BANK OF MONTREAL current report, Q3 FY2005

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 6-K filing is submitted by the Bank of Montreal for the month of August 2005, with a filing date of August 8, 2005. The registrant is a foreign private issuer reporting pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The filing serves to distribute a press release regarding a specific corporate transaction.

Key Financial Metrics

The filing text does not provide specific financial data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics. The document is a cover sheet for a press release and does not contain a financial statement or performance summary.

Material Changes

The primary material event disclosed is the announcement that BMO Financial Group intends to sell its Harris Direct business to E*TRADE Financial. No other material changes to financial position or operations are detailed in the provided text.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

The filing does not contain management commentary, financial guidance, outlook projections, or a discussion of risks and contingencies. The content is limited to the notification of the sale of Harris Direct.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the final terms and closing date of the Harris Direct sale to E*TRADE Financial.
  • Confirm the financial impact of the divestiture on BMO's future earnings and asset base.
  • Review the full text of the referenced press release (Exhibit 99.1) for details on the transaction structure.