Bank of Nova ScotiaBNS.TODON'T BUYJul 29, 2026Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jul 30, 2026. Market Open.
The banks are very well positioned. Benefitting from GenAI and AI investments. Regulatory environment is in their favour with OSFI lowering threshold for risk-weighted assets, which means they have more capital to lend. Consumer is reasonably healthy. As long as interest rates don't go flying through the roof anytime soon, the banks can continue to do well.
It's the weakest Canadian bank. They're reducing exposure to the Caribbean, because that area lacks growth. Tailwinds for all Canadian banks: the stock market is going up, management fees are up, M&A is increasing, and loans and mortgage rates are rising in a struggling economy. BNS is still struggling. Their dividend increase was the weakest of the six. He's not convinced BNS will catch up to its peers.
It's charm amongst peers is its relative valuation. Fairly inexpensive at ~1.5x book value. Large Canadian banks have all done well, but this one has lagged. Most international of Canadian banks.
Strong capital base. Dividends should continue to increase over time. Very strong yield of 4.54%.
The only one he still owns (plus a bit of TD). He'll get into banks again when prices are better.
When banks hit 12x PE, that means ROE is 8%. If the problems of GSY spread up the affluence chain, banks will have problems. Housing market is sloppy. Our economy is being bailed out by gold and oil prices. Yield is 4+%.
You probably don't want to add capital to a name that's moved significantly. Perhaps trim. The time to buy was when it was facing the uncertainty of a new CEO.
Canadian banks will have credit issues if CUSMA vaporizes. But in general, good franchises. Instead, look outside Canada; JPM is one to consider.
Has had some issues. Change in management, change in focus. Cheapest of the banks on a PE basis. RY is the premier Canadian bank, and it trades at that kind of valuation.
It all depends on how long you're looking to own for. He's sticking with RY.