National Bank of Canada today reported its second-quarter profit rose 12% on strong performance from its retail banking and markets units.

The bank earned $202 million, or $1.17 per share, for the three months ended April 30, up from $180 million, or $1.01 per share, in the year-before period.

The bank also raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to 44¢ per share.

Revenue at the bank rose to $900 million from $884 million as the number of loans to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses increased.

Loan loss provisions, money set aside for bad loans, fell to $1 million in the quarter from $19 million for the same time one year earlier.

The bank said return on equity rose to 19.9% from 19%.