Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Daily Stock Opinions and Ratings

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

125.36

-1.34 (1.06%)

as of Aug 18, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

2153 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 18, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 28 opinions in the last 12 months.

The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) has received mixed reviews from experts, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions on the bank's current and future performance. Some analysts highlight the bank's low valuation compared to its peers and its strong dividend yield, positioning it as a potential buying opportunity for long-term investors. However, concerns remain regarding its management changes, struggles in international markets, and overall growth trajectory, especially in comparison to top performers like Royal Bank (RY). Despite recent improvements and a bullish outlook for the Canadian banking sector overall, BNS continues to face skepticism about its ability to catch up to more successful counterparts. Many experts recommend holding the stock for its yield while being cautious of potential market fluctuations and the uncertain economic landscape.

Consensus

Mixed

Valuation

Undervalued

Similar

RBC,RY

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Dec 04/20, Up 32%) Will continue to win back investors. With Latin American exposure, plus potential increases in commodities, it's well positioned to benefit from that. Trading at a discount to the group. Yield of 4.7% is amongst the highest. Towards the top of the list of banks he'd pick today.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly With recently reported earnings belaying concerns, BNS is a TOP PICK. EPS beat analyst expectations by over 30%. It trades at 11x earnings compared to peers at 13x and is currently valued at just over 1.5x book value. It pays an excellent dividend (which was increased 11%), backed by a payout ratio under 50% of cash flow. We would buy this with a stop loss at $78.50, looking to achieve $114 -- upside potential over 33%. Yield 4.33% (Analysts’ price target is $113.71)

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Dec 02/20, Up 30%) Cheapest among the big 6 banks. Good opportunity here. Reported numbers better than expected. Buying back shares. Latin American footprint will have greater organic growth than the other banks. Still buying it.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Dec 03/20, Up 29%) Time to reap what they've sown in acquisitions. Continues to own and buy. Footprint in EM, so double or triple the organic growth there, though risks are higher. Well run. Undemanding valuation, compelling yield. Over-capitalized enough to raise dividends and repurchase shares.

COMMENT

Were long time shareholders and were very happy. Exposure to Latin America were good growth areas but do not think it is positive still. Was one of the under-performers in the banking sector. Likes Canadian banks. Likes National Bank the most.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Feb 26/20, Up 17%) Still a buy though it's lagged the other banks, due to its larger EM footprint. EM was hit hard during the pandemic. Trades around 10x earnings and pays a 4.5% dividend, but this will rebound. BNS is the most undervalued, trading at a 10% discount to peers. He likes RY and TD.

HOLD

It has been a bit of a dark horse here as it has under-performed due to the Latin American assets. They have the best potential to turn things around.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

They have had a good run. The dividend is safe. It has some international exposure which adds some volatility. These are good opportunities to add to the banks. Some banks have a lot of room to raise dividends.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Dec 04/20, Up 18%) It lags its peers, but is selling at a discount based on a lower price-to book at 1.4x, yet paying a 4.5% dividend. Good to buy at current prices. The banks will do well when they can raise dividends and buyback shares again.

BUY

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. 5i likes the global and international exposure that BNS offers compared to other big banks. If the global economy continues to grow, they should remain strong. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

BUY

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. The company reported good results recently. Investors expect a dividend increase shortly. A global recovery will help their position further, and 5i is comfortable here. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

DON'T BUY

A premier bank. Biggest problem is heavily invested in Latin America and the Caribbean, which brings volatility. If this was a time to get aggressively with EMs, you'd lean toward BNS. As a proxy, he'd be more interested in RY and TD. The US is the highest growth economy right now.

TOP PICK

It's the cheapest (in valuation) and pays the highest dividend among the banks. It has a strong 12-month outlook, at least two strong quarters ahead. (LB-T is also cheap.) (Analysts’ price target is $86.38)

BUY

They beat numbers today, including mortgage loans and investment management businesses. All the Canadian banks are flush with capital. He expects the regulatory to eventually buyback shares and raise dividends, and stocks will rise. Banks are putting those pandemic reserves into earnings. BNS will do well, especially with buybacks and dividend raises.

COMMENT

Owns these two banks. BNS is Canadian and Latin America, where as RBC is Canada and US. Likes BNS's exposure to Latin America. Currently under covid, it is being more hurt. The stock is lagging here because of this. RBC is doing better due to Canada and US doing better. Over the long term, RBC is the stronger and better bank, but both are good choices.

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Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)