TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

112.36
-0.75 (0.66%)
as of Jun 5, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
2156 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconJun 5, 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) has received mixed reviews from experts, highlighting its strong dividend yield and international focus, particularly in Latin America. While many analysts appreciate its valuation being relatively low compared to peers, there are concerns about strategic direction due to its recent investments. The bank is viewed positively for its turnaround potential under new management, yet some analysts caution about potential credit issues and the broader economic landscape affecting its performance. Overall, experts express a sense of cautious optimism, suggesting it is a solid long-term hold but emphasizing the importance of timing for new purchases.

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Consensus
Hold
valuation icon
Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
RY
HOLD

Management changes. Strategic plan will be announced in December. Selling stake in Canadian Tire Financial will help by adding to capital cushion. If you own now, hold, as you're getting paid to wait. 

It has more international exposure. Don't average down. Instead, use those funds to diversify. Try RY for wealth management, or TD for US retail banking. Those are the two banks he prefers.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 30/22, Down 14%)

A good company and now is a good time to buy it. It's the most international of the Canadian banks. Shares are down because of their weak Latin American markets, a new CEO transition, and a review process. High returns and pays about a 7% dividend.

BUY

Owns shares in company. Very attractive at current price. Long term prospects of business very good. Good for long term investors. 2024/25 will see mortgage turnover, but not overly concerned. 

DON'T BUY
Will bank stocks keep falling

Canadian banks don't trade at high multiples and at reasonable price-to-book. BNS is in a tough situation with a new CEO to transition the bank (cutting costs, exiting unprofitable businesses). They're in geographies that are risky. There's more downside. That said, you can buy the Canadian banks which will do well in coming years, but BNS is a different story given its restructuring.

BUY

In the next month or so, CEO will discuss changes to strategic direction. Investors worried by lower returns from international operations. Gaining market share in Canada. Yield is around 7%, dividend is fairly secure and might go up in the next few years.

TOP PICK

December 13 is when the CEO will be unveiling the strategic plan. He's looking for word on capital allocation procedures, progress expanding market share in Canada, and how well have recent acquisitions actually done. How will they increase returns from international operations? Wants details on Sun Life deal too. Extremely attractive yield of 6.97%.

(Analysts’ price target is $67.71)
BUY ON WEAKNESS

Sees downside on stock if hard landing and rising interest rates. Not expecting a major economic meltdown. Leadership not very strong the past 10 years. Hoping new management will turn the bank around. $50 share price a good place to buy. Owns small amount of shares. 

BUY

He loves Canadian banks. BNS pays the highest dividend or close to it. There's some question about the CEO change, because the new CEO doesn't come from banks. Banks are downsizing after investing in IT. BNS likes the dividend that they raised. BNS operates in Latin America, not the easiest place to do business. RY and TD have less volatility, but pay a lower dividend.

PARTIAL SELL

Banks are protected in this country. BNS does business in Latin America which is a trickier place to do business than North America. It will take a while for any bank here or America or anywhere to bounce back (given interest rates).

BUY
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

For the purpose of attaining a strong yield combined with a fundamentally sound company and one that has future potential for capital appreciation, we would pick BNS. It now pays a yield of ~8.7%, is one of the largest banks in Canada, has geographically diversified operations, and is at a great price and valuation that we feel can offer investors limited downside potential and the possibility for valuation expansion.
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DON'T BUY

Not best in breed. Primary issue is the Latin American business, where returns were never commensurate with the risk. Acquisitions have proved tricky to integrate. C-suite transitions. He'd be on the sidelines.

PARTIAL BUY

Current share price very cheap.
Earnings reasonable.
Attractive given valuation at this time.
New CEO has been under pressure to prove results to investors.
~5% dividend relatively safe.
Would buy a small amount at this price. 

BUY

Banks are relatively cheap. There are big changes at the executive level and it wants to grow internationally. Very good dividend of 6.6%. It is fine to buy at this level for the longer term.

HOLD

Still likes with the pullback. Positioned well defensively. Great dividends aren't going anywhere, even as the stock price fluctuates. Value of 10/10. Could be squeezed in short term, a great pickup. If you own it, hold and collect the dividend. She prefers RY and TD.

DON'T BUY

Their Latin American business has never delivered good returns, though net interest margins are juicy down there, but not enough to compensate for the risk. A new CEO (not a bank insider, which is unusual) is integrating some wealth management acquisitions, never easy to do. There's a lot on their plate. BNS has lagged the big 6 for 5 years. 

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