National Bank of Canada earnings surpass expectations, boosted by capital markets unit

National Bank of Canada exceeded earnings expectations in its fiscal fourth quarter, driven by a strong performance in its capital-markets unit. The bank reported adjusted earnings per share of C$2.82, surpassing the analyst average estimate of C$2.63. Its financial markets division posted C$432 million in net income, exceeding forecasts. The bank also announced a 5% dividend increase and is involved in a three-way transaction to acquire Laurentian Bank's retail and small-business loan and deposit portfolios.