Track record of generating strong and consistent earnings Solid credit risk management infrastructure Very good diversification by product, geography, and business line Very strong capital adequacy ratios Established U.S. beachhead through Chicago footprint Intense competitive pressure within the Canadian retail banking sector Convergence of competitors into the Chicago personal and commercial banking market Exposure to U.S. corporate lending sector The ratings on Bank of Montreal (BMO; TSX: BMO) reflect the bank's track record of generating very strong and consistent earnings, position as one of the five dominant universal banks in Canada, well-diversified business base, solid credit risk management infrastructure, and good toehold into the U.S. market. Overall the bank's earnings base is well balanced with about two-thirds of earnings coming
