Finance
Scotland can be 'true global contender' in green finance, says Kate Forbes
KATE Forbes has said Scotland can become a “true global contender” in the race to capture economic opportunities from growth in green financial services.
The Deputy First Minister has stressed the sector has potential to benefit from “enormous investment that will flow into net zero projects and assets”, as she insisted Scotland was one of the world’s oldest financial centres.
A taskforce report is set to be published and launched by Forbes on Wednesday which recommends actions including looking at new ways to attract more financial institutions to “build their sustainable and green businesses in Scotland”.
It also recommends collaboration across sectors and academia to support the upskilling of Scotland’s workforce in sustainable finance.
In the Scottish Government’s response to the taskforce’s report, Forbes says: “The recently published green industrial strategy has a clear overarching aim: to help Scotland realise the economic benefits of the global transition to net zero.
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“There are few areas of greater competitive advantage and potential than green and sustainable financial services. Set in this context, it is with particular pleasure and optimism that I welcome the report of Scotland’s taskforce for green and sustainable financial services.”
The Scottish Government and the Global Ethical Finance Initiative launched the taskforce in 2022 to examine questions, such as: “How could Scotland’s financial services industry leverage the enormous investment that will flow into net-zero projects and assets, both here and abroad, to build up a green financial services cluster?”
Forbes told The Herald: “We knew that Scotland could be a natural home for green and sustainable finance because the foundations are strong – in Scotland, large financial institutions are clustered alongside professional services firms, energy and technical experts, and specialist businesses across a range of disciplines.
(Image: Jane Barlow/PA)
“The world saw in Glasgow [in] 2021 that Scotland had both a progressive energy and climate-change policy at home, and the convening power to deliver real advances on climate finance on the global stage.”
Describing the final report of the taskforce as “impressive”, she declares that it “sets out a framework of recommendations that will help Scotland become a true global contender in the race to capture the economic opportunities that the growth in green and sustainable financial services presents”.
The report from the taskforce makes 31 recommendations on how the public and private sectors can work together to encourage and fund green investments.
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“The financial services sector is key to delivering the benefits of the just transition and we will use this route map to work together and ensure that Scotland – one of the world’s oldest financial centres – is able to maximise the opportunities ahead of us,” Forbes added.
David Pitt-Watson, chair of the Scottish taskforce for green and sustainable financial services, said there is a “huge opportunity” for Scotland’s financial services industry to “serve the world”.
He said: “Climate may be the greatest challenge facing humankind. Addressing it will require a huge investment and the services of the finance industry.
“Finance is a jewel in Scotland’s industrial crown. So not only should there be many opportunities for green investment in Scotland, from wind to housing, there is also a huge opportunity for its financial services industry to serve the world.”
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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