National Bank of Canada Posts 20% Surge In Q4 Profit, Lifts Dividend

National Bank of Canada NTIOF reported a 20% rise in its fourth-quarter profit and lifted its dividend by 5%. The bank's quarterly earnings surged to C$351 million ($353.49 million), or C$1.97 per share, from C$292 million, or C$1.62 per share, in the year-ago quarter. Excluding items, it earned C$1.93 per share. National Bank of Canada increased its dividend to 83 Canadian cents a share, versus 79 Canadian cents a share. National Bank of Canada shares closed at $78.63 yesterday.