Future looks bright for the big five banks

Article Excerpt

Earnings growth at Canada’s big five banks will probably slow slightly in 2013, as rising debt levels prompt consumers to take out fewer loans.However, business loan demand should stay steady. As well, the banks’ loan losses continue to fall as more borrowers focus on debt repayment. In addition, all five are using their strong balance sheets to make acquisitions that put them in a great position to profit as the economy improves.ROYAL BANK OF CANADA $61 (Toronto symbol RY; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 1.5 billion; Market cap:$91.5 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.4; Dividend yield:3.9%; TSI Network Rating: Above Average;www.rbc.com) is Canada’s largest bank by market cap. It earned a record $7.6 billion, or $4.96 a share, in its 2012 fiscal year, which ended October 31,2012. That’s up 8.9% from $7.0 billion, or $4.55 a share, in fiscal 2011. Revenue rose 7.7%, to $29.8billion from $27.6 billion.The bank continues to report strong loan demand at its retail banking operations…