Finance
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 Opens with Top Financial Leaders in the ‘Capital of Capital’
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, one of MENA’s most anticipated four-day event series – Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) commenced with a grand opening ceremony in the ADQ Arena in ADGM, setting the stage for more than 60 events and breakout events throughout the week.
In an exclusive setting, with ADQ as the headline partner, ADFW 2024 officially opened in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi’s economic leadership, with an exclusive guest list of the top financial leaders from over 100 countries. The theme of Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy was at the core of the event’s first day staged high-level strategic discussions and highlighted the city’s growing status as the ‘Capital of Capital’.
The event commenced with a special address by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council, and Chairman of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), where he highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growth and the promise of a prosperous future in the capital of the UAE.
Commenting on ADFW’s grand opening ceremony, H.E Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi said, “In a world seeking stability and growth, Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy stands as an unwavering partner for businesses, investors, innovators, and visionaries alike, welcoming them to the ‘Capital of Capital’. Here, every investment and every relationship are supported by our commitment to build a future defined by trust, resilience, and boundless opportunity. As our jurisdiction expands and achieves new milestones, our community grows simultaneously. Through international platforms like ADFW, we invite the world to join us in shaping conversations that will outline the legacy of progress that transcends borders and generations.”
The opening ceremony was followed by the returning second edition of the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (“ADEF”), which was held in partnership with ADQ and ADDED. The high-level, exclusive event featured in-depth discussions on the current state and future prospects of the Falcon Economy, bringing together senior leadership from Abu Dhabi’s government, as well as prominent figures from the private sector, representing key industries. Top speakers included the CEOs and C-Suites of Blackrock, UBS, PGIM, Bridgewater Associates, HSBC, ADQ, Mubadala, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, BNY, Lunate, 2PointZero, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Pure Health, GQG Partners and Aldar.
Finance
BofA revises Harley-Davidson stock price after latest announcement
Harley-Davidson’s new CEO wants to transform how people think about the iconic motorcycle brand, so the company is trying something different.
This week, Harley announced a new strategy that focuses on lower-priced bikes, rather than relying on older, more affluent customers to buy its higher-margin touring models.
“Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders,” Harley CEO Artie Starrs said this week. “As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand.”
Entry-level Harley-Davidsons cost about $13,000, while the higher-end Adventure Touring models average about $23,250, and the Premium Range &CVO models cost about $38,500, according to Reuters.
Harley’s new strategy targets a core profit of over $350 million from its motorcycle business by 2027 and over $150 million in cost reductions.
To kick off the new strategy, Harley is introducing Sprint, a new entry-level model powered by a smaller 440cc engine, later in the year.
What is Harley-Davidson’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy?
Harley’s new strategy relies on more than just pushing buyers toward cheaper vehicles to increase volume. The 123-year-old company has a set of five pillars on which it is building its future.
Harley-Davidson “Back to the Bricks” 5-point plan
-
Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson’s competitive advantages and legacy: The Company’s iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.
-
Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson’s dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.
-
Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company’s new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.
-
Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.
-
Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.
Finance
What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill
Written by Jitendra Parashar at The Motley Fool Canada
Dividend investing can be one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth while creating a steady stream of passive income. But in my opinion, a good dividend stock is about much more than just a high yield. Beyond dividend yield, investors should also look for companies with durable businesses, reliable cash flows, and a history of rewarding shareholders consistently over time.
That’s exactly why many investors turn to financial stocks. Banks and asset managers often generate recurring earnings through lending, investing, and wealth management activities, allowing them to support stable dividend payments even during uncertain market conditions.
Two Canadian financial stocks that stand out right now are AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Both companies offer attractive dividends backed by solid financial performance and long-term growth strategies. In this article, I’ll explain why these two financial stocks could be worth considering for income-focused investors right now.
AGF Management stock continues to reward shareholders
AGF Management is a Toronto-based asset manager with businesses across investments, private markets, and wealth management. Through these divisions, the company offers equity, fixed income, alternative, and multi-asset investment strategies to retail, institutional, and private wealth clients.
Following a 59% rally over the last 12 months, AGF stock currently trades at $16.67 per share with a market cap of roughly $1.1 billion. At current levels, the stock offers a quarterly dividend yield of 3.3%.
One reason behind AGF’s strong recent performance is its increasingly diversified business model. The company has expanded its investment capabilities and broadened its geographic reach, helping it perform well across varying market environments.
In the first quarter of its fiscal 2026 (ended in February), AGF posted free cash flow of $36 million, up 14% year over year (YoY), driven mainly by higher management, advisory, and administration fees. These fees climbed to $92.5 million as demand for the company’s investment offerings strengthened.
AGF has also been focusing on expanding its alternative investment business and introducing new investment products. With strong cash generation and growing demand for alternative investments, AGF Management looks well-positioned to continue rewarding investors over the long term.
TD Bank stock remains a dependable dividend giant
Toronto-Dominion Bank, or TD Bank, is one of North America’s largest banks, serving millions of customers through its Canadian banking, U.S. retail banking, wealth management and insurance, and wholesale banking operations.
Finance
UK watchdog says car finance legal challenge hearing unlikely before October
-
Oregon3 minutes ago4.9 magnitude earthquake strikes off Northern California coast near Oregon border
-
Pennsylvania8 minutes agoPennsylvania Medical Marijuana And Hemp Regulation Bill Sets The State Up For Broader Recreational Legalization, GOP Senator Says – Marijuana Moment
-
Rhode Island14 minutes agoProposed tax hike would hurt small businesses and our communities | Opinion
-
South-Carolina20 minutes ago11 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina
-
South Dakota26 minutes agoHuman trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event
-
Tennessee33 minutes agoEthan Mendoza injured as No. 4 Texas loses to Tennessee, 5-1
-
Texas39 minutes agoWarm Saturday in North Texas ahead of severe weather chances later for Mother’s Day
-
Utah45 minutes ago
Discover the deliciousness of New York-style pizza at Fini Pizza in Utah City