023 included $12 million ($16 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $14 million and non-interest expense of $2 million; Q3-2023 included a net recovery of $3 million ($4 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $3 million and a non-interest expense recovery of $7 million; Q2-2023 included interest expense of $6 million ($7 million pre-tax); Q1-2023 included $6 million ($8 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $6 million and non-interest expense of $2 million; and Q4-2022 included a legal provision of $846 million ($1,142 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $515 million and non-interest expense of $627 million. These amounts were recorded in Corporate Services. For further information, refer to the Provisions and Contingent Liabilities section in Note 24 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

 

8   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


(4)

Reported net income included the impact of certain tax measures enacted by the Canadian government: Q3-2023 included a charge of $131 million ($160 million pre-tax) related to the amended GST/HST definition for financial services, comprising $138 million recorded in non-interest revenue and $22 million recorded in non-interest expense; and Q1-2023 included a one-time tax expense of $371 million, comprising a Canada Recovery Dividend (CRD) of $312 million and $59 million related to the pro-rated fiscal 2022 impact of the 1.5% tax rate increase, net of a deferred tax asset remeasurement. These amounts were recorded in Corporate Services.

(5)

Reported net income in Q2-2023 included an initial provision for credit losses of $517 million ($705 million pre-tax) on the purchased Bank of the West performing loan portfolio, recorded in Corporate Services.

(6)

Reported net income included acquisition and integration costs, recorded in non-interest expense. Costs related to the acquisition of Bank of the West were recorded in Corporate Services: In fiscal 2023, Q4-2023 included $434 million ($583 million pre-tax), Q3-2023 included $363 million ($487 million pre-tax), Q2-2023 included $545 million ($722 million pre-tax), and Q1-2023 included $178 million ($235 million pre-tax); and in fiscal 2022, Q4-2022 included $143 million ($191 million pre-tax), Q3-2022 included $61 million ($82 million pre-tax), Q2-2022 included $26 million ($35 million pre-tax) and Q1-2022 included $7 million ($8 million pre-tax). Costs related to the acquisitions of Radicle and Clearpool were recorded in BMO Capital Markets: In fiscal 2023, Q4-2023 included a recovery of $2 million ($3 million pre-tax), Q3-2023 included $1 million ($2 million pre-tax), Q2-2023 included $2 million ($2 million pre-tax), Q1-2023 included $3 million ($4 million pre-tax); and in fiscal 2022, Q4-2022 included $2 million ($2 million pre-tax), Q3-2022 included $1 million ($2 million pre-tax), Q2-2022 included $2 million ($2 million pre-tax) and Q1-2022 included $3 million ($4 million pre-tax). Costs related to the acquisition of AIR MILES were recorded in Canadian P&C: In fiscal 2023, Q4-2023 included $1 million ($2 million pre-tax), Q3-2023 included $6 million ($8 million pre-tax) and Q2-2023 included $2 million ($3 million pre-tax).

(7)

Reported net income included amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets recorded in non-interest expense in the related operating group:Q4-2023 included $88 million ($119 million pre-tax), Q3-2023 and Q2-2023 both included $85 million ($115 million pre-tax); Q1-2023 included $6 million ($8 million pre-tax); Q4-2022 included $6 million ($8 million pre-tax); Q3-2022 included $5 million ($7 million pre-tax); and Q2-2022 and Q1-2022 both included $6 million ($8 million pre-tax).

Summary of Reported and Adjusted Results by Operating Segment

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (1)
(US$ in millions)
 

Q4-2023

                                                                                                                               

Reported net income (loss)

    962       661       1,623       262       489       (757     1,617       388  

Acquisition and integration costs

    1             1             (2     434       433       317  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

    3       79       82       1       5             88       61  

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees)

                                  12       12       8  

Adjusted net income (loss)

    966       740       1,706       263       492       (311     2,150       774  

Q3-2023

               

Reported net income (loss)

    915       576       1,491       303       310       (650     1,454       364  

Acquisition and integration costs

    6             6             1       363       370       275  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

    2       77       79       1       5             85       60  

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees)

                                  (3     (3     (2

Impact of Canadian tax measures

                                  131       131        

Adjusted net income (loss)

    923       653       1,576       304       316       (159     2,037       697  

Q4-2022

               

Reported net income

    917       660       1,577       298       357       2,251       4,483       2,306  

Acquisition and integration costs

                            2       143       145       106  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

          2       2             4             6       4  

Impact of divestitures

                                  (8     (8     (3

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West

                                  (3,336     (3,336     (2,470

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees)

                                  846       846       621  

Adjusted net income (loss)

    917       662       1,579       298       363       (104     2,136       564  

Fiscal 2023

               

Reported net income (loss)

    3,718       2,724       6,442       1,126       1,682       (4,873     4,377       90  

Acquisition and integration costs

    9             9             4       1,520       1,533       1,124  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

    6       234       240       4       20             264       186  

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West

                                  1,461       1,461       1,093  

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees)

                                  21       21       15  

Impact of Canadian tax measures

                                  502       502        

Initial provision for credit losses on purchased performing loans

                                  517       517       379  

Adjusted net income (loss)

    3,733       2,958       6,691       1,130       1,706       (852     8,675       2,887  

Fiscal 2022

               

Reported net income

    3,826       2,497       6,323       1,251       1,772       4,191       13,537       6,079  

Acquisition and integration costs

                            8       237       245       185  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

    1       5       6       3       14             23       17  

Impact of divestitures

                                  55       55       (45

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West

                                  (5,667     (5,667     (4,312

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees)

                                  846       846       621  

Adjusted net income (loss)

    3,827       2,502       6,329       1,254       1,794       (338     9,039       2,545  

 

(1)

U.S. segment reported and adjusted results comprise net income recorded in U.S. P&C and our U.S. operations in BMO Wealth Management, BMO Capital Markets and Corporate Services.

Refer to footnotes (1) to (7) in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures table for details on adjusting items.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     9  


Net Revenue, Efficiency Ratio and Operating Leverage

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)           Q4-2023             Q3-2023             Q4-2022             Fiscal 2023             Fiscal 2022  

Reported

                                                                                         

Net interest income

    4,941       4,905       3,767       18,681       15,885  

Non-interest revenue

    3,419       3,024       6,803       12,518       17,825  

Revenue

    8,360       7,929       10,570       31,199       33,710  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    151       4       (369     1,939       (683

Revenue, net of CCPB

    8,209       7,925       10,939       29,260       34,393  

Non-interest expense

    5,700       5,594       4,776       21,219       16,194  

Efficiency ratio (%)

    68.2       70.6       45.2       68.0       48.0  

Efficiency ratio, net of CCPB (%)

    69.4       70.6       43.7       72.5       47.1  

Revenue growth (%)

    (20.9     30.0       60.9       (7.5     24.0  

Revenue growth, net of CCPB (%)

    (25.0     39.3       68.9       (14.9     33.4  

Non-interest expense growth (%)

    19.3       44.9       25.6       31.0       4.4  

Operating Leverage (%)

    (40.2     (14.9     35.3       (38.5     19.6  

Operating Leverage, net of CCPB (%)

    (44.3     (5.6     43.3       (45.9     29.0  

Adjusted (1)

         

Net interest income

    4,955       4,908       4,439       19,094       16,352  

Non-interest revenue

    3,419       3,162       2,105       14,284       10,181  

Revenue

    8,374       8,070       6,544       33,378       26,533  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    151       4       (369     1,939       (683

Revenue, net of CCPB

    8,223       8,066       6,913       31,439       27,216  

Non-interest expense

    4,997       4,967       3,954       18,798       15,194  

Efficiency ratio (%)

    59.7       61.5       60.4       56.3       57.3  

Efficiency ratio, net of CCPB (%)

    60.8       61.6       57.2       59.8       55.8  

Revenue growth, net of CCPB (%)

    19.0       21.6       6.7       15.5       5.7  

Non-interest expense growth (%)

    26.3       32.0       6.3       23.7       4.4  

Operating Leverage, net of CCPB (%)

    (7.3     (10.4     0.4       (8.2     1.3  

 

(1)

Refer to footnotes (1) to (7) in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures table for details on adjusting items.

Return on Equity and Return on Tangible Common Equity

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022     Fiscal 2023     Fiscal 2022  

Reported net income

    1,617       1,454       4,483       4,377       13,537  

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

    7       2             12        

Net income attributable to bank shareholders

    1,610       1,452       4,483       4,365       13,537  

Dividends on preferred shares and distributions on other equity instruments

    (125     (41     (77     (331     (231

Net income available to common shareholders (A)

    1,485       1,411       4,406       4,034       13,306  

After-tax amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets

    88       85       6       264       23  

Net income available to common shareholders after adjusting for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (B)

    1,573       1,496       4,412       4,298       13,329  

After-tax impact of other adjusting items (1)

    445       498       (2,353     4,034       (4,521

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders (C)

    2,018       1,994       2,059       8,332       8,808  

Average common shareholders’ equity (D)

    68,324       67,823       63,343       67,486       58,078  

Goodwill

           (16,462            (16,005            (5,247            (13,466            (5,051

Acquisition-related intangible assets

    (2,904     (2,965     (124     (2,197     (130

Net of related deferred liabilities

    1,050       1,062       252       856       251  

Average tangible common equity (E)

    50,008       49,915       58,224       52,679       53,148  

Return on equity (%) (= A/D) (2)

    8.6       8.3       27.6       6.0       22.9  

Adjusted return on equity (%) (= C/D) (2)

    11.7       11.7       12.9       12.3       15.2  

Return on tangible common equity (%) (= B/E) (2)

    12.5       11.9       30.1       8.2       25.1  

Adjusted return on tangible common equity (%) (= C/E) (2)

    16.0       15.8       14.0       15.8       16.6  

 

(1)

Refer to footnotes (1) to (7) in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures table for details on adjusting items.

(2)

Quarterly calculations are on an annualized basis.

 

10   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Return on Equity by Operating Segment (1)

 

    Q4-2023  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (2)
(US$ in millions)
 

Reported

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Net income available to common shareholders

    951       644       1,595       260       480       (850     1,485       374  

Total average common equity (1)

    14,197       32,484       46,681       6,601       12,068       2,974       68,324       30,449  

Return on equity (%)

    26.6       7.9       13.6       15.6       15.8       na       8.6       4.9  

Adjusted (3)

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    955       723       1,678       261       483       (404     2,018       760  

Total average common equity (1)

    14,197       32,484       46,681       6,601       12,068       2,974       68,324       30,449  

Return on equity (%)

    26.7       8.8       14.3       15.7       15.9       na       11.7       9.9  
    Q3-2023  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (2)
(US$ in millions)
 

Reported

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    904       562       1,466       301       302       (658     1,411       354  

Total average common equity

    14,048       31,992       46,040       6,702       11,727       3,354       67,823       30,670  

Return on equity (%)

    25.6       7.0       12.6       17.8       10.2       na       8.3       4.6  

Adjusted (3)

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    912       639       1,551       302       308       (167     1,994       687  

Total average common equity

    14,048       31,992       46,040       6,702       11,727       3,354       67,823       30,670  

Return on equity (%)

    25.8       7.9       13.4       17.8       10.4       na       11.7       8.9  
    Q4-2022  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (2)
(US$ in millions)
 

Reported

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    906       650       1,556       296       346       2,208       4,406       2,300  

Total average common equity

    12,231       14,381       26,612       5,400       12,142       19,189       63,343       17,270  

Return on equity (%)

    29.4       17.9       23.2       21.7       11.3       na       27.6       52.8  

Adjusted (3)

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    906       652       1,558       296       352       (147     2,059       558  

Total average common equity

    12,231       14,381       26,612       5,400       12,142       19,189       63,343       17,270  

Return on equity (%)

    29.4       18.0       23.2       21.8       11.5       na       12.9       12.8  
    Fiscal 2023  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (2)
(US$ in millions)
 

Reported

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    3,677       2,672       6,349       1,118       1,648       (5,081     4,034       56  

Total average common equity (1)

    13,672       27,889       41,561       6,356       11,856       7,713       67,486       27,203  

Return on equity (%)

    26.9       9.6       15.3       17.6       13.9       na       6.0       0.2  

Adjusted (3)

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    3,692       2,906       6,598       1,122       1,672       (1,060     8,332       2,853  

Total average common equity (1)

    13,672       27,889       41,561       6,356       11,856       7,713       67,486       27,203  

Return on equity (%)

    27.0       10.4       15.9       17.7       14.1       na       12.3       10.5  
    Fiscal 2022  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Canadian P&C     U.S. P&C     Total P&C     BMO Wealth
Management
    BMO Capital
Markets
    Corporate
Services
    Total Bank     U.S. Segment (2)
(US$ in millions)
 

Reported

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    3,783       2,461       6,244       1,243       1,732       4,087       13,306       6,052  

Total average common equity

    11,798       13,815       25,613       5,282       11,556       15,627       58,078       17,081  

Return on equity (%)

    32.1       17.8       24.4       23.5       15.0       na       22.9       35.4  

Adjusted (3)

               

Net income available to common shareholders

    3,784       2,466       6,250       1,246       1,754       (442     8,808       2,518  

Total average common equity

    11,798       13,815       25,613       5,282       11,556       15,627       58,078       17,081  

Return on equity (%)

    32.1       17.8       24.4       23.6       15.2       na       15.2       14.7  

 

(1)

Return on equity is based on allocated capital. In Q2-2023, following the closing of the Bank of the West acquisition, capital was allocated from Corporate Services to U.S. P&C and BMO Wealth Management. For further information, refer to the How BMO Reports Operating Group Results section.

(2)

U.S. segment reported and adjusted results comprise net income and allocated capital recorded in U.S. P&C and our U.S. operations in BMO Wealth Management, BMO Capital Markets and Corporate Services.

(3)

Refer to footnotes (1) to (7) in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures table for details on adjusting items.

na – not applicable

Capital is allocated to the operating segments based on the amount of regulatory capital required to support business activities. Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2023, our capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in 2022, to reflect increased regulatory capital requirements. Unallocated capital is reported in Corporate Services. Capital allocation methodologies are reviewed annually.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     11  


Foreign Exchange

 

     Q4-2023     Fiscal 2023  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   vs. Q4-2022     vs. Q3-2023     vs. Fiscal 2022  

Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate (average)

                                                     

Current period

    1.3648       1.3648       1.3492  

Prior period

    1.3516       1.3331       1.2918  

Effects on U.S. segment reported results

     

Increased (Decreased) net interest income

    12       59       273  

Increased (Decreased) non-interest revenue

    53       30       476  

Increased (Decreased) total revenue

    65       89       749  

Decreased (Increased) provision for credit losses

    (1     (5     1  

Decreased (Increased) non-interest expense

    (23     (69     (285

Decreased (Increased) provision for income taxes

    (10     (3     (117

Increased (Decreased) net income

    31       12       348  

Impact on earnings per share ($)

    0.04       0.02       0.52  

Effects on U.S. segment adjusted results

     

Increased (Decreased) net interest income

    18       59       292  

Increased (Decreased) non-interest revenue

    7       30       142  

Increased (Decreased) total revenue

    25       89       434  

Decreased (Increased) provision for credit losses

    (1     (5     1  

Decreased (Increased) non-interest expense

    (15     (54     (246

Decreased (Increased) provision for income taxes

    (2     (8     (43

Increased (Decreased) net income

    7       22       146  

Impact on earnings per share ($)

    0.01       0.03       0.22  

Adjusted results in this table are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

The table above indicates the relevant average Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rates and the impact of changes in those rates on BMO’s U.S. segment reported and adjusted results.

The Canadian dollar equivalents of BMO’s U.S. segment results that are denominated in U.S. dollars increased relative to the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023, due to changes in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate. References in this document to the impact of the U.S. dollar do not include U.S. dollar-denominated amounts recorded outside of BMO’s U.S. segment.

Economically, our U.S. dollar income stream was not hedged against the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates during 2023 and 2022. Changes in exchange rates will affect future results measured in Canadian dollars, and the impact on those results is a function of the periods in which revenue, expenses and provisions for (or recoveries of) credit losses and income taxes arise.

Refer to the Enterprise-Wide Capital Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report for a discussion of the impact that changes in foreign exchange rates can have on BMO’s capital position.

Net Income

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Reported net income was $1,617 million, a decrease of $2,866 million or 64% from the prior year, and adjusted net income was $2,150 million, an increase of $14 million or 1%. The inclusion of Bank of the West results in the current quarter decreased reported net income by $317 million, and increased adjusted net income by $195 million. Reported EPS was $2.06, a decrease of $4.45, and adjusted EPS was $2.81, a decrease of $0.23, including the impact of common share issuances in the first quarter of 2023.

Adjusted results in the current quarter and the prior year excluded the following items:

 

 

Acquisition and integration costs of $433 million ($582 million pre-tax) in the current quarter, and $145 million ($193 million pre-tax) in the prior year, recorded in non-interest expense. The current quarter included acquisition and integration costs of $434 million ($583 million pre-tax) related to Bank of the West.

 

 

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $88 million ($119 million pre-tax) in the current quarter, and $6 million ($8 million pre-tax) in the prior year, recorded in non-interest expense. The current quarter included amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $78 million ($105 million pre-tax) related to Bank of the West.

 

 

The impact of a lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, of $12 million ($16 million pre-tax) in the current quarter, comprising interest expense of $14 million and non-interest expense of $2 million. The prior year included $846 million ($1,142 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $515 million and non-interest expense of $627 million.

 

 

Revenue of $3,336 million ($4,541 million pre-tax) in the prior year related to the management of the impact of interest rate changes between the announcement and closing of the Bank of the West acquisition on its fair value and goodwill.

 

 

A recovery of $8 million ($6 million pre-tax) in the prior year related to the sale of our EMEA and U.S. Asset Management businesses.

The decrease in reported net income reflected the impact of fair value management actions in the prior year and higher acquisition-related costs in the current year, partially offset by a lower legal expense related to the lawsuit associated with M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, noted above. Adjusted net income increased, primarily due to higher revenue, largely offset by higher expenses and a higher provision for credit losses. Reported net income increased in BMO Capital Markets and Canadian P&C, and decreased in BMO Wealth Management. U.S. P&C net income was relatively unchanged from

 

12   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


the prior year on a reported basis, primarily due to higher amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and increased on an adjusted basis. Corporate Services recorded a net loss on a reported basis, compared with net income in the prior year, primarily due to the items noted above, and on an adjusted basis, Corporate Services net loss increased from the prior year.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net income increased $163 million or 11% from the prior quarter, and adjusted net income increased $113 million or 6%. Reported EPS increased $0.09 from the prior quarter, and adjusted EPS increased $0.03.

Adjusted results in the current quarter excluded the items noted above, and adjusted results in the prior quarter excluded the following items:

 

 

Acquisition and integration costs of $370 million ($497 million pre-tax).

 

 

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $85 million ($115 million pre-tax).

 

 

A charge of $131 million ($160 million pre-tax) related to tax measures enacted by the Canadian government that amended the GST/HST definition for financial services, comprising $138 million recorded in non-interest revenue and $22 million recorded in non-interest expense.

 

 

A net recovery of $3 million ($4 million pre-tax) related to the lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, comprising interest expense of $3 million and non-interest expense of $7 million.

The increase in reported net income was primarily due to the impact of tax measures in the prior quarter noted above, partially offset by higher acquisition-related costs in the current quarter. The increase in adjusted net income primarily reflected higher revenue. Reported net income increased in BMO Capital Markets, U.S. P&C and Canadian P&C, and decreased in BMO Wealth Management. Corporate Services recorded a higher net loss on both a reported and an adjusted basis, compared with the prior quarter.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios in this Net Income section, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Revenue

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Reported revenue was $8,360 million, a decrease of $2,210 million or 21% from the prior year. Reported revenue, net of CCPB, was $8,209 million, a decrease of $2,730 million or 25%, and adjusted revenue, net of CCPB, was $8,223 million, an increase of $1,310 million or 19%.

The decrease in reported results primarily reflected the impact of fair value management actions in the prior year, partially offset by lower interest expense related to the lawsuit associated with M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank in the prior year. On an adjusted basis, net revenue increased across all operating groups, including the addition of Bank of the West and AIR MILES. Revenue in Corporate Services decreased on a reported and an adjusted basis.

Reported net interest income was $4,941 million, an increase of $1,174 million or 31% from the prior year, and adjusted net interest income was $4,955 million, an increase of $516 million or 12%. The increase in reported results reflected lower interest expense related to the lawsuit associated with the predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, and the impact of fair value management actions in the prior year. Net interest income increased in our P&C businesses and BMO Wealth Management, including Bank of the West, partially offset by lower net interest income in Corporate Services, lower trading-related net interest income and the impact of risk transfer transactions. Trading-related net interest income was $213 million, a decrease of $138 million from the prior year and was largely offset in trading non-interest revenue.

BMO’s overall reported net interest margin of 1.66% increased 20 basis points. Adjusted net interest margin, excluding trading-related net interest income and trading-related earning assets was 1.88%, an increase of 2 basis points, primarily due to the impact of Bank of the West and higher margins in Canadian P&C, largely offset by lower net interest income and higher low-yielding assets in Corporate Services.

Reported non-interest revenue was $3,419 million, a decrease of $3,384 million from the prior year, and reported non-interest revenue, net of CCPB, was $3,268 million, a decrease of $3,904 million. The decrease in reported results primarily reflected the mark-to-market gain on fair value management actions in the prior year. Adjusted non-interest revenue, net of CCPB, was $3,268 million, an increase of $794 million or 32% from the prior year, primarily due to higher trading revenue and underwriting and advisory fee revenue, the inclusion of Bank of the West and AIR MILES, higher securities gains, other than trading, and higher card-related revenue.

Gross insurance revenue was $275 million, an increase of $493 million from the prior year, primarily due to higher annuity premiums. Insurance revenue can experience variability arising from fluctuations in the fair value of insurance assets caused by movements in interest rates and equity markets. The investments that support policy benefit liabilities are predominantly fixed income and equity assets recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in insurance revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The impact of these fair value changes was largely offset by changes in policy benefit liabilities, which are discussed in the Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities section.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported revenue increased $431 million or 5% from the prior quarter. Reported revenue, net of CCPB increased $284 million or 4%, including the impact of certain tax measures enacted by the Canadian government in the prior quarter. Adjusted revenue, net of CCPB increased $157 million or 2% from the prior quarter. Reported net revenue increased in BMO Capital Markets, Canadian P&C and U.S. P&C, and decreased in BMO Wealth Management. Revenue in Corporate Services was relatively unchanged from the prior quarter on a reported basis, and decreased on an adjusted basis. The impact of the stronger U.S. dollar increased revenue, net of CCPB, by 1% on both a reported and an adjusted basis.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     13  


Reported net interest income increased $36 million or 1% from the prior quarter, and adjusted net interest income increased $47 million or 1%, driven by increases in our P&C businesses and higher trading-related net interest income, partially offset by lower net interest income in Corporate Services. Trading-related net interest income increased $53 million from the prior quarter.

BMO’s overall reported net interest margin decreased 2 basis points from the prior quarter. Adjusted net interest margin, excluding trading-related net interest income and trading-related earning assets decreased 2 basis points, primarily due to lower net interest income in Corporate Services, partially offset by higher margins in U.S. P&C.

Reported non-interest revenue increased $395 million from the prior quarter, and reported non-interest revenue, net of CCPB, increased $248 million, primarily due to the impact of the Canadian tax measures noted above. Adjusted non-interest revenue, net of CCPB, increased $110 million or 4% from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher underwriting and advisory fee revenue, higher card-related revenue and the inclusion of an additional month of AIR MILES results, partially offset by lower trading-related revenue.

Gross insurance revenue increased $109 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to lower premiums associated with a change in our longevity portfolios in the prior quarter and higher annuity premiums, partially offset by change in the fair value of investments. These changes were largely offset in CCPB, as discussed in the Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities section.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios, and results presented on a net revenue basis in this Revenue section, refer to

the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Change in Net Interest Income, Average Earning Assets and Net Interest Margin (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Net interest income (teb) (2)         Average earning assets (3)        

Net interest margin

(in basis points)

 
     Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022         Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022         Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022  

Canadian P&C

           2,166              2,129              1,961            310,566          305,354          292,124                   277                 277                 266  

U.S. P&C

    2,142       2,066       1,462         219,715       215,960       149,721         387       380       388  

Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C)

    4,308       4,195       3,423         530,281       521,314       441,845         322       319       307  

All other operating groups and Corporate Services (4)

    633       710       344         647,489       639,912       579,695         na       na       na  

Total reported

    4,941       4,905       3,767         1,177,770       1,161,226       1,021,540         166       168       146  

Total adjusted

    4,955       4,908       4,439         1,177,770       1,161,226       1,021,540         167       168       172  

Trading net interest income and earning assets

    213       160       351         176,511       170,807       150,715         na       na       na  

Total reported excluding trading net interest income and earning assets

    4,728       4,745       3,416         1,001,259       990,419       870,825         187       190       156  

Total adjusted excluding trading net interest income and earning assets

    4,742       4,748       4,088         1,001,259       990,419       870,825         188       190       186  

U.S. P&C (US$ in millions)

    1,570       1,550       1,082           160,972       161,991       110,753           387       380       388  
(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Net interest income (teb) (2)         Average earning assets (3)        

Net interest margin

(in basis points)

 
     YTD-2023            YTD-2022         YTD-2023            YTD-2022         YTD-2023            YTD-2022  

Canadian P&C

    8,308         7,449         303,855         278,022         273         268  

U.S. P&C

    7,853               5,037         202,155               138,094         388               364  

Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C)

    16,161         12,486         506,010         416,116         319         300  

All other operating groups and Corporate Services (4)

    2,520               3,399         639,622               563,225         na               na  

Total reported

    18,681               15,885         1,145,632               979,341         163               162  

Total adjusted

    19,094               16,352         1,145,632               979,341         167               167  

Trading net interest income and trading assets

    900         1,672         168,686         153,875         na         na  

Total excluding trading net interest income and trading assets

    17,781               14,213         976,946               825,466         182               172  

Total adjusted excluding trading net interest income and trading assets

    18,194               14,680         976,946               825,466         186               178  

U.S. P&C (US$ in millions)

    5,818               3,893           149,767               106,829           388               364  

 

(1)

Adjusted results and ratios in this table are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Operating group revenue is presented on a taxable equivalent basis (teb) in net interest income. For further information, refer to the How BMO Reports Operating Group Results section.

(3)

Average earning assets represents the daily average balance of deposits with central banks, deposits with other banks, securities borrowed or purchased under resale agreements, securities, and loans, over a one-year period.

(4)

For further information on net interest income for these other operating groups and Corporate Services, refer to the Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section.

na – not applicable

 

14   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Total Provision for Credit Losses

 

(Canadian $ in millions)   Canadian P&C         U.S. P&C         Total P&C         BMO Wealth
Management
        BMO Capital
Markets
        Corporate
Services
        Total Bank  

Q4-2023

             

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    248       147       395       2       11             408  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    21       29       50       (1     (10     (1     38  

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    269       176       445       1       1       (1     446  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.33       0.33       0.33       0.01       0.01       nm       0.27  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.31       0.28       0.29       0.02       0.06       nm       0.25  

Q3-2023

             

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    209       119       328       1       1       3       333  

Provision for credit losses on performing loans

    60       84       144       6       9             159  

Total provision for credit losses

    269       203       472       7       10       3       492  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.34       0.39       0.36       0.06       0.05       nm       0.30  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.26       0.23       0.25       0.01             nm       0.21  

Q4-2022

             

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on impaired loans

    142       47       189             5       (2     192  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    32       15       47       3       (23     7       34  

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    174       62       236       3       (18     5       226  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.23       0.17       0.21       0.03       (0.10     nm       0.16  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.19       0.13       0.17             0.02       nm       0.14  

Fiscal 2023

             

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    784       380       1,164       5       9       2       1,180  

Provision for credit losses on performing loans

    146       130       276       13       9       700       998  

Total provision for credit losses

    930       510       1,440       18       18       702       2,178  

Initial provision for credit losses on purchased performing loans (2)

                                  (705     (705

Adjusted total provision for (recovery of) credit losses (3)

    930       510       1,440       18       18       (3     1,473  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.30       0.26       0.28       0.04       0.02       nm       0.35  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.25       0.20       0.23       0.01       0.01       nm       0.19  

Fiscal 2022

             

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on impaired loans

    432       107       539       2       (32     (7     502  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    (91     (90     (181     (4     (11     7       (189

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    341       17       358       (2     (43           313  

Total PCL-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.12       0.01       0.09       (0.01     (0.07     nm       0.06  

PCL on impaired loans-to-average net loans and acceptances (%) (1)

    0.15       0.08       0.13             (0.05     nm       0.10  

 

(1)

PCL ratios are presented on an annualized basis.

(2)

Fiscal 2023 comprised an initial provision for credit losses of $705 million on the purchased Bank of the West performing loan portfolio, recorded in Corporate Services.

(3)

Adjusted results exclude certain items from reported results and are used to calculate our adjusted measures as presented in the above table. Management assesses performance on a reported basis and an adjusted basis, and considers both to be useful. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section; for details on the composition of non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios, as well as supplementary financial measures, refer to the Glossary of Financial Terms.

nm – not meaningful

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Total provision for credit losses was $446 million, compared with total provision for credit losses of $226 million in the prior year. Total provision for credit losses as a percentage of average net loans and acceptances ratio was 27 basis points, compared with 16 basis points in the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans was $408 million, an increase of $216 million from the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans as a percentage of average net loans and acceptances ratio was 25 basis points, compared with 14 basis points in the prior year. The provision for credit losses on performing loans was $38 million, compared with a provision of $34 million in the prior year. The $38 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter primarily reflected portfolio credit migration, largely offset by an improvement in the macroeconomic outlook. The $34 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the prior year reflected a deteriorating economic outlook and balance growth, largely offset by continued reduction in uncertainty as a result of the improving pandemic environment and portfolio credit improvement.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Total provision for credit losses decreased $46 million from the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans increased $75 million from the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans as a percentage of average net loans and acceptances ratio was 25 basis points, compared with 21 basis points in the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on performing loans was $38 million, compared with a provision of $159 million in the prior quarter. The $159 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the prior quarter primarily reflected portfolio credit migration.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     15  


Impaired Loans

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)

  Q4-2023                 Q3-2023                 Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023       Fiscal 2022  

GIL, beginning of period

    2,844       2,658       1,954       1,991       2,169  

Classified as impaired during the period

    1,766       917       499       4,047       1,635  

Purchased credit impaired during the period

                      415        

Transferred to not impaired during the period

    (184     (120     (231     (545     (659

Net repayments

    (248     (384     (152     (1,214     (819

Amounts written-off

    (271     (190     (118     (753     (363

Recoveries of loans and advances previously written-off

                             

Disposals of loans

    (24           (9     (24     (54

Foreign exchange and other movements

    77       (37     48       43       82  

GIL, end of period

    3,960       2,844       1,991       3,960       1,991  

GIL to gross loans and acceptances (%)

    0.59       0.44       0.35       0.59       0.35  

Total gross impaired loans and acceptances (GIL) were $3,960 million, an increase from $1,991 million in the prior year. The increase in impaired loans was predominantly in business and government lending, with the largest increases in the service, commercial real estate and retail trade industries. GIL as a percentage of gross loans and acceptances was 0.59% in 2023, which increased from an historically low level of 0.35% in the prior year. GIL increased $1,116 million from $2,844 million in the prior quarter.

Loans classified as impaired during the quarter totalled $1,766 million, compared with $499 million in the prior year and $917 million in the prior quarter. On a full-year basis, loans classified as impaired during the year increased to $4,047 million from $1,635 million in 2022, reflecting higher impaired loan formations in both the wholesale and the consumer portfolios, including the purchased credit impaired loans related to the acquisition of Bank of the West.

Factors contributing to the change in GIL are outlined in the table above.

Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB) in the current quarter were $151 million, an increase of $520 million from the prior year, largely driven by higher annuity premiums. CCPB increased $147 million from the prior quarter, due to higher annuity premiums and lower claims associated with a change in our longevity portfolios in the prior quarter, partially offset by changes in the fair value of investments. These changes were largely offset in insurance revenue.

Non-Interest Expense

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Reported non-interest expense was $5,700 million, an increase of $924 million or 19% from the prior year, and adjusted non-interest expense was $4,997 million, an increase of $1,043 million or 26%. Reported results reflected higher acquisition and integration costs and amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, compared with the prior year, partially offset by lower expense related to the lawsuit associated with M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank.

Reported and adjusted non-interest expense increased due to the impact of Bank of the West and AIR MILES, as well as higher premises costs, including a charge related to the consolidation of BMO real estate in the current quarter, higher employee-related and advertising costs.

The reported gross efficiency ratio was 68.2%, compared with 45.2% in the prior year. On a net revenue basis (1), the reported efficiency ratio was 69.4%, compared with 43.7% in the prior year, and the adjusted efficiency ratio was 60.8%, compared with 57.2% in the prior year. Reported gross operating leverage was negative 40.2%. On a net revenue basis, reported operating leverage was negative 44.3% and adjusted operating leverage was negative 7.3%.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported non-interest expense increased $106 million or 2% from the prior quarter, and adjusted non-interest expense increased $30 million or 1%. The impact of the stronger U.S. dollar increased non-interest expense by approximately 1% on both a reported and an adjusted basis. Reported results reflected higher acquisition and integration costs, partially offset by the impact of tax measures in the prior quarter.

Reported and adjusted non-interest expense increased due to higher premises costs, including the real estate charge, higher professional fees, advertising costs, an additional month of AIR MILES and the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar, partially offset by lower employee-related costs, including severance in the prior quarter.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios in this Non-Interest Expense section, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

(1)

This ratio is calculated using net revenue and non-interest expense. For further discussion of revenue, refer to the Revenue section.

 

16   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $446 million, a decrease of $1,008 million from the fourth quarter of 2022, and an increase of $61 million from the third quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate for the current quarter was 21.6%, compared with 24.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 20.9% in the third quarter of 2023. The change in the reported effective tax rate in the current quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to the impact of higher pre-tax earnings in the prior year and lower pre-tax earnings in the prior quarter, respectively.

The adjusted provision for income taxes was $630 million, an increase of $33 million from the fourth quarter of 2022, and an increase of $60 million from the third quarter of 2023. The adjusted effective tax rate was 22.7% in the current quarter, compared with 21.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022, and 21.9% in the third quarter of 2023. The change in the adjusted effective tax rate in the current quarter relative to the fourth quarter of 2022 and third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to earnings mix.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures and ratios in this Provision for Income Taxes section, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Capital Management

BMO continues to manage its capital within the framework described in the Enterprise-Wide Capital Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Regulatory Capital Review

BMO’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio was 12.5% as at October 31, 2023, an increase from 12.3% at the end of the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to internal capital generation and common shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan (DRIP), partially offset by the impact of acquisition and integration costs related to Bank of the West and unrealized losses on fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI) securities.

CET1 Capital was $52.9 billion as at October 31, 2023, an increase from $50.9 billion as at July 31, 2023, driven by the impact of foreign exchange movements, common shares issued under the DRIP and retained earnings growth, partially offset by unrealized losses on fair value through OCI securities.

Risk-weighted assets (RWA) were $424.2 billion as at October 31, 2023, an increase from $412.9 billion as at July 31, 2023. RWA increased primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange movements, a net increase from model and methodology updates and net asset quality changes, partially offset by risk transfer transactions.

In calculating regulatory capital ratios, there is a requirement to increase total RWA when a capital floor amount calculated under the standardized approaches, multiplied by a capital floor adjustment factor, is higher than a similar calculation using more risk-sensitive internal modelled approaches, where applicable. The capital floor was not operative as at October 31, 2023, unchanged from July 31, 2023.

The bank’s Tier 1 and Total Capital Ratios were 14.1% and 16.2%, respectively, as at October 31, 2023, compared with 14.0% and 16.1%, respectively, as at July 31, 2023, primarily due to the same factors impacting the CET1 Ratio.

The impact of foreign exchange movements on capital ratios was largely offset. BMO’s investments in foreign operations are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, and the foreign exchange impact of U.S.-dollar-denominated RWA and capital deductions may result in variability in the bank’s capital ratios. We may manage the impact of foreign exchange movements on our capital ratios, and we did so during the current quarter. Any such activities could also impact our book value and return on equity.

Our Leverage Ratio was 4.2% as at October 31, 2023, unchanged from July 31, 2023.

The bank’s risk-based Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) Ratio and TLAC Leverage Ratio were 27.0% and 8.1%, respectively, as at October 31, 2023, compared with 26.8% and 8.1%, respectively, as at July 31, 2023.

Regulatory Capital Developments

Refer to the Enterprise-Wide Capital Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report for a more detailed discussion of regulatory developments.

Regulatory Capital, Leverage and TLAC

Regulatory capital requirements for BMO are determined in accordance with guidelines issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), which are based on the Basel III framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), and include OSFI’s Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline and the Leverage Requirements (LR) Guideline. TLAC requirements are determined in accordance with OSFI’s TLAC Guideline. For more information refer to the Enterprise-Wide Capital Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     17  


OSFI’s capital, leverage and TLAC requirements are summarized in the following table.

 

(% of risk-weighted assets or leverage exposures)    Minimum capital,
leverage and TLAC
requirements
     Total Pillar 1 Capital
buffer (1)
    

Tier 1 Capital

buffer (2)

     Domestic stability
buffer (3)
     Minimum capital,
leverage and TLAC
requirements including
capital buffers
     BMO capital, leverage
and TLAC ratios as at
October 31, 2023
 

Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio

     4.5%        3.5%        na        3.0%        11.0%        12.5%  

Tier 1 Capital Ratio

     6.0%        3.5%        na        3.0%        12.5%        14.1%  

Total Capital Ratio

     8.0%        3.5%        na        3.0%        14.5%        16.2%  

TLAC Ratio

     21.5%        na        na        3.0%        24.5%        27.0%  

Leverage Ratio

     3.0%        na        0.5%        na        3.5%        4.2%  

TLAC Leverage Ratio

     6.75%        na        0.5%        na        7.25%        8.1%  

 

(1)

The minimum CET1 Ratio requirement of 4.5% is augmented by the 3.5% Total Pillar 1 Capital buffers, which can absorb losses during periods of stress. Pillar 1 Capital buffers, which will be met with CET1 Capital, include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, a Common Equity Tier 1 surcharge for domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) of 1.0% and a countercyclical buffer, as prescribed by OSFI (immaterial for the fourth quarter of 2023). If a bank’s capital ratios fall within the range of this combined buffer, restrictions on discretionary distributions of earnings (such as dividends, share repurchases and discretionary compensation) would ensue, with the degree of such restrictions varying according to the position of the bank’s ratios within the buffer range.

(2)

Effective February 1, 2023, D-SIBs are required to meet a 0.5% Tier 1 capital buffer requirement for the Leverage and TLAC Leverage Ratios.

(3)

OSFI requires all D-SIBs to hold a Domestic Stability Buffer (DSB) against Pillar 2 risks associated with systemic vulnerabilities. The DSB was set at 3.0% as at October 31, 2023. Effective November 1, 2023, the DSB will increase to 3.5%. Breaches of the DSB do not result in a bank being subject to automatic constraints on capital distributions. In the event of a breach, OSFI would require a remediation plan, and would expect for the plan to be executed in a timely manner. Banks may be required to hold additional buffers that are applicable to capital, leverage and TLAC ratios.

na – not applicable

Regulatory Capital and TLAC Position (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)   Q4-2023     Q3-2023     Q4-2022  

Gross common equity (1)

    70,051       67,215       64,730  

Regulatory adjustments applied to common equity

    (17,137     (16,320     (3,839

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1)

    52,914       50,895       60,891  

Additional Tier 1 Eligible Capital (2)

    6,958       6,958       6,308  

Regulatory adjustments applied to Tier 1 Capital

    (87     (86     (78

Additional Tier 1 Capital (AT1)

    6,871       6,872       6,230  

Tier 1 Capital (T1 = CET1 + AT1)

    59,785       57,767       67,121  

Tier 2 Eligible Capital (3)

    8,984       8,792       8,238  

Regulatory adjustments applied to Tier 2 Capital

    (51     (55     (50

Tier 2 Capital (T2)

    8,933       8,737       8,188  

Total Capital (TC = T1 + T2)

    68,718       66,504       75,309  

Other TLAC instruments (4)

    45,773       44,366       45,554  

Adjustments applied to Other TLAC

    (89     (60     (200

Other TLAC available after adjustments

    45,684       44,306       45,354  

TLAC

    114,402       110,810       120,663  

Risk-Weighted Assets (5)

    424,197       412,943       363,997  

Leverage Ratio Exposures

                    1,413,036                         1,369,745                            1,189,990  

Capital, Leverage and TLAC Ratios (%)

     

CET1 Ratio

    12.5       12.3       16.7  

Tier 1 Capital Ratio

    14.1       14.0       18.4  

Total Capital Ratio

    16.2       16.1       20.7  

TLAC Ratio

    27.0       26.8       33.1  

Leverage Ratio

    4.2       4.2       5.6  

TLAC Leverage Ratio

    8.1       8.1       10.1  

 

(1)

Gross Common Equity includes issued qualifying common shares, retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income and eligible common share capital issued by subsidiaries.

(2)

Additional Tier 1 Eligible Capital includes directly and indirectly issued qualifying Additional Tier 1 instruments.

(3)

Tier 2 Eligible Capital includes subordinated debentures and may include portion of expected credit loss provisions.

(4)

Other TLAC includes senior unsecured debt subject to the Canadian Bail-In Regime.

(5)

Institutions using internal model-based approaches for credit risk, counterparty credit risk, or market risk are subject to a capital floor requirement that is applied to RWA, as prescribed in OSFI’s CAR Guideline.

Caution

This Capital Management section contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

 

18   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Review of Operating Groups’ Performance

How BMO Reports Operating Group Results

BMO reports financial results for its three operating groups, one of which comprises two operating segments, all of which are supported by Corporate Units and Technology and Operations (T&O) within Corporate Services. Operating segment results include allocations from Corporate Services for treasury-related revenue, corporate and T&O costs, and capital. The impact of the Bank of the West acquisition has been reflected in our results as a business combination, primarily in the U.S. P&C and BMO Wealth Management reporting segments.

BMO employs funds transfer pricing and liquidity transfer pricing between corporate treasury and the operating segments in order to assign the appropriate cost and credit to funds for the appropriate pricing of loans and deposits, and to help assess the profitability performance of each line of business. These practices also capture the cost of holding supplemental liquid assets to meet contingent liquidity requirements, as well as facilitating the management of interest rate risk and liquidity risk within our risk appetite framework and regulatory requirements. We review our transfer pricing methodologies at least annually, in order to align with our interest rate, liquidity and funding risk management practices, and update these as appropriate.

The costs of Corporate Units and T&O services are largely allocated to the four operating segments, with any remaining amounts retained in Corporate Services. Certain expenses, directly incurred to support a specific operating segment, are generally allocated to that operating segment. Other expenses are generally allocated across the operating segments in amounts that are reasonably reflective of the level of support provided to each operating segment. We review our expense allocation methodologies annually, and update these as appropriate.

Capital is allocated to the operating segments based on the amount of regulatory capital required to support business activities. Effective fiscal 2023, our capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk-weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2022, in order to reflect an increase in capital requirements. Unallocated capital is reported in Corporate Services. We review our capital allocation methodologies annually, and update these as appropriate.

Periodically, certain lines of business and units within our organizational structure are realigned to support our strategic priorities, and comparative figures from prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current period’s presentation.

We analyze revenue at the consolidated level based on GAAP revenue as reported in the audited annual consolidated financial statements, rather than on a taxable equivalent basis, which is consistent with our Canadian banking peer group. Like many banks, BMO analyzes revenue on a taxable equivalent basis (teb) at the operating segment level. Revenue and the provision for income taxes in BMO Capital Markets and U.S. P&C are increased on tax-exempt securities to equivalent pre-tax amounts that facilitate comparisons of income from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The offset to the segment teb adjustments is reflected in Corporate Services revenue and provision for (recovery of) income taxes.

Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C) (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income (teb) (2)

    4,308       4,195       3,423       16,161       12,486  

Non-interest revenue

    1,112       1,075       877       4,092       3,684  

Total revenue (teb) (2)

    5,420       5,270       4,300       20,253       16,170  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    395       328       189       1,164       539  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    50       144       47       276       (181

Total provision for credit losses

    445       472       236       1,440       358  

Non-interest expense

    2,836       2,821       1,965       10,272       7,392  

Income before income taxes

    2,139       1,977       2,099       8,541       8,420  

Provision for income taxes (teb) (2)

    516       486       522       2,099       2,097  

Reported net income

    1,623       1,491       1,577       6,442       6,323  

Acquisition and integration costs (3)

    1       6             9        

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (4)

    82       79       2       240       6  

Adjusted net income

    1,706       1,576       1,579       6,691       6,329  

Net income available to common shareholders

    1,595       1,466       1,556       6,349       6,244  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    1,678       1,551       1,558       6,598       6,250  

 

(1)

Adjusted results are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Taxable equivalent basis (teb) amounts of $9 million in Q4-2023, and $8 million in both Q3-2023 and Q4-2022; and $33 million for fiscal 2023 and $25 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in net interest income, revenue and in provision for income taxes.

(3)

Acquisition and integration costs of $2 million pre-tax related to the acquisition of AIR MILES in Q4-2023, $8 million in Q3-2023 and $3 million in Q2-2023 were recorded in non-interest expense.

(4)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets pre-tax amounts for Total P&C of $110 million in Q4-2023, $106 million in Q3-2023 and $2 million in Q4-2022; and $320 million for fiscal 2023 and $7 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in non-interest expense.

The Personal and Commercial Banking (P&C) operating group represents the sum of our two retail and commercial operating segments, Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking (Canadian P&C) and U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking (U.S. P&C). The P&C banking business reported net income was $1,623 million, an increase of $46 million or 3% from the prior year, and an increase of $132 million or 9% from the prior quarter. These operating segments are reviewed separately in the sections that follow.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     19  


Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking (Canadian P&C) (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income

    2,166       2,129       1,961       8,308       7,449  

Non-interest revenue

    701       656       586       2,519       2,419  

Total revenue

    2,867       2,785       2,547       10,827       9,868  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    248       209       142       784       432  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    21       60       32       146       (91

Total provision for credit losses

    269       269       174       930       341  

Non-interest expense

    1,271       1,256       1,131       4,770       4,349  

Income before income taxes

    1,327       1,260       1,242       5,127       5,178  

Provision for income taxes

    365       345       325       1,409       1,352  

Reported net income

    962       915       917       3,718       3,826  

Acquisition and integration costs (2)

    1       6             9        

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (3)

    3       2             6       1  

Adjusted net income

    966       923       917       3,733       3,827  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    1,265       1,245       1,131       4,749       4,348  

Net income available to common shareholders

    951       904       906       3,677       3,783  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    955       912       906       3,692       3,784  

Key Performance Metrics and Drivers

         

Personal and Business Banking revenue

    2,096       2,006       1,797       7,762       6,890  

Commercial Banking revenue

    771       779       750       3,065       2,978  

Return on equity (%) (4)

    26.6       25.6       29.4       26.9       32.1  

Adjusted return on equity (%) (4)

    26.7       25.8       29.4       27.0       32.1  

Operating leverage (%)

    0.2       (0.8     2.7             2.7  

Adjusted operating leverage (%)

    0.8       0.1       2.7       0.4       2.7  

Efficiency ratio (%)

    44.3       45.1       44.4       44.1       44.1  

PCL on impaired loans to average net loans and acceptances (%)

    0.31       0.26       0.19       0.25       0.15  

Net interest margin on average earning assets (%)

    2.77       2.77       2.66       2.73       2.68  

Average earning assets

    310,566       305,354       292,124       303,855       278,022  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    321,047       316,162       304,159       314,988       290,324  

Average deposits

    283,910       276,577       253,143       272,575       243,541  

 

(1)

Adjusted results and ratios are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Pre-tax acquisition and integration costs related to AIR MILES of $2 million in Q4-2023 and $8 million in Q3-2023, and $13 million for fiscal 2023, recorded in non-interest expense.

(3)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets pre-tax amounts of $4 million in Q4-2023, $3 million in Q3-2023 and $nil million in Q4-2022; and $8 million for fiscal 2023 and $1 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in non-interest expense.

(4)

Return on equity is based on allocated capital. Effective Q1-2023, the capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk-weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2022. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Canadian P&C reported net income was $962 million, an increase of $45 million or 5% from the prior year.

Total revenue was $2,867 million, an increase of $320 million or 13% from the prior year. Net interest income increased $205 million or 10%, due to higher balances and higher net interest margins. Non-interest revenue increased $115 million or 20%, primarily due to the inclusion of AIR MILES and higher card-related revenue. Net interest margin of 2.77% increased 11 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to higher loan margins and deposits growing faster than loans, partially offset by lower deposit margins.

Personal and Business Banking revenue increased $299 million or 17% and Commercial Banking revenue increased $21 million or 3%, both due to higher net interest income and non-interest revenue.

Total provision for credit losses was $269 million, an increase of $95 million from the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans was $248 million, an increase of $106 million, largely due to higher provisions in Personal and Business Banking. There was a $21 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with a $32 million provision in the prior year.

Non-interest expense was $1,271 million, an increase of $140 million or 12% from the prior year, reflecting the inclusion of AIR MILES, higher employee-related costs and investment in the business.

Average gross loans and acceptances increased $16.9 billion or 6% from the prior year to $321.0 billion. Personal and Business Banking loan balances increased 5%, Commercial Banking loan balances increased 5% and credit card balances increased 20%. Average deposits increased $30.8 billion or 12% to $283.9 billion. Deposits in Personal and Business Banking and Commercial Banking both increased 12%, primarily due to strong growth in term deposits.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net income increased $47 million or 5% from the prior quarter.

Total revenue increased $82 million or 3% from the prior quarter. Net interest income increased $37 million or 2%, due to higher balances. Non-interest revenue increased $45 million or 7%, primarily due to the inclusion of an additional month of AIR MILES revenue and higher card-related revenue. Net interest margin of 2.77% was unchanged from the prior quarter.

Personal and Business Banking revenue increased $90 million or 5%, due to higher net interest income and non-interest revenue. Commercial Banking revenue decreased $8 million or 1%, due to lower net interest income and non-interest revenue.

Total provision for credit losses was $269 million, unchanged from the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans increased $39 million largely due to higher provisions in Personal and Business Banking. There was a $21 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with a $60 million provision in the prior quarter.

 

20   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Non-interest expense increased $15 million or 1% from the prior quarter, reflecting the inclusion of one additional month of AIR MILES expenses and investments in the business, partially offset by lower employee-related costs, primarily due to severance in the prior quarter.

Average gross loans and acceptances increased $4.9 billion or 2% from the prior quarter. Personal and Business Banking loan balances increased 2%, Commercial Banking loan balances increased 1% and credit card balances increased 5%. Average deposits increased $7.3 billion or 3% from the prior quarter. Personal and Business Banking deposits increased 2% and Commercial Banking deposits increased 4%, primarily due to strong growth in term deposits.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking (U.S. P&C) (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income (teb) (2)

    2,142       2,066       1,462       7,853       5,037  

Non-interest revenue

    411       419       291       1,573       1,265  

Total revenue (teb) (2)

    2,553       2,485       1,753       9,426       6,302  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    147       119       47       380       107  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    29       84       15       130       (90

Total provision for credit losses

    176       203       62       510       17  

Non-interest expense

    1,565       1,565       834       5,502       3,043  

Income before income taxes

    812       717       857       3,414       3,242  

Provision for income taxes (teb) (2)

    151       141       197       690       745  

Reported net income

    661       576       660       2,724       2,497  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (3)

    79       77       2       234       5  

Adjusted net income

    740       653       662       2,958       2,502  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    1,459       1,462       832       5,187       3,037  

Net income available to common shareholders

    644       562       650       2,672       2,461  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    723       639       652       2,906       2,466  

Average earning assets

    219,715       215,960       149,721       202,155       138,094  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    214,707       210,070       144,110       196,459       132,240  

Average net loans and acceptances

    212,682       208,177       143,179       194,746       131,394  

Average deposits

    215,678       210,099       148,849       198,717       145,633  
(US$ equivalent in millions)                                   

Net interest income (teb) (2)

    1,570       1,550       1,082       5,818       3,893  

Non-interest revenue

    301       314       215       1,165       981  

Total revenue (teb) (2)

    1,871       1,864       1,297       6,983       4,874  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    109       89       35       282       82  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    20       64       11       97       (71

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    129       153       46       379       11  

Non-interest expense

    1,146       1,175       617       4,076       2,353  

Income before income taxes

    596       536       634       2,528       2,510  

Provision for income taxes (teb) (2)

    110       105       146       510       577  

Reported net income

    486       431       488       2,018       1,933  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (3)

    57       58       1       173       4  

Adjusted net income

    543       489       489       2,191       1,937  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    1,070       1,097       616       3,843       2,348  

Net income available to common shareholders

    474       419       481       1,979       1,905  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    534       479       482       2,157       1,909  

Key Performance Metrics (US$ basis)

         

Personal and Business Banking revenue

    717       728       402       2,620       1,420  

Commercial Banking revenue

    1,154       1,136       895       4,363       3,454  

Return on equity (%) (4)

    7.9       6.9       17.9       9.6       17.8  

Adjusted return on equity (%) (4)

    8.8       7.9       18.0       10.4       17.8  

Operating leverage (%)

    (41.6     (43.2     14.3       (29.9     6.0  

Adjusted operating leverage (%)

    (29.4     (30.8     13.4       (20.3     5.0  

Efficiency ratio (%)

    61.3       63.0       47.6       58.4       48.3  

Adjusted efficiency ratio (%)

    57.1       58.8       47.5       55.0       48.2  

Net interest margin on average earning assets (%)

    3.87       3.80       3.88       3.88       3.64  

PCL on impaired loans to average net loans and acceptances (%)

    0.28       0.23       0.13       0.20       0.08  

Average earning assets

    160,972       161,991       110,753       149,767       106,829  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    157,298       157,574       106,603       145,543       102,290  

Average deposits

    158,018       157,608       110,138       147,220       112,780  

 

(1)

Adjusted results and ratios are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Taxable equivalent basis (teb) amounts of $9 million in Q4-2023, and $8 million in both Q3-2023 and Q4-2022; and $33 million for fiscal 2023 and $25 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in net interest income revenue and provision for income taxes, and were reflected in the ratios. On a source currency basis, teb amounts were US$7 million in Q4-2023, and US$6 million in both Q3-2023 and Q4-2022; and US$25 million for fiscal 2023 and US$20 million for fiscal 2022.

(3)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets pre-tax amounts of $106 million in Q4-2023, $103 million in Q3-2023 and $2 million in Q4-2022; and $315 million for fiscal 2023 and $6 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in non-interest expense. On a source currency basis, pre-tax amounts were US$76 million in Q4-2023, US$78 million in Q3-2023 and US$1 million in Q4-2022; and US$233 million for fiscal 2023 and US$5 million for fiscal 2022.

(4)

Return on equity is based on allocated capital. Effective Q1-2023, the capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk-weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2022. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     21  


Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

U.S. P&C reported net income was $661 million, relatively unchanged from the prior year. The impact of the stronger U.S. dollar increased net income by 1%, revenue by 2% and expenses by 1%. All amounts in the remainder of this section are on a U.S. dollar basis.

Reported net income was $486 million, a decrease of $2 million or less than 1% from the prior year as the inclusion of Bank of the West was more than offset by a higher provision for credit losses, lower underlying revenue and higher underlying expenses.

Total revenue was $1,871 million, an increase of $574 million or 44% from the prior year. Net interest income increased $488 million or 45%, primarily due to the inclusion of Bank of the West, partially offset by lower net interest margins and lower balances. Non-interest revenue increased $86 million or 40%, primarily due to the inclusion of Bank of the West, partially offset by lower operating lease revenue. Net interest margin of 3.87% decreased 1 basis point, primarily due to lower loan margins, partially offset by a favourable change in balance sheet mix and higher deposit margins.

Personal and Business Banking revenue increased $315 million or 78% and Commercial Banking revenue increased $259 million or 29%, both due to the inclusion of Bank of the West, partially offset by lower underlying net interest income.

Total provision for credit losses was $129 million, an increase of $83 million from the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans was $109 million, an increase of $74 million due to higher provisions in both Personal and Business Banking and Commercial Banking. There was a $20 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with an $11 million provision in the prior year.

Non-interest expense was $1,146 million, an increase of $529 million or 86% from the prior year, primarily reflecting the impact of Bank of the West, as well as higher underlying employee-related and advertising costs.

Average gross loans and acceptances increased $50.7 billion or 48% from the prior year to $157.3 billion, due to the inclusion of Bank of the West. Commercial Banking loan balances increased $26.3 billion and Personal and Business Banking loan balances increased $24.4 billion. Average total deposits increased $47.9 billion or 43% to $158.0 billion, due to the inclusion of Bank of the West. Personal and Business Banking deposits increased $26.5 billion and Commercial Banking balances increased $21.4 billion.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net income increased $85 million or 15% from the prior quarter. The impact of the stronger U.S. dollar increased both net income and revenue by 3% and expenses by 2%. All amounts in the remainder of this section are on a U.S. dollar basis.

Reported net income increased $55 million or 12% from the prior quarter.

Total revenue increased $7 million from the prior quarter. Net interest income increased $20 million or 1%, primarily reflecting a one-time Bank of the West conversion adjustment, offset in Corporate Services. Non-interest revenue decreased $13 million or 4%, due to lower operating lease and deposit fee revenue. Net interest margin of 3.87% increased 7 basis points from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher net interest income in the current quarter, which was offset in Corporate Services, and changes in balance sheet mix.

Personal and Business Banking revenue decreased $11 million or 2%, primarily due to lower net interest income and non-interest revenue. Commercial Banking revenue increased $18 million or 2%, due to higher net interest income, partially offset by lower non-interest revenue.

Total provision for credit losses decreased $24 million from the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans increased $20 million, largely due to higher provisions in Commercial Banking. There was a $20 million provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with a $64 million provision in the prior quarter.

Non-interest expense decreased $29 million or 2% from the prior quarter, primarily due to lower technology and employee-related costs, including severance in the prior quarter.

Average gross loans and acceptances decreased $0.3 billion, or less than 1% from the prior quarter. Personal and Business Banking loan balances increased 3% and Commercial Banking loan balances decreased 1%. Average total deposits increased $0.4 billion, or less than 1%, compared with the prior quarter. Personal and Business Banking deposits increased 2% and Commercial Banking deposits decreased 1%.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

22   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


BMO Wealth Management (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income

    364       367       324       1,416       1,188  

Non-interest revenue

    1,144       1,055       606       5,978       3,336  

Total revenue

    1,508       1,422       930       7,394       4,524  

Insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB)

    151       4       (369     1,939       (683

Revenue, net of CCPB

    1,357       1,418       1,299       5,455       5,207  

Provision for credit losses on impaired loans

    2       1             5       2  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    (1     6       3       13       (4

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    1       7       3       18       (2

Non-interest expense

    1,012       1,011       901       3,962       3,564  

Income before income taxes

    344       400       395       1,475       1,645  

Provision for income taxes

    82       97       97       349       394  

Reported net income

    262       303       298       1,126       1,251  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (2)

    1       1             4       3  

Adjusted net income

    263       304       298       1,130       1,254  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    1,010       1,009       900       3,955       3,559  

Net income available to common shareholders

    260       301       296       1,118       1,243  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    261       302       296       1,122       1,246  

Key Performance Metrics

         

Wealth and Asset Management reported net income

    212       222       221       862       992  

Wealth and Asset Management adjusted net income

    213       223       221       866       995  

Insurance reported net income

    50       81       77       264       259  

Insurance adjusted net income

    50       81       77       264       259  

Return on equity (%) (3)

    15.6       17.8       21.7       17.6       23.5  

Adjusted return on equity (%) (3)

    15.7       17.8       21.8       17.7       23.6  

Operating leverage, net of CCPB (%)

    (7.9     (5.0     (0.8     (6.4     (0.7

Adjusted operating leverage, net of CCPB (%)

    (7.9     (4.9     (1.1     (6.3     (1.3

Reported efficiency ratio (%)

    67.1       71.1       96.8       53.6       78.8  

Adjusted efficiency ratio, net of CCPB (%)

    74.4       71.2       69.2       72.5       68.4  

PCL on impaired loans to average net loans and acceptances (%)

    0.02       0.01             0.01        

Average assets

    60,560       60,671       51,915       58,661       50,488  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    42,640       42,476       36,036       40,851       34,007  

Average deposits

    61,430       62,999       56,428       61,739       55,919  

Assets under administration (4)

    416,352       432,828       424,191       416,352       424,191  

Assets under management

    332,947       340,184       305,462       332,947       305,462  

U.S. Business Select Financial Data (US$ in millions)

         

Total revenue

    201       214       145       774       576  

Non-interest expense

    159       161       116       599       458  

Reported net income

    33       38       20       132       91  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    157       160       115       594       454  

Adjusted net income

    35       38       21       136       94  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    10,765       11,088       6,423       9,776       5,937  

Average deposits

    12,824       13,720       7,119       11,975       7,528  

 

(1)

Revenue measures, net of CCPB, and adjusted results and ratios are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets pre-tax amounts of $2 million in both Q4-2023 and Q3-2023, and $1 million in Q4-2022; and $7 million for fiscal 2023 and $5 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in non-interest expense.

(3)

Return on equity is based on allocated capital. Effective Q1-2023, the capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk-weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2022. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(4)

Certain assets under management that are also administered by the bank are included in assets under administration.

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

BMO Wealth Management reported net income was $262 million, a decrease of $36 million or 12% from the prior year. Wealth and Asset Management reported net income was $212 million, a decrease of $9 million or 4% from the prior year, and Insurance net income was $50 million, a decrease of $27 million or 36%.

Total revenue was $1,508 million, an increase of $578 million or 62%. Revenue, net of CCPB, was $1,357 million, an increase of $58 million or 4%. Revenue in Wealth and Asset Management was $1,258 million, an increase of $94 million or 8%, primarily due to the inclusion of Bank of the West and growth in client assets, partially offset by lower underlying net interest income due to lower balances and margins. Insurance revenue, net of CCPB, was $99 million, a decrease of $36 million or 26% from the prior year, primarily due to unfavourable market movements in the current year relative to favourable market movements in the prior year and lower benefits from changes in investments to improve asset liability management, partially offset by the impact of favourable actuarial assumption changes and business growth.

Non-interest expense was $1,012 million, an increase of $111 million or 12%, primarily due to the impact of Bank of the West, as well as higher employee-related and technology costs.

Assets under management increased $27.5 billion or 9% from the prior year to $332.9 billion, driven by higher net client assets, the impact of Bank of the West, stronger global markets and favourable foreign exchange movements. Assets under administration decreased $7.8 billion or 2% to $416.4 billion. Average gross loans increased 18% and average deposits increased 9%, primarily due to the inclusion of Bank of the West.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     23  


Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net income decreased $41 million or 13% from the prior quarter. Wealth and Asset Management reported net income decreased $10 million or 4% and Insurance net income decreased $31 million or 38%.

Total revenue increased $86 million or 6% from the prior quarter. Revenue, net of CCPB, decreased $61 million or 4%. Wealth and Asset Management revenue decreased $16 million or 1%, due to weaker global markets and lower net interest income, primarily driven by lower deposit balances. Insurance revenue, net of CCPB, decreased $45 million or 30%, primarily due to unfavourable market movements in the current quarter relative to favourable market movements in the prior quarter.

Non-interest expense was relatively unchanged from the prior quarter, as higher technology and advertising costs, and the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar were offset by lower employee-related costs, including severance in the prior quarter.

Assets under management decreased $7.2 billion or 2% from the prior quarter, reflecting the impact of weaker global markets, partially offset by higher net client assets and favourable foreign exchange movements relative to the prior quarter. Assets under administration decreased $16.5 billion or 4%, driven by weaker global markets and the attrition of lower-yielding U.S. institutional assets, partially offset by favourable foreign exchange rate movements. Average gross loans increased less than 1% and average deposits decreased 2%.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

BMO Capital Markets (1)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income (teb) (2)

    646       587       778       2,553       3,197  

Non-interest revenue

    1,022       891       627       3,897       2,975  

Total revenue (teb) (2)

    1,668       1,478       1,405       6,450       6,172  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on impaired loans

    11       1       5       9       (32

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    (10     9       (23     9       (11

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    1       10       (18     18       (43

Non-interest expense

    1,052       1,076       965       4,279       3,855  

Income before income taxes

    615       392       458       2,153       2,360  

Provision for income taxes (teb) (2)

    126       82       101       471       588  

Reported net income

    489       310       357       1,682       1,772  

Acquisition and integration costs (3)

    (2     1       2       4       8  

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (4)

    5       5       4       20       14  

Adjusted net income

    492       316       363       1,706       1,794  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    1,048       1,067       958       4,247       3,826  

Net income available to common shareholders

    480       302       346       1,648       1,732  

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders

    483       308       352       1,672       1,754  

Key Performance Metrics

         

Global Markets revenue

    951       870       851       3,856       3,763  

Investment and Corporate Banking revenue

    717       608       554       2,594       2,409  

Return on equity (%) (5)

    15.8       10.2       11.3       13.9       15.0  

Adjusted return on equity (%) (5)

    15.9       10.4       11.5       14.1       15.2  

Operating leverage (teb) (%)

    9.9       (0.1     (21.1     (6.5     (10.6

Adjusted operating leverage (teb) (%)

    9.5             (21.3     (6.5     (10.8

Efficiency ratio (teb) (%)

    63.1       72.8       68.8       66.3       62.5  

Adjusted efficiency ratio (teb) (%)

    62.8       72.2       68.3       65.8       62.0  

PCL on impaired loans to average net loans and acceptances (%)

    0.06             0.02       0.01       (0.05

Average assets

    422,840       410,667       408,824       416,261       390,306  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    80,314       77,283       71,541       77,058       63,254  

U.S. Business Select Financial Data (US$ in millions)

         

Total revenue (teb) (2)

    586       510       419       2,052       2,010  

Non-interest expense

    412       397       400       1,617       1,471  

Reported net income

    127       71       11       311       415  

Adjusted non-interest expense

    411       393       395       1,604       1,450  

Adjusted net income

    127       74       14       320       431  

Average assets

    140,994       140,522       132,349       138,475       135,030  

Average gross loans and acceptances

    30,196       29,273       26,661       29,003       25,118  

 

(1)

Adjusted results and ratios are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Taxable equivalent basis (teb) amounts of $86 million in Q4-2023, $81 million in Q3-2023 and $61 million in Q4-2022; and $321 million for fiscal 2023 and $245 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in net interest income, revenue and provision for income taxes, and were reflected in the ratios. For our U.S. businesses, teb amounts were nil in both in Q4-2023 and Q3-2023, and US$1 million in Q4-2022; and nil for fiscal 2023 and US$12 million for fiscal 2022.

(3)

Clearpool and Radicle pre-tax acquisition and integration costs included a recovery of $3 million in Q4-2023 and costs of $2 million in both Q3-2023 and Q4-2022; and $5 million for fiscal 2023 and $10 million for fiscal 2022, recorded in non-interest expense.

(4)

Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets pre-tax amounts of $7 million in both Q4-2023 and Q3-2023, and $5 million in Q4-2022; and $27 million for fiscal 2023 and $19 million for fiscal 2022 were recorded in non-interest expense.

(5)

Return on equity is based on allocated capital. Effective Q1-2023, the capital allocation rate increased to 11.0% of risk-weighted assets, compared with 10.5% in fiscal 2022. For further information, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

24   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

BMO Capital Markets reported net income was $489 million, an increase of $132 million or 37% from the prior year.

Total revenue was $1,668 million, an increase of $263 million or 19% from the prior year. Global Markets revenue increased $100 million or 12%, reflecting higher equities trading revenue and net securities gains, partially offset by lower interest rates trading revenue. Investment and Corporate Banking revenue increased $163 million or 29%, due to higher merger and acquisition and underwriting activity, higher net securities gains and corporate banking-related revenue.

Total provision for credit losses was $1 million, compared with a recovery of $18 million in the prior year. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans increased $6 million from the prior year. There was a $10 million recovery of the provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with a $23 million recovery in the prior year.

Non-interest expense was $1,052 million, an increase of $87 million or 9% from the prior year, driven by higher performance-based compensation, higher technology and transaction-based costs.

Average gross loans and acceptances of $80.3 billion increased $8.8 billion or 12% from the prior year, reflecting higher levels of lending activity across loan portfolios.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net income increased $179 million or 58% from the prior quarter.

Total revenue increased $190 million or 13% from the prior quarter. Global Markets revenue increased $81 million or 9%, primarily due to higher equities trading revenue. Investment and Corporate Banking revenue increased $109 million or 18%, primarily due to higher merger and acquisition and underwriting activity.

Total provision for credit losses decreased $9 million from the prior quarter. The provision for credit losses on impaired loans increased $10 million from the prior quarter. There was a $10 million recovery of the provision for credit losses on performing loans in the current quarter, compared with a $9 million provision in the prior quarter.

Non-interest expense decreased $24 million or 2%, primarily due to legal provisions and severance in the prior quarter, partially offset by higher performance-based compensation in the current quarter.

Average gross loans and acceptances increased $3.0 billion or 4% from the prior quarter.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Corporate Services (1) (2)

 

(Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)       Q4-2023         Q3-2023         Q4-2022         Fiscal 2023         Fiscal 2022  

Net interest income before group teb offset

    (282     (155     (690     (1,095     (716

Group teb offset

    (95     (89     (68     (354     (270

Net interest income (teb)

    (377     (244     (758     (1,449     (986

Non-interest revenue

    141       3       4,693       (1,449     7,830  

Total revenue (teb)

    (236     (241     3,935       (2,898     6,844  

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on impaired loans

          3       (2     2       (7

Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on performing loans

    (1           7       700       7  

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    (1     3       5       702        

Non-interest expense

    800       686       945       2,706       1,383  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (1,035     (930     2,985       (6,306     5,461  

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (teb)

    (278     (280     734       (1,433     1,270  

Reported net income (loss)

    (757     (650     2,251       (4,873     4,191  

Initial provision for credit losses on purchased performing loans (3)

                      517        

Acquisition and integration costs (4)

    434       363       143       1,520       237  

Impact of divestitures (5)

                (8           55  

Management of fair value changes on the purchase of Bank of the West (6)

                (3,336     1,461       (5,667

Legal provision (including related interest expense and legal fees) (7)

    12       (3     846       21       846  

Impact of Canadian tax measures (8)

          131             502        

Adjusted net loss

    (311     (159     (104     (852     (338

Adjusted total revenue (teb) (9)

    (222     (100     (91     (719     (333

Adjusted total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    (1     3       5       (3      

Adjusted non-interest expense

    215       184       133       660       424  

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

    (850     (658     2,208       (5,081     4,087  

Adjusted net loss available to common shareholders

    (404     (167     (147     (1,060     (442

U.S. Business Select Financial Data (US$ in millions)

         

Total revenue

    168       209       3,018       (956     5,604  

Total provision for (recovery of) credit losses

    (2     4             518       (4

Non-interest expense

    491       430       598       1,688       686  

Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (teb)

    (63     (49     633       (791     1,282  

Reported net income (loss)

    (258     (176     1,787       (2,371     3,640  

Adjusted total revenue

    178       211       34       571       106  

Adjusted total (recovery of) provision for credit losses

    (2     4             1       (4

Adjusted non-interest expense

    61       67       1       190       44  

Adjusted net income (loss)

    69       96       40       240       83  

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     25  


 

(1)

Adjusted results are on a non-GAAP basis and are discussed in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

(2)

Due to the increase in the bank’s investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entities following our acquisition of Bank of the West, we have updated our accounting policy related to the presentation of returns from these investments in the consolidated statement of income. As a result, amounts previously recorded in non-interest expense and provision for income taxes are both recorded in non-interest revenue. Fiscal 2023 comparatives have been reclassified to conform with the current period’s methodology. The impact in fiscal 2022 was not material.

(3)

Fiscal 2023 reported net income included an initial provision for credit losses of $517 million ($705 million pre-tax) on the purchased Bank of the West performing loan portfolio.

(4)

Reported net income included acquisition and integration costs related to the acquisition of Bank of the West, recorded in non-interest expense: Q4-2023 included $434 million ($583 million pre-tax); Q3-2023 included $363 million ($487 million pre-tax); and Q4-2022 included $143 million ($191 million pre-tax). Fiscal 2023 included $1,520 million ($2,027 million pre-tax) and fiscal 2022 included $237 million ($316 million pre-tax).

(5)

Reported net income in fiscal 2022 included the impact of divestitures related to the sale of our EMEA and U.S. Asset Management businesses: Q4-2022 included a $8 million ($6 million pre-tax) recovery of non-interest-expense. Fiscal 2022 included a gain of $6 million ($8 million pre-tax) related to the transfer of certain U.S. asset management clients and a $29 million (pre-tax and after-tax) loss related to foreign currency translation reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, both recorded in non-interest revenue, and expenses of $32 million ($16 million pre-tax), including taxes of $22 million on the closing of the sale recorded in non-interest expense.

(6)

Reported net income included revenue (losses) related to the acquisition of Bank of the West resulting from the management of the impact of interest rate changes between the announcement and closing of the acquisition on its fair value and goodwill: Q4-2022 included revenue of $3,336 million ($4,541 million pre-tax), comprising $4,698 million of mark-to-market gains on certain interest rate swaps recorded in non-interest trading revenue and $157 million of losses on a portfolio of primarily U.S. treasuries and other balance sheet instruments recorded in net interest income. Fiscal 2023 included a loss of $1,461 million ($2,011 million pre-tax), comprising $1,628 million of mark-to-market losses and $383 million of net interest losses, and fiscal 2022 included revenue of $5,667 million ($7,713 million pre-tax), comprising $7,665 million of mark-to-market gains and $48 million of net interest income. For further information on this acquisition, refer to the Recent Acquisitions section.

(7)

Reported net income included the impact of a lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank: Q4-2023 included $12 million ($16 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $14 million and non-interest expense of $2 million; Q3-2023 included a net recovery of $3 million ($4 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $3 million and non-interest expense of $7 million; and Q4-2022 included a provision of $846 million ($1,142 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $515 million and non-interest expense of $627 million. Fiscal 2023 included a provision of $21 million ($27 million pre-tax), comprising interest expense of $30 million and a net non-interest expense recovery of $3 million. For further information, refer to the Provisions and Contingent Liabilities section in Note 24 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

(8)

Reported net income included the impact of certain tax measures enacted by the Canadian government. Q3-2023 included a charge of $131 million ($160 million pre-tax) related to the amended GST/HST definition for financial services, comprising $138 million recorded in non-interest revenue and $22 million recorded in non-interest expense; and Q1-2023 included a one-time tax expense of $371 million comprising a Canada Recovery Dividend (CRD) of $312 million and $59 million related to the pro-rated fiscal 2022 impact of the 1.5% tax rate increase, net of a deferred tax asset remeasurement.

(9)

Group teb offset amounts for our U.S. businesses were US$7 million in Q4-2023, US$6 million in Q3-2023 and US$7 million in Q4-2022; and US$25 million for fiscal 2023 and US$31 million for fiscal 2022, recorded in revenue and provision for (recovery of) income taxes.

Adjusted results exclude the impact of the items described in footnotes (3) to (8).

Corporate Services consists of Corporate Units and Technology and Operations (T&O). Corporate Units provide enterprise-wide expertise, governance and support in a variety of areas, including strategic planning, risk management, treasury, finance, legal and regulatory compliance, sustainability, human resources, communications, marketing, real estate, and procurement. T&O develops, monitors, manages and maintains governance of information technology, including data and analytics, and provides cyber security and operations services.

The costs of Corporate Units and T&O services are largely allocated to the four operating segments (Canadian P&C, U.S. P&C, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets), with any remaining amounts retained in Corporate Services results. As such, Corporate Services results largely reflect the impact of residual treasury-related activities, the elimination of taxable equivalent adjustments, and residual unallocated expenses.

Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022

Corporate Services reported net loss was $757 million, compared with reported net income of $2,251 million in the prior year, and adjusted net loss was $311 million, compared with adjusted net loss of $104 million. The prior year included the impact of fair value management actions, as well as the impact of a lawsuit associated with a predecessor bank, M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank. Results in both quarters included acquisition and integration costs related to Bank of the West.

The decrease in reported results reflected the items noted above. Adjusted net loss excluded the above factors, and was driven by higher expenses due to the impact of Bank of the West and a charge related to the consolidation of BMO real estate, partially offset by lower revenue. Lower revenue was primarily driven by lower earnings on the investment of unallocated capital and treasury-related activities, partially offset by the impact of Bank of the West, which included the accretion of purchase accounting fair value marks on loans and deposits and the discount on securities, net of the amortization of the fair value hedge.

Q4 2023 vs. Q3 2023

Reported net loss was $757 million, compared with reported net loss of $650 million in the prior quarter, and adjusted net loss was $311 million, compared with $159 million. On a reported basis, the current quarter included higher acquisition and integration costs related to Bank of the West, partially offset by the impact of certain tax measures enacted by the Canadian government in the prior quarter.

Adjusted net loss excluded the above factors and was driven by lower revenue, primarily due to treasury-related activities, lower accretion of purchase accounting fair value marks compared with the prior quarter, and higher expenses due to the real estate charge in the current quarter, higher professional fees, brand advertising and technology costs, partially offset by lower employee-related costs, including severance in the prior quarter.

For further information on non-GAAP amounts, measures, and ratios in this Review of Operating Groups’ Performance section, refer to the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

Risk Management

BMO’s risk management policies and processes to identify, measure, manage, monitor, mitigate and report its credit and counterparty, market, insurance, liquidity and funding, operational, including technology and cyber-related risks, legal and regulatory, strategic, environmental and social, and reputation risks are outlined in the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management section of BMO’s 2023 Annual Report.

 

26   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Glossary of Financial Terms

 

Adjusted Earnings and Measures

Management considers both reported and adjusted results to be useful in assessing underlying ongoing business performance, as set out in the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures section.

 

  Adjusted Revenue – calculated as revenue excluding the impact of certain non-recurring items, and adjusted net revenue is adjusted revenue, net of CCPB.

 

  Adjusted Provision for Credit Losses – calculated as provision for credit losses excluding the impact of certain non-recurring items.

 

  Adjusted Non-Interest Expense – calculated as non-interest expense excluding the impact of certain non-recurring items.

 

  Adjusted Effective Tax Rate calculated as adjusted provision for income taxes divided by adjusted income before provision for income taxes.

 

  Adjusted Net Income – calculated as net income excluding the impact of certain non-recurring items.

Allowance for Credit Losses represents an amount deemed appropriate by management to absorb credit-related losses on loans and acceptances and other credit instruments, in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Allowance on Performing Loans is maintained to cover impairment in the existing portfolio for loans that have not yet been individually identified as impaired. Allowance on Impaired Loans is maintained to reduce the carrying value of individually identified impaired loans to the expected recoverable amount.

Assets under Administration and Assets under Management refers to assets administered or managed by a financial institution that are beneficially owned by clients and therefore not reported on the balance sheet of the administering or managing financial institution.

Asset-Backed Commercial Paper (ABCP) is a short-term investment. The commercial paper is backed by assets such as trade receivables and is generally used for short-term financing needs.

Average Annual Total Shareholder Return (TSR) represents the average annual total return earned on an investment in BMO common shares made at the beginning of a fixed period. The return includes the change in share price and assumes dividends received were reinvested in additional common shares.

Average Earning Assets represents the daily average balance of deposits at central banks, deposits with other banks, securities borrowed or purchased under resale agreements, securities, and loans over a one-year period.

Average Net Loans and Acceptances is the daily or monthly average balance of loans and customers’ liability under acceptances, net of the allowance for credit losses, over a one-year period.

Bail-In Debt is senior unsecured debt subject to the Canadian Bail-In Regime. Bail-in debt includes senior unsecured debt issued directly by the bank on or

after September 23, 2018, which has an original term greater than 400 days and is marketable, subject to certain exceptions. Some or all of this debt may be statutorily converted into common shares of the bank under the Bail-In Regime if the bank enters resolution.

Bankers’ Acceptances (BAs) are bills of exchange or negotiable instruments drawn by a borrower for payment at maturity and accepted by a bank. BAs constitute a guarantee of payment by the bank and can be traded in the money market. The bank earns a “stamping fee” for providing this guarantee.

Basis Point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) are debt securities with multiple tranches, issued by structured entities and collateralized by a pool of mortgages. Each tranche offers different terms, interest rates, and risks.

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital comprises common shareholders’ equity net of deductions for goodwill, intangible assets, pension assets, certain deferred tax assets and other items, which may include a portion of expected credit loss provisions.

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio is calculated as CET1 Capital, which comprises common shareholders’ equity, net of deductions for goodwill, intangible assets, pension assets, certain deferred tax assets and other items (which may include a portion of expected credit loss provisions), divided by risk-weighted assets. The CET1 Ratio is calculated in accordance with OSFI’s Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline.

Common Shareholders’ Equity is the most permanent form of capital. For regulatory capital purposes, common shareholders’ equity comprises common shareholders’ equity, net of capital deductions.

Credit and Counterparty Risk is the potential for financial loss due to the failure of an obligor (i.e., a borrower, endorser, guarantor or counterparty) to repay a loan or honour another predetermined financial obligation.

Derivatives are contracts, requiring no initial or little investment, with a value that is derived from movements in underlying interest or foreign exchange rates, equity or commodity prices or other indices. Derivatives are used to transfer, modify or reduce current or expected risks from changes in rates and prices.

Dividend Payout Ratio represents common share dividends as a percentage of net income available to common shareholders. It is computed by dividing dividends per share by basic earnings per share. Adjusted dividend payout ratio is calculated in the same manner, using adjusted net income.

Dividend Yield represents dividends per common share divided by the closing share price.

Earnings per Share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net income attributable to bank shareholders, after deducting preferred share dividends and distributions on other equity instruments, by the average number of common shares outstanding. Adjusted EPS is calculated in the same manner, using adjusted net income attributable to bank shareholders. Diluted EPS, which is BMO’s basis for measuring performance, adjusts for possible conversions of financial instruments into common shares if those conversions would reduce EPS, and is more fully explained in Note 23 of the consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Sensitivity is a measure of the impact of potential changes in interest rates on the projected 12-month pre-tax net income from a portfolio of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions in response to prescribed parallel interest rate movements, with interest rates floored at zero.

Economic Capital is an expression of the enterprise’s capital demand requirement relative to its view of the economic risks in its underlying business activities. It represents management’s estimation of the likely magnitude of economic losses that could occur should severely adverse situations arise. Economic capital is calculated for various types of risk, including credit, market (trading and non-trading), operational non-financial, business and insurance, based on a one-year time horizon using a defined confidence level.

Economic Value Sensitivity is a measure of the impact of potential changes in interest rates on the market value of a portfolio of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions in response to prescribed parallel interest rate movements, with interest rates floored at zero.

Effective Tax Rate is calculated as provision for income taxes divided by income before provision for income taxes.

Efficiency Ratio (or Expense-to-Revenue Ratio) is a measure of productivity. It is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (on a taxable equivalent basis in the operating groups), expressed as a percentage.

Efficiency Ratio, net of CCPB, is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue, net of CCPB. Adjusted efficiency ratio, net of CCPB, is calculated in the same manner, utilizing adjusted revenue, net of CCPB, and adjusted non-interest expense.

Environmental and Social Risk is the potential for loss or harm directly or indirectly resulting from environmental and social factors that impact BMO or its customers, and BMO’s impact on the environment and society.

Fair Value is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s-length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act in an orderly market transaction.

 

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     27  


Forwards and Futures are contractual agreements to either buy or sell a specified amount of a currency, commodity, interest-rate-sensitive financial instrument or security at a specified price and date in the future. Forwards are customized contracts transacted in the over-the-counter market. Futures are transacted in standardized amounts on regulated exchanges and are subject to daily cash margin requirements.

Gross Impaired Loans and Acceptances (GIL) is calculated as the credit impaired balance of loans and customers’ liability under acceptances.

Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit represent our obligation to make payments to third parties on behalf of a customer if the customer is unable to make the required payments or meet other contractual requirements.

Hedging is a risk management technique used to neutralize, manage or offset interest rate, foreign currency, equity, commodity or credit risk exposures arising from normal banking activities.

Impaired Loans are loans for which there is no longer a reasonable assurance of the timely collection of principal or interest.

Insurance Risk is the potential for loss as a result of actual experience differing from that assumed when an insurance product was designed and priced, and comprises claims risk, policyholder behaviour risk and expense risk.

Insurance Revenue, net of CCPB, is insurance revenue, net of insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB).

Legal and Regulatory Risk is the potential for loss or harm resulting from a failure to comply with laws or satisfy contractual obligations or regulatory requirements. This includes the risk of failure to: comply with the law (in letter or in spirit) or maintain standards of care; implement legal or regulatory requirements; enforce or comply with contractual terms; assert non-contractual rights; effectively manage disputes; or act in a manner so as to maintain our reputation.

Leverage Exposures (LE) consist of on-balance sheet items and specified off-balance sheet items, net of specified adjustments.

Leverage Ratio reflects Tier 1 Capital divided by LE.

Liquidity and Funding Risk is the potential for loss if we are unable to meet our financial commitments in a timely manner at reasonable prices as they become due. Financial commitments include liabilities to depositors and suppliers, as well as lending, investment and pledging commitments.

Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) is a Basel III regulatory metric calculated as the ratio of high-quality liquid assets to total net stressed cash outflows over a thirty-day period under a stress scenario prescribed by OSFI.

Market Risk is the potential for adverse changes in the value of our assets and liabilities resulting from changes in market variables such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and their implied volatilities, and credit

spreads, and includes the risk of credit migration and default in our trading book.

Mark-to-Market represents the valuation of financial instruments at fair value (as defined above) as of the balance sheet date.

Master Netting Agreements are agreements between two parties designed to reduce the credit risk of multiple derivative transactions through the provision of a legal right to offset exposure in the event of default.

Model Risk is the potential for adverse outcomes resulting from decisions that are based on incorrect or misused model results. These adverse outcomes can include financial loss, poor business decision-making and damage to reputation.

Net Interest Income comprises earnings on assets, such as loans and securities, including interest and certain dividend income, less interest expense paid on liabilities, such as deposits. Net interest income, excluding trading, is presented on a basis that excludes trading-related interest income.

Net Interest Margin is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets, expressed as a percentage or in basis points. Net interest margin, excluding trading, is computed in the same manner, excluding trading-related interest income and earning assets.

Net Non-Interest Revenue is non-interest revenue, net of insurance claims, commissions and changes in policy benefit liabilities (CCPB).

Net Promoter Score (NPS) is the percentage of customers surveyed who would recommend BMO to a friend or colleague. Data is gathered in a survey that uses a 0–10 point scale. “Detractors” are defined as those who provide a rating of 0–6, “Passives” are defined as those who provide a rating of 7 or 8, and “Promoters” are defined as those who provide a rating of 9 or 10. The score is calculated by subtracting the percentage of “Detractors” from the percentage of “Promoters”.

Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) is a regulatory liquidity measure that assesses the stability of a bank’s funding profile in relation to the liquidity value of its assets and is calculated in accordance with OSFI’s Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline.

Notional Amount refers to the principal amount used to calculate interest and other payments under derivative contracts. The principal amount does not change hands under the terms of a derivative contract, except in the case of cross-currency swaps.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments consist of a variety of financial arrangements offered to clients, which include credit derivatives, written put options, backstop liquidity facilities, standby letters of credit, performance guarantees, credit enhancements, commitments to extend credit, securities lending, documentary and commercial letters of credit, and other indemnifications.

Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is the government agency responsible for regulating banks, insurance

companies, trust companies, loan companies and pension plans in Canada.

Operating Leverage is the difference between the growth rates of revenue and non-interest expense. Adjusted operating leverage is the difference between the growth rates of adjusted revenue and adjusted non-interest expense.

Operating Leverage, net of CCPB, is the difference between the growth rates of revenue, net of CCPB (net revenue), and non-interest expense. Adjusted net operating leverage is the difference between the growth rates of adjusted net revenue and adjusted non-interest expense. The bank evaluates performance using adjusted revenue, net of CCPB.

Operational Non-Financial Risk (ONFR) encompasses a wide range of non-financial risks, including those related to business change, customer trust, reputation and data that can result in financial loss. These losses can stem from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human error or misconduct, and external events that may directly or indirectly impact the fair value of assets we hold in our credit or investment portfolios. Examples of these risks include cyber and cloud security risk, technology risk, fraud risk and business continuity risk, but exclude legal and regulatory risk, credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and other types of financial risk.

Options are contractual agreements that convey to the purchaser the right but not the obligation to either buy or sell a specified amount of a currency, commodity, interest-rate-sensitive financial instrument or security at a fixed future date or at any time within a fixed future period.

Purchased Credit Impaired (PCI) Loans are loans for which the timely collection of interest and principal is no longer reasonably assured. These loans are credit-impaired upon initial recognition.

Pre-Provision, Pre-Tax Earnings (PPPT) is calculated as income before the provision for income taxes and provision for (recovery of) credit losses. We use PPPT on both a reported and an adjusted basis to assess our ability to generate sustained earnings growth excluding credit losses, which are impacted by the cyclical nature of a credit cycle.

Provision for Credit Losses (PCL) is a charge to income that represents an amount deemed adequate by management to fully provide for impairment in a portfolio of loans and acceptances and other credit instruments, given the composition of the portfolio, the probability of default, the economic outlook and the allowance for credit losses already established. PCL can comprise both a provision for credit losses on impaired loans and a provision for credit losses on performing loans.

Reputation Risk is the potential for loss or harm to the BMO brand. It can arise even if other risks are managed effectively.

Return on Equity or Return on Common Shareholders’ Equity (ROE) is calculated as net income, less preferred dividends and distributions on other equity instruments, as a percentage of

 

 

28   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


average common shareholders’ equity. Common shareholders’ equity comprises common share capital, contributed surplus, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and retained earnings. Adjusted ROE is calculated using adjusted net income rather than net income.

Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) is calculated as net income available to common shareholders, adjusted for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, as a percentage of average tangible common equity. Adjusted ROTCE is calculated using adjusted net income rather than net income.

Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) are defined as on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures that are risk-weighted based on guidelines established by OSFI. The measure is used for capital management and regulatory reporting purposes.

Securities Borrowed or Purchased under Resale Agreements are low-cost, low-risk instruments, often supported by the pledge of cash collateral, which arise from transactions that involve the borrowing or purchasing of securities.

Securities Lent or Sold under Repurchase Agreements are low-cost, low-risk liabilities, often supported by cash collateral, which arise from transactions that involve the lending or selling of securities.

Securitization is the practice of selling pools of contractual debts, such as residential mortgages, auto loans and credit card debt obligations, to third parties or trusts, which then typically issue a series of asset-backed securities to investors to fund the purchase of the contractual debts.

Strategic Risk is the potential for loss due to fluctuations in the external business environment and/or failure to properly respond to these fluctuations due to inaction, ineffective strategies or poor implementation of strategies.

Stress Tests are used to determine the potential impact of low-frequency, high-severity events on the trading and underwriting portfolios. The portfolios are measured daily against a variety of hypothetical and historical event scenarios. Scenarios are continuously refined to reflect the latest market conditions and portfolio risk exposures.

Structured Entities (SEs) include entities for which voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in determining control of the entity. BMO is required to consolidate a SE if it controls the entity by having power over the entity, exposure to variable returns as a result of its involvement and the ability to exercise power to affect the amount of those returns.

Structural (Non-Trading) Market Risk comprises interest rate risk arising from banking activities (loans and deposits) and foreign exchange risk arising from foreign currency operations and exposures.

Swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to exchange a series of cash flows. The

various swap agreements that BMO enters into are as follows:

 

  Commodity swaps – counterparties generally exchange fixed-rate and floating-rate payments based on a notional value of a single commodity.

 

  Credit default swaps – one counterparty pays the other a fee in exchange for an agreement by the other counterparty to make a payment if a credit event occurs, such as bankruptcy or failure to pay.

 

  Cross-currency interest rate swaps – fixed-rate and floating-rate interest payments and principal amounts are exchanged in different currencies.

 

  Cross-currency swaps – fixed-rate interest payments and principal amounts are exchanged in different currencies.

 

  Equity swaps – counterparties exchange the return on an equity security or a group of equity securities for a return based on a fixed or floating interest rate or the return on another equity security or group of equity securities.

 

  Interest rate swaps – counterparties generally exchange fixed-rate and floating-rate interest payments based on a notional value in a single currency.

 

  Total return swaps – one counterparty agrees to pay or receive from the other cash amounts based on changes in the value of a reference asset or group of assets, including any returns such as interest earned on these assets, in exchange for amounts that are based on prevailing market funding rates.

Tangible Common Equity is calculated as common shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets, net of related deferred tax liabilities.

Taxable Equivalent Basis (teb): Operating segment revenue is presented on a taxable equivalent basis (teb). Revenue and the provision for income taxes in BMO Capital Markets and U.S. P&C are increased on tax-exempt securities to an equivalent pre-tax basis to facilitate comparisons of income between taxable and tax-exempt sources. The offset to operating segment teb adjustments is reflected in Corporate Services revenue and provision for (recovery of) income taxes.

Tier 1 Capital comprises CET1 Capital and Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Capital. AT1 Capital consists of preferred shares and other AT1 Capital instruments, less regulatory deductions.

Tier 1 Capital Ratio reflects Tier 1 Capital divided by risk-weighted assets.

Tier 2 Capital comprises subordinated debentures and may include certain credit loss provisions, less regulatory deductions.

Total Capital includes Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital.

Total Capital Ratio reflects Total Capital divided by risk-weighted assets.

Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) comprises Total Capital and senior unsecured debt subject to the Canadian Bail-In Regime, less regulatory deductions.

Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) Ratio reflects TLAC divided by risk-weighted assets.

Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) Leverage Ratio reflects TLAC divided by leverage exposures.

Total Shareholder Return: The annual total shareholder return (TSR) represents the average annual total return earned on an investment in BMO common shares made at the beginning of the respective period. The return includes the change in share price and assumes dividends received were reinvested in additional common shares.

Trading and Underwriting Market Risk is associated with buying and selling financial products in the course of meeting customer requirements, including market-making and related financing activities, and assisting clients to raise funds by way of securities issuance.

Trading-Related Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest revenue earned from on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet positions undertaken for trading purposes. The management of these positions typically includes marking them to market on a daily basis. Trading-related revenue also includes income (expense) and gains (losses) from both on-balance sheet instruments and interest rate, foreign exchange (including spot positions), equity, commodity and credit contracts.

Value-at-Risk (VaR) measures the maximum loss likely to be experienced in the trading and underwriting portfolios, measured at a 99% confidence level over a one-day holding period. VaR is calculated for specific classes of risk in BMO’s trading and underwriting activities related to interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, equity and commodity prices and their implied volatilities.

 

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     29  


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

 

(Unaudited) (Canadian $ in millions, except as noted)    For the three months ended     For the twelve months ended  
      October 31,
2023
     July 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
    October 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
 

Interest, Dividend and Fee Income

                                                                                                                    

Loans

   $ 11,277      $ 10,693     $ 6,875     $ 40,169     $ 20,464  

Securities

     3,260        3,099       1,766       11,392       5,590  

Deposits with banks

     1,063        1,029       483       4,013       843  
       15,600        14,821       9,124       55,574       26,897  

Interest Expense

           

Deposits

     7,900        7,102       3,409       26,547       6,711  

Subordinated debt

     117        109       74       430       227  

Other liabilities

     2,642        2,705       1,874       9,916       4,074  
       10,659        9,916       5,357       36,893       11,012  

Net Interest Income

     4,941        4,905       3,767       18,681       15,885  

Non-Interest Revenue

           

Securities commissions and fees

     251        253       257       1,025       1,082  

Deposit and payment service charges

     402        404       319       1,517       1,318  

Trading revenues (losses)

     327        400       4,797       (216     8,250  

Lending fees

     395        388       370       1,548       1,440  

Card fees

     254        126       143       700       548  

Investment management and custodial fees

     474        476       431       1,851       1,770  

Mutual fund revenues

     308        316       309       1,244       1,312  

Underwriting and advisory fees

     377        253       231       1,107       1,193  

Securities gains, other than trading

     34        36       (28     181       281  

Foreign exchange gains, other than trading

     55        67       53       235       181  

Insurance revenue (loss)

     275        166       (218     2,498       (157

Share of profit (losses) in associates and joint ventures

     52        (2     59       185       274  

Other

     215        141       80       643       333  
       3,419        3,024       6,803       12,518       17,825  

Total Revenue

     8,360        7,929       10,570       31,199       33,710  

Provision for Credit Losses

     446        492       226       2,178       313  

Insurance Claims, Commissions and Changes in Policy Benefit Liabilities

     151        4       (369     1,939       (683

Non-Interest Expense

           

Employee compensation

     2,909        3,065       2,274       11,515       8,795  

Premises and equipment

     1,447        1,216       1,039       4,879       3,635  

Amortization of intangible assets

     286        286       156       1,015       604  

Advertising and business development

     260        219       161       814       517  

Communications

     108        95       72       368       278  

Professional fees

     323        280       271       1,147       788  

Other

     367        433       803       1,481       1,577  
       5,700        5,594       4,776       21,219       16,194  

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

     2,063        1,839       5,937       5,863       17,886  

Provision for income taxes

     446        385       1,454       1,486       4,349  

Net Income

   $ 1,617      $ 1,454     $ 4,483     $ 4,377     $ 13,537  

Attributable to:

           

Bank shareholders

     1,610        1,452       4,483       4,365       13,537  

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     7        2             12        

Net Income

   $ 1,617      $ 1,454     $ 4,483     $ 4,377     $ 13,537  

Earnings Per Common Share (Canadian $)

           

Basic

   $ 2.07      $ 1.97     $ 6.52     $ 5.69     $ 20.04  

Diluted

     2.06        1.97       6.51       5.68       19.99  

Dividends per common share

     1.47        1.47       1.39       5.80       5.44  

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current period’s presentation.

 

30   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

(Unaudited) (Canadian $ in millions)    For the three months ended     For the twelve months ended  
      October 31,
2023
    July 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
    October 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
 

Net Income

   $ 1,617     $ 1,454     $ 4,483     $ 4,377     $ 13,537  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes

          

Items that may subsequently be reclassified to net income

                                                                                                                   

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on fair value through OCI debt securities

          

Unrealized gains (losses) on fair value through OCI debt securities arising during the period (1)

     (243     4       (218     (74     (520

Reclassification to earnings of (gains) losses during the period (2)

     (4     (4     19       (31     (11
       (247           (199     (105     (531

Net change in unrealized (losses) on cash flow hedges

          

(Losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges arising during the period (3)

     (550     (1,722     (2,634     (1,292     (4,999

Reclassification to earnings/goodwill of (gains) losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges during the period (4)

     378       334       14       973       (315
       (172     (1,388     (2,620     (319     (5,314

Net gains (losses) on translation of net foreign operations

          

Unrealized gains (losses) on translation of net foreign operations

     2,810       (1,498     2,149       1,399       3,202  

Unrealized gains (losses) on hedges of net foreign operations (5)

     (484     262       (115     (373     (332

Reclassification to earnings of net losses related to divestitures (6)

                             29  
       2,326       (1,236     2,034       1,026       2,899  

Items that will not be reclassified to net income

          

Net unrealized gains on fair value through OCI equity securities arising during the period (7)

                             1  

Net gains (losses) on remeasurement of pension and other employee future benefit plans (8)

     10       48       148       (1     659  

Net gains (losses) on remeasurement of own credit risk on financial liabilities designated at fair value (9)

     34       (89     263       (291     1,282  
       44       (41     411       (292     1,942  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes

     1,951       (2,665     (374     310       (1,004

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ 3,568     $ (1,211   $ 4,109     $ 4,687     $ 12,533  

Attributable to:

          

Bank shareholders

     3,561       (1,213     4,109       4,675       12,533  

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     7       2             12        

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ 3,568     $ (1,211   $ 4,109     $ 4,687     $ 12,533  

 

(1)

Net of income tax recovery of $90 million, $nil million, $76 million for the three months ended, and $35 million, $182 million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(2)

Net of income tax provision (recovery) of $nil million, $2 million, $(6) million for the three months ended, and $11 million, $5 million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(3)

Net of income tax recovery of $209 million, $635 million, $952 million for the three months ended, and $576 million, $1,794 million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(4)

Net of income tax provision (recovery) of $(143) million, $(126) million, $(5) million for the three months ended, and $(366) million, $114 million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(5)

Net of income tax (provision) recovery of $186 million, $(104) million, $41 million for the three months ended, and $90 million, $124 million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(6)

Net of income tax (provision) of na, na, $nil million for the three months ended, and na, $nil million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(7)

Net of income tax (provision) recovery of $nil million, $nil million, $(1) million for the three months ended, and $nil million, $(1) million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(8)

Net of income tax (provision) of $(5) million, $(19) million, $(54) million for the three months ended, and $(24) million, $(239) million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

(9)

Net of income tax (provision) recovery of $(11) million, $42 million, and $(95) million for the three months ended, and $103 million, $(465) million for the twelve months ended, respectively.

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     31  


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

(Unaudited) (Canadian $ in millions)    As at  
      October 31,
2023
   

July 31,

2023

    October 31,
2022
 

Assets

                                                                                 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 77,934     $ 81,262     $ 87,466  

Interest Bearing Deposits with Banks

     4,125       4,658       5,734  

Securities

      

Trading

     124,556       124,600       108,177  

Fair value through profit or loss

     16,720       16,512       13,641  

Fair value through other comprehensive income

     62,828       53,831       43,561  

Debt securities at amortized cost

     116,814       115,509       106,590  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     1,461       1,378       1,293  
       322,379       311,830       273,262  

Securities Borrowed or Purchased Under Resale Agreements

     115,662       113,442       113,194  

Loans

      

Residential mortgages

     177,250       171,863       148,880  

Consumer instalment and other personal

     104,040       103,569       86,103  

Credit cards

     12,294       11,700       9,663  

Business and government

     366,701       347,225       309,310  
     660,285       634,357       553,956  

Allowance for credit losses

     (3,807     (3,520     (2,617
       656,478       630,837       551,339  

Other Assets

      

Derivative instruments

     39,976       33,153       48,160  

Customers’ liability under acceptances

     8,111       9,554       13,235  

Premises and equipment

     6,241       6,012       4,841  

Goodwill

     16,728       15,913       5,285  

Intangible assets

     5,216       5,121       2,193  

Current tax assets

     2,052       1,925       1,421  

Deferred tax assets

     3,081       2,880       1,175  

Other

     35,293       31,967       31,894  
       116,698       106,525       108,204  

Total Assets

   $ 1,293,276     $ 1,248,554     $ 1,139,199  

Liabilities and Equity

      

Deposits

   $ 909,676     $ 883,569     $ 769,478  

Other Liabilities

      

Derivative instruments

     50,193       43,276       59,956  

Acceptances

     8,111       9,554       13,235  

Securities sold but not yet purchased

     43,781       46,442       40,979  

Securities lent or sold under repurchase agreements

     106,108       96,149       103,963  

Securitization and structured entities’ liabilities

     27,094       26,667       27,068  

Other

     63,048       60,641       45,332  
       298,335       282,729       290,533  

Subordinated Debt

     8,228       8,062       8,150  

Total Liabilities

   $ 1,216,239     $ 1,174,360     $ 1,068,161  

Equity

      

Preferred shares and other equity instruments

     6,958       6,958       6,308  

Common shares

     22,941       22,474       17,744  

Contributed surplus

     328       330       317  

Retained earnings

     44,920       44,500       45,117  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,862       (89     1,552  

Total shareholders’ equity

     77,009       74,173       71,038  

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     28       21        

Total Equity

     77,037       74,194       71,038  

Total Liabilities and Equity

   $ 1,293,276     $ 1,248,554     $ 1,139,199  

 

32   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

(Unaudited) (Canadian $ in millions)    For the three months ended     For the twelve months ended  
      October 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
    October 31,
2023
    October 31,
2022
 

Preferred Shares and Other Equity Instruments

                                                                                                    

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 6,958     $ 5,708     $ 6,308     $ 5,558  

Issued during the period

           1,000       650       2,250  

Redeemed during the period

           (400           (1,500

Balance at End of Period

     6,958       6,308       6,958       6,308  

Common Shares

        

Balance at beginning of period

     22,474       17,392       17,744       13,599  

Issued under the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan

     439       352       1,609       999  

Issued under the Stock Option Plan

     14       2       61       57  

Treasury shares sold (purchased)

     14       (2     14       (17

Issued to align capital position with increased regulatory requirements as announced by OSFI

                 3,360        

Issued for acquisitions

                 153       3,106  

Balance at End of Period

     22,941       17,744       22,941       17,744  

Contributed Surplus

        

Balance at beginning of period

     330       315       317       313  

Stock option expense, net of options exercised

     (1     1       11       3  

Other

     (1     1             1  

Balance at End of Period

     328       317       328       317  

Retained Earnings

        

Balance at beginning of period

     44,500       41,653       45,117       35,497  

Net income attributable to bank shareholders

     1,610       4,483       4,365       13,537  

Dividends on preferred shares and distributions payable on other equity instruments

     (125     (77     (331     (231

Dividends on common shares

     (1,059     (940     (4,148     (3,634

Equity issue expense and premium paid on redemption of preferred shares

           (2     (73     (52

Net discount on sale of treasury shares

     (6           (10      

Balance at End of Period

     44,920       45,117       44,920       45,117  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) on Fair Value through OCI Securities, net of taxes

        

Balance at beginning of period

     (217     (160     (359     171  

Unrealized (losses) on fair value through OCI debt securities arising during the period

     (243     (218     (74     (520

Unrealized gains on fair value through OCI equity securities arising during the period

                       1  

Reclassification to earnings of (gains) losses during the period

     (4     19       (31     (11

Balance at End of Period

     (464     (359     (464     (359

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges, net of taxes

        

Balance at beginning of period

     (5,276     (2,509     (5,129     185  

(Losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges arising during the period

     (550     (2,634     (1,292     (4,999

Reclassification to earnings/goodwill of (gains) losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges during the period

     378       14       973       (315

Balance at End of Period

     (5,448     (5,129     (5,448     (5,129

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Translation of Net Foreign Operations, net of taxes

        

Balance at beginning of period

     3,868       3,134       5,168       2,269  

Unrealized gains on translation of net foreign operations

     2,810       2,149       1,399       3,202  

Unrealized (losses) on hedges of net foreign operations

     (484     (115     (373     (332

Reclassification to earnings of net losses related to divestitures

                       29  

Balance at End of Period

     6,194       5,168       6,194       5,168  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Pension and Other Employee Future Benefit Plans, net of taxes

        

Balance at beginning of period

     933       796       944       285  

Gains (losses) on remeasurement of pension and other employee future benefit plans

     10       148       (1     659  

Balance at End of Period

     943       944       943       944  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Own Credit Risk on Financial Liabilities Designated at Fair Value, net of taxes

        

Balance at beginning of period

     603       665       928       (354

Gains (losses) on remeasurement of own credit risk on financial liabilities designated at fair value

     34       263       (291     1,282  

Balance at End of Period

     637       928       637       928  

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     1,862       1,552       1,862       1,552  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     77,009       71,038       77,009       71,038  

Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries

        

Balance at beginning of period

     21                    

Acquisition

                 16        

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     7             12        

Balance at End of Period

     28             28        

Total Equity

   $ 77,037     $ 71,038     $ 77,037     $ 71,038  

 

BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release     33  


INVESTOR AND MEDIA INFORMATION

Investor Presentation Materials

Interested parties are invited to visit BMO’s website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations to review the 2023 Annual MD&A and audited annual consolidated financial statements, quarterly presentation materials and supplementary financial and regulatory information package.

Quarterly Conference Call and Webcast Presentations

Interested parties are also invited to listen to our quarterly conference call on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 8.00 a.m. (ET). The call may be accessed by telephone at 416-340-2217 (from within Toronto) or 1-800-806-5484 (toll-free outside Toronto), entering Passcode: 8639448#. A replay of the conference call can be accessed until December 31, 2023, by calling 905-694-9451 (from within Toronto) or 1-800-408-3053 (toll-free outside Toronto) and entering Passcode: 2864003#.

A live webcast of the call can be accessed on our website at www.bmo.com/investorrelations. A replay can also be accessed on the website.

Media Relations Contact

Jeff Roman, Director, Enterprise Media Relations, jeff.roman@bmo.com, 416-867-3996

Investor Relations Contacts

Christine Viau, Head, Investor Relations, christine.viau@bmo.com, 416-867-6956

Bill Anderson, Director, Investor Relations, bill2.anderson@bmo.com, 416-867-7834

 

 

 

Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (DRIP)

Average market price as defined under DRIP

August 2023: $110.16

September 2023: $114.78

October 2023: $104.66

For dividend information, change in shareholder address or to advise of duplicate mailings, please contact

Computershare Trust Company of Canada

100 University Avenue, 8th Floor

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1

Telephone: 1-800-340-5021 (Canada and the United States)

Telephone: (514) 982-7800 (international)

Fax: 1-888-453-0330 (Canada and the United States)

Fax: (416) 263-9394 (international)

E-mail: service@computershare.com

For other shareholder information, please contact

Bank of Montreal

Shareholder Services

Corporate Secretary’s Department

One First Canadian Place, 21st Floor

Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A1

Telephone: (416) 867-6785

E-mail: corp.secretary@bmo.com

For further information on this document, please contact

Bank of Montreal

Investor Relations Department

P.O. Box 1, One First Canadian Place, 10th Floor

Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A1

To review financial results and regulatory filings and disclosures online, please visit BMO’s website at

www.bmo.com/investorrelations.

 

 

BMO’s 2023 Annual MD&A, audited consolidated financial statements, annual information form and annual report on Form 40-F (filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) are available online at www.bmo.com/investorrelations and at www.sedarplus.ca. Printed copies of the bank’s complete 2023 audited consolidated financial statements are available free of charge upon request at 416-867-6785 or corp.secretary@bmo.com.

 

 

Annual Meeting 2024

The next Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

 

 

® Registered trademark of Bank of Montreal

 

34   BMO Financial Group Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release