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

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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) is a major player in the Canadian banking sector, yet its performance has drawn mixed reviews from experts. Many highlight its relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and strong dividend yield, with some suggesting it trades at a fair valuation compared to peers. However, concerns persist regarding its management changes and strategic focus, particularly its exposure to markets in the Caribbean and the U.S. Some analysts question whether BNS can catch up to its competitors like Royal Bank of Canada (RY), which is often favored for its stability and performance. On the upside, several analysts express optimism about the overall health of Canadian banks, with BNS expected to benefit from improving economic conditions and strong capital reserves, even as they acknowledge challenges in its loan growth and international operations.

Consensus

Mixed

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

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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Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)