Finance
European Banks Have Best Quarterly Streak Since Financial Crisis
(Bloomberg) — The rally in European banking stocks shows few signs of cooling down after another stellar quarter.
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The Stoxx 600 Banks Index has surged 25% this year, its best three months since 2020. That’s made it the top-performing sector in Europe by far as investors keep increasing their exposure, and strategists see more gains ahead.
Their appetite is being driven by series of factors: firstly strong earnings seasons, hefty share buybacks and M&A potential, and now massive public spending plans that will probably keep European interest rates high. Over a 10-quarter winning streak — the longest since before the financial crisis — banks have returned over 160% including dividends, triple the 52% for the broader Stoxx Europe 600.
“The operating environment is very different today to almost any time over the past 20 years – we have banks talking about loan growth again, an upward sloping yield curve and governments at least talking about reducing the regulatory burden,” said Keefe, Bruyette & Woods’s head of European bank research Andrew Stimpson. “That likely means there is still more good news.”
Following this run, some bears had expected lenders’ outperformance to start fading, particularly as central banks are now cutting rates. Instead earnings have proved their business remains resilient, while buyback programs are also driving up shares. The likes of Societe Generale SA, Commerzbank AG and Banco Santander SA — repurchasing their own shares — have climbed more than 40% this year.
The latest tailwind has been Germany passing a landmark spending package, creating a potentially unlimited supply of money to rearm to deter Russia. It will also set up a €500 billion ($540 billion) fund to invest in the country’s aging infrastructure. The country’s banks are set to benefit, with Deutsche Bank AG jumping 35% this year to trade near 10-year highs.
“The shift in fiscal policy will likely drive a stronger outlook for loan growth given the increased government expenditure on defense, infrastructure, and state/local projects,” JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts led by Kian Abouhossein wrote in a note. They expect a long term re-rating for lenders in the region.
The geopolitical landscape, along with cooling inflation, are reducing the chances of the European Central Bank cutting rates below 1.5%, implying less pressure on lending revenue, the JPMorgan analysts said. While the ECB this month lowered rates for the sixth time since June, it indicated its cutting phase may be drawing to a close.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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