EarningsThe stock outperformed peers after reporting adjusted earnings per share that beat consensus, driven by stronger pre-tax pre-provision growth and lower credit costs.
Financial PerformanceBalance sheet optimization actions, such as selling a non-relationship credit card portfolio and focusing on core checking deposits, are boosting net interest margins and return on equity.
Shareholder ReturnsBuybacks remain another tool for bolstering return, with BMO repurchasing shares and having the capital to continue its program, providing a meaningful tailwind to ROE.