Bank of Montreal

BMO

Market cap $125B

I present a July 2026 dividend stock watchlist, emphasizing fundamental growth, economic moats, and yields above 2.5%. The top 25 stocks average a 3.09% yield, ~12% undervaluation, and a projected 14.44% future CAGR using dividend yield theory. Accenture, Zoetis, and Cognizant Technology Solutions stand out for high yield, growth, and undervaluation, offering strong forward return potential.

Combines BMO's market-leading global metals and mining franchise with premier Australian distribution platform, strengthening BMO's position as the leading global metals and mining investment bank Enhances BMO's integrated global platform connecting clients to capital, investors and opportunities across North America, Europe and Australia TORONTO and PERTH, June 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Financial Group (TSX: BMO) (NYSE: BMO) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Australia-based capital markets business of Euroz Hartleys Group Limited (ASX:EZL), a leading metals and mining-focused equity capital markets, M&A and strategic advisory firm. Euroz Hartleys Group's private wealth business will remain independent and will enter into a strategic alliance agreement with BMO to preserve the interconnected relationship between the capital markets and private wealth businesses and support continued collaboration, research access and distribution opportunities.

TORONTO and CHICAGO, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BMO has been named Best Commercial Bank in Canada (12th consecutive year) and Best Commercial Bank in the U.S. (4th consecutive year) by World Finance Magazine . The 2026 World Finance Banking Awards celebrate banking institutions that demonstrate purpose, operational excellence, agility, strong client focus and innovation in delivering banking services.

Recognition highlights BMO's investment in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and client experience  TORONTO and CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BMO today announced it has been recognized by Global Finance with three top honours: Best Bank in North America, Best Bank in the Western United States, and Best Bank for Transaction Banking in North America, spanning the publication's World's Best Banks and Treasury & Cash Management Awards programmes. The recognition reflects BMO's strength across its North American platform and continued momentum in key markets, as well as its leadership in treasury management, digital payments, artificial intelligence and liquidity solutions.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 2026) - Alain Desbiens, Vice Chair, BMO ETFs, BMO Global Asset Management, Erin Allen, Director, Direct Distribution, BMO Global Asset Management; members from the BMO ETF team; and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) investors from the ETF Market Insights community joined Graham MacKenzie, Managing Director, Exchange Traded Products, Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"), to open the market and celebrate DIY ETF Investors in Montreal. Cannot view this video?

Banking giant BMO, Astronics, DaVita and Intercorp Financial make new highs Friday as the stock market aims to rebound.

Dividend increases include a boost of 6.67% from Dividend Champion Donaldson and a raise of 4.17% from Dividend King Lowe's. Canadian banks BMO, RY, and TD announced modest dividend hikes but are overvalued, with compressed yields near 3%. CSWC declared a special dividend, but its payout ratio above 100% and low quality and safety scores signal caution.

Bank of Montreal (BMO) remains a buy, supported by robust segment growth, dividend strength, and a conservative balance sheet, despite a rich valuation. BMO's Q2 saw YoY revenue growth across all business lines, with wealth and capital markets as standouts, and net income up 34% YoY. EPS growth expectations are strong, with analyst consensus forecasting +20% YoY EPS growth for FY26 and upward earnings revisions outpacing downgrades.

BMO Financial has hired David Descoteaux from UBS to head its U.S. M&A ​team for capital markets and commercial banking, ‌according to a memo seen by Reuters, finalizing a months-long search to fill the role as the Canadian lender combined ​teams.

Bank of Montreal stock currently trades at an unprecedented 17x P/E, well above its historical 10-12x range. BMO's recent outperformance is driven by expectations of U.S.-centric growth post-Bank of the West integration, but I remain skeptical of sustained high returns. I maintain a Hold rating on BMO with a fair value target of $140 CAD/share, citing valuation risks and macro sensitivity.