TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

122.67
-0.06 (0.05%)
as of Jul 27, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
2153 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 27, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 30 opinions in the last 12 months.

The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) exhibits a mixed outlook among financial experts. While some analysts appreciate its strong dividend yield, which is the highest among the Big Six Canadian banks, they express concerns about its relative performance compared to peers, especially regarding its growth prospects in international markets like Latin America. Notably, there is recognition of the bank's new strategic direction under its CEO. Many experts suggest that while the stock remains a long-term hold due to its attractive valuation and solid capital base, there are cautions regarding potential headwinds, such as sluggish growth and concerns about its investment in KEY. The consensus indicates that while BNS is better than many options, it faces challenges in keeping pace with stronger performers like Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion Bank, leading to a cautious yet optimistic viewpoint for investors.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
TD,TD
PARTIAL BUY

You own this purely for income, and you need a part of your portfolio for income--for retirement. It's a great income stock, though share price growth is not high. He prefers TD first, and BNS next. We're a low point in sentiment for banks, interest rates will declines, the bank net interest margins will lift and profits will expand. Sit tight and let it play out. BNS has a strong domestic and emerging market bank operation. Also, the valuation is low now.

DON'T BUY

He owns no banks, mainly because they're not founder-run, founder-owned. Doesn't mean they can't be managed well, but for him that's a hard "no". ROICs have been in low-mid double digits, not bad, but hard for a company to grow at a greater rate than its ROIC.

WAIT

Working way through new identity. Would wait to invest. Is a "show me" story at this time. Better names in the Canadian banking sector. Would rather invest in National Bank. 

HOLD

Would not recommend selling - but does not own shares either. Believes higher quality names available in Canadian banking sector. New CEO has helped company, but will require major changes. Recent expansion in South America did not work out (returns did not make up for credit risk). Business has oligopoly in Canada with steady dividend. Good for investors to hold. 

HOLD
Sell this to buy CPX?

We're in a credit cycle. His opinion is that economy will not be prosperous, GDP not rising. BNS will still make money, but earnings potentially won't accelerate as fast as they could. Dividend yields are similar.

He owns both and likes both these children. Have to ask yourself what kind of risk do you want in your portfolio? Do you want something more stable like a power utility, which will potentially be more or less impacted by the movement of interest rates? Or do you want something with international exposure to higher-growth markets like Latin America, but that has credit risk embedded in its business and will take some hits from economic slowdown?

WEAK BUY

Bank stocks haven't performed particularly well, and nothing major has changed in the banking sector. Not a high growth name. Own to clip the dividend and get 3-4% on top. Yield's around 6%, which gives you double-digit returns. 

Not the best stock out there, but fine for the passive investor who wants dividend income. Could get in around $62-63, ride back up to $70-80 over the next couple of years.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 03/23, Up 1%)

Nice 6.5% dividend yield. Traded down due to softness in Central and South American markets, presenting a buying opportunity. Reversion-to-the-mean investment story. Already up 15% from October 2023, not including dividend. If got back to $95, would be a 46% return plus divvie. Buy now for quality, attractive multiple, high yield, and a margin of safety.

DON'T BUY

It hasn't done much for 10 years. The dividend pays 6.5%. but there's no price appreciation. You need a bank with a strong Canadian franchise with some US exposure. TD ticks these boxes, not BNS.

BUY
Favourite Canadian banks.

TD and BNS are the main ones in client portfolios. Both are more on the value side. Looking to the next 3-5 years, both have reasonable earnings growth and potential for multiple expansion.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 10/23, Down 2%)

He bought it for the 6% dividend which BNS will increase. He knows the new CEO very well and is fully confident in him.

COMMENT

It is in a transition stage and is backing away from international markets and focusing more on North America: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. This could be challenging since other banks are already there. He owns some of the other banks.

BUY

Owns shares in portfolio - excellent company with attractive entry point. Stable balance sheet with reliable earnings. Good for long term investors, even if economy enters recession. 

WATCH

Business improving - business in transition. Does not own shares, but looking closely. Currently is a "show me" story. Better names in the banking sector available for investors. New strategy appears to be good, but time will tell. New CEO making bold changes which is good to see. Returns for emerging markets business lines have not proven to be worthwhile. 

TOP PICK

Lots to like in the results. Softness in Latin markets created buying opportunity. New focus on Canada, Mexico, wealth management. Earnings impressively beat in both Canadian and international banking. Oligopolistic nature of Canadian banking has lead to outperformance over US banks over time. Yield is 6.5%.

(Analysts’ price target is $65.48)
DON'T BUY

Not overly excited about the Canadian banks for some time. Trying to base. Short-term potential, but not long term. Resistance around $65, now close to that. Don't buy. See his Past Picks.

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