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.

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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

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Dec 06/17, Down 13%) BNS had problems early this year with acquisitions, but long-term these purchases made sense (money manager in Canada and Latin America). They likley paid too much, but markets always say this. It's been the best performing Canadian banks since summer. All banks will see 5-7% growth.

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COMMENT

CM-T vs. BNS-T. It depends on your appetite for volatility and your expectations for returns. CNQ-T is a bet on oil. SU-T is more defensive but with less upside if you get the timing right on the price of oil. SU-T has a good opportunity to step in.

TOP PICK

This bank has the skills to operate in growth areas like the Caribbean and Central America that are superior to most of North America. NAFTA is going to be positive for Mexico, where BNS is the second largest bank. Recently got out of problem areas in Caribbean. Expanded into South America, and management has lots of experience. Stock is extremely cheap, so it's the best buy right now. Yield is 4.7%. (Analysts’ price target is $82.54)

WAIT

Likes it longer term, doesn't like it on the short term. Spent a lot of money over the last couple of years doing acquisitions here in Canada and also in Latin America. The next few years are really going to be a time for Scotia to digest their acquisitions and hopefully realize some synergies. He sees a challenging time for the share price while that's happening. Not in a rush to buy it.

COMMENT

Canadian Banks have done incredible well. He has always been concerned with the Latin America as the area is not that stable as North America and this bank has exposure to that area. In late cycle usually this bank outperforms but it is not worth the risk in his opinion. It is rather cheap-ish here. but he probably will never own it.

HOLD

He thinks it is a good long term hold. They have been making acquisitions. It is extremely well run with a good focus on costs. He expects continued growth and modest dividend increases.

BUY

Likes it because it’s been unfairly punished compared to the other banks and is trading at a discount. Doesn’t think EMs are heading into a tailspin, so no reason for the strong selloff. You could add to this name. Dividends are growing.

DON'T BUY

Not his favourite among Canadian banks, because of its Latin American exposure, which is risky. Well-run though, and the Canadian banks are an oligopoly. Overall, the Canadian banks have performed lacklustre this year. He prefers TD and RY.

BUY

LB-T vs. BNS-T. Both are safe. He owns BNS-T. It is never a good idea to chase yield. BNS-T is the most international bank in Canada.

BUY

He likes the Canadian banks which have had a big pullback. Well-managed and pays a good yield. Now is an opportunity to buy and they should return 10% over the next year.

BUY

Banks are great stocks to hold for low volatility. It has dropped quite a bit but this may be a good buying price now. There is no support below $69 down to $65. Buy a small position now and then more next month and more the month after.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 23/18, Down 9%) He doesn't want to own any of the financials going on the new year. He is looking for an exit door.

BUY

All markets and Canadian banks have been punished, and he doesn't understand why BNS has been hit so badly. Their wealth management has the biggest upside with those two acquisitions (maybe paying too much). They've made good acquisitions in Latin America, which may be more volatile, but have paid off.

TOP PICK

Down to 9x earnings due to fears in emerging markets (Latin America). This is as cheap as it gets. It'll bounce back, as history shows. (4.9% dividend, Price target: $86.12)

BUY

It's badly lagging the other Canadian banks. It's been oversold to the point of being highly attractive. Good 4.8% yield and PB value. Yes, they are exposed to Latin America, but BNS is making a lot of effort in fintech and wealth
management through the Jarislowsky purchase. Now, BNS is a buying opportunity.

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Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)