Core Insights - EQB Inc. reported a challenging fiscal year 2025, leading to a one-time restructuring program costing $92 million pre-tax, aimed at improving cost structure and operational efficiency [1][2][3] - The company announced the acquisition of PC Financial and a strategic partnership with Loblaw, which are expected to enhance growth and market position [1][2] - EQ Bank, a subsidiary of EQB, has become a leading banking brand in Canada, nearing $10 billion in deposits, with a significant increase in customer base [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was $1.53, down 39% year-over-year, and for FY25 it was $8.90, down 19% year-over-year [1][2] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $63.5 million, a decrease of 37% year-over-year, and for FY25 it was $354.2 million, down 19% year-over-year [1][2] - Adjusted revenue for Q4 was $308.1 million, down 4% year-over-year, and for FY25 it was $1.26 billion, down 1% year-over-year [1][2] Operational Highlights - Total assets under management and administration (AUM + AUA) reached $138 billion, reflecting a 1% quarter-over-quarter and 9% year-over-year increase [1][2] - Loans under management (LUM) grew by 10% year-over-year, with commercial banking loans increasing by 20% year-over-year [1][2] - EQ Bank's customer base increased to 607,000, with deposits growing to nearly $10 billion, marking a 10% year-over-year increase [1][2] Strategic Initiatives - The company executed a strategic restructuring program to enhance efficiency, resulting in a 50.9% adjusted efficiency ratio for 2025, up 5.7% year-over-year [1][2] - EQB declared a dividend of $0.57 per common share, representing a 16% increase from the previous year [1][2] - The company plans to focus on growth, expense management, and strong risk management practices in fiscal 2026 [1][2]

Core Insights - The survey conducted by EQ Bank reveals that Canadian solopreneurs are facing significant financial pressures in a challenging economic environment, yet most would choose to pursue entrepreneurship again, highlighting their resilience [1][6][12] Economic Environment - Solopreneurs are experiencing increased difficulties due to economic turbulence, with 38% citing challenges in sourcing raw materials, 34% in pricing products, and 30% in planning for growth [4][7] - The current global trade environment is perceived as having an equal or greater impact on their businesses compared to the aftermath of the pandemic, with 51% of solopreneurs expressing this concern [6][7] Recognition and Value - A significant portion of solopreneurs feel undervalued, with 60% stating they are not recognized as business owners to the same extent as those running larger businesses, and 51% feeling their contributions are not appreciated [5][6] - Misconceptions about solopreneurs persist, with many believing they work fewer hours or that their businesses are less serious than those with multiple employees [15] Financial Strain - Financial challenges are prevalent, with over a quarter of solopreneurs earning less than $17.20 per hour, and 18% earning below $9 per hour, with women entrepreneurs facing a wage gap [9][10] - Many solopreneurs lack financial cushions, with 38% mixing their business emergency fund with personal savings and 33% having no emergency fund at all [16] Time Management - Time is a critical resource, with 40% of solopreneurs spending 10 hours or less weekly on their core business, while 81% dedicate similar time to finance and administrative tasks [10][12] - Banking frustrations compound these issues, as 54% report high fees and low interest rates as significant pain points [11] Support and Solutions - There is a clear gap between the banking tools available and the support needed by solopreneurs, prompting EQ Bank to innovate and provide tailored financial solutions [12][13] - EQ Bank has launched a Business Banking platform aimed at helping solopreneurs save time and earn more, including a high-interest zero-monthly-fee Business Account [13][14]