TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

127.29
-0.71 (0.55%)
as of Sep 9, 2026, 8:00:01 pm Market Open.
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Investor Insights
star iconSep 9, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 23 opinions in the last 12 months.

The reviews regarding the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) present a mixed view among experts. While some highlight its attractive valuation and the potential for earnings growth, particularly due to improvements in operations and the strategic shift towards North America, others express concerns about its weaker performance relative to peers like Royal Bank of Canada (RY). There are apprehensions regarding its exposure to Caribbean markets and uncertainty surrounding its international strategies. Despite its high dividend yield, some analysts suggest it may not be the best choice compared to other Canadian banks, mentioning that it struggles with loan growth and credit quality issues. Overall, experts acknowledge potential for the long-term but recommend cautious positioning.

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Consensus
Cautious
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
RY
TOP PICK
Canadian banks have generally moved higher but in the short term they tend to play leapfrog. In recent years other have leapt ahead. (Analysts’ price target is $86.15)
COMMENT

In general for the Canadian banks have done pretty well over the last years. For banks, lower interest rates make it hard for banks to make higher profits. Fees are higher and higher. Financial space could be challenging. Normalization will be good for financials. Banks are now fairly or over valued now. They will grow their earnings.

HOLD
It is the most international of the Canadian banks. A catalyst to make something really good happen would be if two Canadian banks merged. There is not much room for them to grow otherwise.
COMMENT
Cannot talk about BNS because he works there. However, likes all the banks and thinks they will all work here.
TOP PICK
In a transformation to digital by investing in wealth business acuiqistions. International exposure is being retooled too. Likes it in general since banks have tail winds like yield curve steepening, ability to buy back stocks again, etc. One of the cheaper banks. The wealth business is showing good returns. Good value and volatility measures. (Analysts’ price target is $80.45)
BUY
Banks are in a sweet spot now. BNS has held reserves very well during Covid; he expects these reserves to come off and go to the bottom line. Their issue was that their international banking was down a lot in revenues, however, but will improve in coming quarters with better growth. They're weaker in investment banking than, say, RY, but they should benefit from the general environment in retail banking and wealth management. People are worried about the Canadian mortgage industry and the hot housing market in Toronto and Vancouver, but he doesn't foresee the same problems as in the States when it comes to shaky mortgages. Mortgages have been a great business for banks for the last 60 years.
TOP PICK
Emerging markets are more volatile than developed markets. This is the most globally ambitious of the Canadian banks. The return on equity is lower than their peers and should be boosted this year. Their credit provisions last years were quite large compared to others but should face easy comparisons this year. He thinks the regulators will free them up later this year to increase dividends and possibly buy back shares. (Analysts’ price target is $80.41)
BUY

Canadian banks as a group are attractive right now. The entire space should fare well. US banks valuations have come up, whereas Canadian ones are still undervalued. He also likes RY and TD.

BUY
He owns many Canadian banks. Pays a higher dividend than peers and is exposed to Latin America, which offers growth. The Canadian banking sector is undervalued and offers dividend growth. Banks are well capitalized and in great shape.
BUY

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Currently one of the preferred Canadian banks along with TD. Recently added to the position. The earnings were better than expected. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

TOP PICK
It is a more international bank, especially in South America which should start to do better. They offer a good yield. A very good place to be. Balance sheet and liquidity is strong. It is yielding over 5%. (Analysts’ price target is $68.19)
TOP PICK
Big quarter yesterday. Likes its exposure to emerging markets. Canada's third largest bank. ROE is 11.5%, and that's mid-cycle. Pruning non-core assets. Harvesting fruits of previous acquisitions. Sees double-digit returns. Yield is 5.49%. (Analysts’ price target is $68.12)
BUY

TD and BMO have big US exposure, but he prefers buying a US bank itself. BNS has strong international exposure, especially Latin America, which he likes. Likes the diversity.

HOLD
Canadian banks always seem to move as a group higher or lower. It seems like this one is in that part of the cycle where a lot of their end markets are under-performing. He likes it and it has a nice, safe dividend that will grow over the long term. Don’t switch because of recent under-performance.
BUY
He likes it. It's been underperforming. Typically, the underperformer one year, outperforms the next though not every year. BNS does a lot of business in Latin America, which is a decent opportunity, but has struggled during Covid. This could be a buying opportunity, though. Be patient. The valuation and dividend are attractive. Earnings and loan losses are not bad. Eventually, this will revert to the mean and outperform the other banks in the next two years.
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