TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

125.87
-0.83 (0.66%)
as of Aug 18, 2026, 1:52:26 pm Market Open.
2153 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconAug 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.

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Consensus
Mixed
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
RBC,RY
BUY ON WEAKNESS

Don't chase bank strength now, but dollar-cost average, one of his strategies. 

Unspecified

It is a good place to work. In general the most recent earnings reports for the banks were very good, the star being CIBC. If buying, he would would choose CIBC first, then TD as a turnaround, then Royal Bank.

HOLD

She has a small position, but that's underweight. More rate cuts will help health of consumer, but too many would cast doubt on underlying health of economy and that won't be good for banks.

WATCH

As of yesterday, 80% of companies in the financial sector in the S&P 500 made 21-day highs. The sector's had a broad rally; over 80% are trading above 200-day MA. 25% of his firm's assets are in financial services, overweight. He likes to buy "good, getting better", not "broken, getting fixed".

Going through a navel-gazing transition. Long, dry spell for shareholders of not making money. Market's warming up to it. One to watch, though RSI versus the S&P and TSX hasn't picked up.

BUY

It'll have a long turnaround, but it's the cheapest Canadian bank with great Canadian operations.

HOLD

They cut exposure in Latin America to increase exposure in North America. All good, but it takes time. She and the street were surprised they just bought a stake in KeyCorp. Shares pulled back. Usually, a Canadian bank buys a company entirely, not 15%. They could have paid a better price.  Is holding it, given the low PE and good dividend.

BUY

His top pick in Canadian banks. True, many don't like their KeyCorp purchase, but it gives BNS national presence in the US and the valuation is cheap.

BUY

It is one of their top three bank holdings and is very international with divisions in Latin America and the U.S. It is good for diversification and getting to an attractive valuation as it tales good steps to improve things. He feels that the market reaction to its $2 billion acquisition was overdone.

DON'T BUY

Struggled in general, and relative to Canadian peers. Biggest pullback in 2022. Sideways since then, with a low of $55 and high of $65. Drifting. You're just collecting the dividend, as stock's not doing much.

BUY
BNS vs. TD

New CEO and a new plan. Rationalizing Latin American operations, hopefully that works; interest rates coming down should also help. Time will tell. He's equally bullish on both names, for different reasons.

Unspecified

It is OK at these levels but cleaning up is needed. There is a question around whether the CEO is just in a caretaker role. He owns a small position. Has a good yield.

WATCH

He owns 4 Canadian banks which are enjoying a tailwind from interest rates which will continue to decline. BNS wants to sell their Latin American assets and might re-deploy to the US. He's watching this and their new CEO. He's not drawn in by their big dividend.

HOLD

The previous CEO left and the new one is solid which should be good for a turn-around. He doesn't see a dividend cut so it is a good hold for income.

DON'T BUY

Has sold shares, and invested elsewhere. Seeing better opportunities in other names. Bank of Montreal/CIBC is better option for investors. 

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 03/23, Up 0.1%)

Softness in Central and South America markets caused shares to trade down, a buying opportunity. Focusing on higher-return projects. Thesis is still reversion to the mean, already up 15% from October 2023 lows. Impressive 6.5% yield.

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