EQB (EQB.TO), which is in the process of acquiring PC Financial from Loblaw (L.TO), on Wednesday after market close reported a 17% year-over-year drop in its fiscal second-quarter adjusted earnings, as lower revenue weighed on results and earnings missed analysts' estimates.
Adjusted net income, excluding most one-time items, dropped to C$78.31 million, or $2.03 per share, from $94.21 million, or $2.31. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected $2.07 per share.
Quarterly revenue contracted to $302.36 million, from $315.95 million, just below the $304.4 million forecast.
The company also declared a dividend of $0.61 per common share payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2026, representing 3% and 15% increases from the dividends paid in March 2026 and June 2025, respectively.
"The second quarter reflected solid performance during a persistently uncertain economic environment and our team performed well against this backdrop, continuing to demonstrate operating discipline, renewed focus, and financial resilience," said CEO Chadwick Westlake.
"As we look ahead to the second half of the year, our business will meaningfully shift with the anticipated July 1 close of our PC Financial transaction - positioning us to serve millions of Canadians as a challenger at scale. Through a new loyalty-linked banking ecosystem, we will provide Canadians with better value, better products, more rewards and new channels, putting real choice and control back into their hands and giving every Canadian the opportunity to get ahead, every day," added Westlake.
EQB said it secured final approval for the acquisition of PC Financial from the Minister of Finance and National Revenue on May 5. Through the acquisition, the company aims to expand its customer base to 3.3 million Canadians, add approximately $5.8 billion in assets and $800 million in direct retail deposits.
EQB's provision for credit losses were up 16% quarter-over-quarter, "reflecting higher performing and impaired provisions", the company said.
The company said it purchased and cancelled 1,226,734 shares through its active Normal Course Issuer Bid, supporting a return of capital for shareholders.
EQB shares closed down $3.23 to $114.09 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.