In this article, we discuss 12 bank stocks to buy according to Goldman Sachs.Bank executives entered 2025 with cautious optimism, as inflation eased and interest rates were dipping, but slow economic growth, global tensions, and regulatory uncertainty kept them on edge. Still, a Deloitte report mentioned that many bankers will be relieved to move on from 2024.This cautious sentiment set the stage for economic forecasts that pointed to both opportunities and challenges. In 2025, American GDP growth was proje ...

Core Points - Sun Life Financial Inc. declared a dividend of $0.88 per share on common shares, payable on September 29, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 27, 2025, which is the same amount as the previous quarter [1] - The Board announced dividends for Class A Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, with varying amounts for different series, also payable on September 29, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 27, 2025 [2] - The declared dividends are designated as eligible dividends under the Income Tax Act (Canada) [3] Company Overview - Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions to individual and institutional clients [4] - As of June 30, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.54 trillion [4] - The company operates in multiple markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and several Asian countries [4]

Core Insights - Sun Life Financial Inc. reported strong Q2 results driven by record underlying net income in Asia, with significant growth in protection business and bancassurance sales [3][4][10] - The company maintained a robust capital position with a LICAT ratio of 151%, allowing for stability and flexibility in investments [3][10] - Digital initiatives and innovative GenAI tools are key strategic priorities for enhancing client experience and operational efficiency [3][10] Financial Performance - Underlying net income for Q2 2025 was $1,015 million, a 2% increase from Q2 2024 [4][8] - Reported net income for common shareholders was $716 million, reflecting an 11% increase year-over-year [4][10] - Underlying EPS was $1.79, while reported EPS was $1.26, showing improvements from the previous year [4][10] Business Segment Highlights - Asia segment achieved underlying net income of $206 million, a 15% increase from the prior year, driven by strong sales and profit margins [25][27] - Canada segment reported underlying net income of $379 million, a decrease of 6% from the previous year, impacted by higher expenses and unfavorable mortality experience [17][19] - U.S. segment's underlying net income was US$143 million, down 4% year-over-year, affected by an impairment charge related to a dental contract [21][22] Sales and Growth Metrics - Bancassurance sales in Asia increased by 15%, with notable growth in markets like Hong Kong, India, and the Philippines [3][4] - Total assets under management (AUM) reached $1,541 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year [4][8] - Group Health & Protection sales rose by 8% year-over-year, while Individual Protection sales increased by 15% [9][31] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on digital transformation to improve client engagement and streamline processes [3][20] - Sun Life's acquisition of Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited aims to enhance health insurance accessibility in Hong Kong [28] - The launch of new services, such as the Expert Cancer Review, reflects the company's commitment to providing comprehensive health solutions [24][20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core earnings per share increased to $0.38, surpassing consensus estimates by $0.03 and improving from $0.32 in the first quarter [6] - Core return on assets reached 1.31%, with a core pretax pre-provision ROA of 1.95% and a core efficiency ratio of 54.1% [6] - Net interest margin expanded from 3.62% in the first quarter to 3.83% in the second quarter, a 21 basis point increase [7] - Net interest income increased by $10,700,000 to $106,200,000, driven by improved loan yields and lower deposit costs [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 8.1% annualized, with significant contributions from Equipment Finance, small business, commercial, indirect, and branch lending [7][8] - Noninterest income increased by $2,100,000 to $24,700,000, with strong contributions from mortgage, SBA, interchange, wealth, and other service charges [8] - Total deposits grew by 9% year to date, reaching $10,100,000,000, with the Community Pennsylvania region performing exceptionally well [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The integration of Centre Bank added $295,000,000 in loans and $278,000,000 in deposits, enhancing the company's presence in Cincinnati [10] - The company experienced loan and deposit growth in four of its six geographic markets [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the leading community bank in its markets, focusing on improving financial lives of customers and communities [12] - Strategic acquisitions and a regional business model are key components of the company's growth strategy [12] - The company is exploring smaller acquisition opportunities while maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A [44][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's trajectory, citing disciplined execution and strategic acquisitions as drivers of growth [12] - The company anticipates continued loan growth and margin expansion, with a revised forecast of two Fed cuts by year-end [16][72] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining low-cost deposits to support loan growth [121] Other Important Information - The company reported a second quarter provision expense of $12,600,000, with $3,800,000 related to the Centre Bank acquisition [11] - Nonperforming loans increased by $40,100,000 due to the Centre Bank acquisition and a single commercial loan [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for expenses in the third quarter or back half of the year - Management indicated that expenses are on track, with consensus estimates for the third quarter at $72,800,000 and fourth quarter at $73,100,000 [23][24] Question: Appetite for stock repurchases - Management plans to resume stock repurchases after a blackout period, with a focus on buying back shares at a set price [28][30] Question: Outlook for charge-offs - Charge-offs have been low, and management expects them to normalize in the mid-20 basis point range [32] Question: Loan yield trends and guidance - Management indicated that loan yields have been consistent, with expectations for continued positive trends if the Fed does not cut rates [38][40] Question: Market share opportunities - Management believes there is significant room for growth in existing markets, particularly in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania [92][95] Question: Impact of recent investments in Pennsylvania - Management noted significant investments in the area, particularly in infrastructure and energy, which could benefit the company [100] Question: Credit quality of the portfolio - Management confirmed that the majority of the nonaccruals are from a legacy loan, with the overall portfolio performing well [106][112]

Group 1 - Sun Life Financial Inc. will release its second quarter financial results on August 7, 2025, after market close [1] - A live webcast of the quarterly results will be available on August 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET [1] - The company provides access to the call via live webcast and telephone, with a replay available after the event [1] Group 2 - Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization offering asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions [2] - The company operates in multiple markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and several Asian countries [2] - As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.55 trillion [2]

Core Points - Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the election of 12 nominees as directors during its annual meeting of common shareholders [1] - The voting results showed high approval rates for the nominees, with most receiving over 99% of votes in favor [2] - As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.55 trillion [3] Voting Results Summary - Deepak Chopra received 304,216,875 votes for (99.5%) and 1,613,731 votes withheld (0.5%) [2] - Stephanie L. Coyles received 300,374,417 votes for (98.2%) and 5,456,189 votes withheld (1.8%) [2] - Patrick P.F. Cronin received 305,012,363 votes for (99.7%) and 818,243 votes withheld (0.3%) [2] - Ashok K. Gupta received 304,824,776 votes for (99.7%) and 1,005,830 votes withheld (0.3%) [2] - David H. Y. Ho received 304,191,594 votes for (99.5%) and 1,639,012 votes withheld (0.5%) [2] - Laurie G. Hylton received 303,848,100 votes for (99.4%) and 1,982,506 votes withheld (0.6%) [2] - Stacey A. Madge received 304,451,936 votes for (99.5%) and 1,378,670 votes withheld (0.5%) [2] - Helen M. Mallovy Hicks received 297,600,009 votes for (97.3%) and 8,230,597 votes withheld (2.7%) [2] - Marie-Lucie Morin received 304,911,079 votes for (99.7%) and 919,527 votes withheld (0.3%) [2] - Joseph M. Natale received 304,444,433 votes for (99.5%) and 1,386,173 votes withheld (0.5%) [2] - Scott F. Powers received 300,283,090 votes for (98.2%) and 5,547,516 votes withheld (1.8%) [2] - Kevin D. Strain received 305,101,316 votes for (99.8%) and 729,290 votes withheld (0.2%) [2] Company Overview - Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions [3] - The company operates in various markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and several Asian countries [3] - Sun Life trades on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF [4]

Core Viewpoint - Sun Life Financial Inc. intends to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for share repurchases, pending approval from regulatory authorities [1][2]. Group 1: Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) Details - The current NCIB, initiated on August 29, 2024, allows for the repurchase of up to 15,000,000 common shares, with 13,018,997 shares repurchased as of May 7, 2025 [2][5]. - Upon completion of the current NCIB, the company plans to establish a new NCIB (2025 NCIB) to repurchase an additional 10,000,000 common shares, subject to regulatory approvals [2][5]. - The 2025 NCIB will expire 12 months after its commencement or earlier if the company decides [2]. Group 2: Share Repurchase Mechanism - Purchases under the 2025 NCIB may occur through various trading platforms, including the TSX and NYSE, at prevailing market rates [3]. - The company may also engage in private agreements or share repurchase programs under exemption orders, typically at a discount to market prices [3]. - The actual number and timing of shares repurchased will be determined by the company [3]. Group 3: Pre-defined Plans and Compliance - The company may enter into pre-defined plans with brokers to facilitate share repurchases during internal trading blackout periods [4]. - Such plans will comply with applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws [4]. Group 4: Financial Overview - As of May 7, 2025, the company had repurchased 13,018,997 shares at a weighted average price of approximately $80.79 per share [5]. - The total number of shares that can be repurchased under the 2025 NCIB will be adjusted to account for shares repurchased under the 2024 NCIB, allowing for a total of 25,000,000 shares, which represents about 4.1% of the total shares outstanding as of May 5, 2025 [5]. Group 5: Company Background - Sun Life is a prominent international financial services organization, offering asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions [9]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company had total assets under management of $1.55 trillion [9].

Core Points - Sun Life Financial Inc. declared a dividend of $0.88 per share on common shares, representing a $0.04 increase from the previous quarter, payable on June 30, 2025 [1] - The Board also announced dividends for Class A Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, with varying amounts for different series, all payable on June 30, 2025 [2] - The declared dividends are designated as eligible dividends under the Income Tax Act (Canada) [3] Company Overview - Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions to individual and institutional clients [4] - As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.55 trillion [4] - The company operates in multiple markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and several Asian countries [4] Trading Information - Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE), and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF [5]