
TSE:BNS
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.
Not in his top 3 Canadian banks, because their operations in Latin America never earned proper returns. Also, they had to go outside the company to replace the CEO last year, and he wasn't even in banks. This is a risk and could lead to a revolving door of execs. This remains a show-me story. Historically, BNS has lagged its peers, returning shareholder returns at 3% annually over the past 5 years vs. peers of 5-14%.
Yields 6.4%, among the highest at Canadian banks. Clearly, there are problems. You're not paying a lot for this, and TD and Royal could drop further in an economic downturn. He's unsure if the CEO will stay long term or is a place-holder. Historically, buying the weakest Canadian bank has been a good strategy. In this sector, he's looking at BNS and CIBC, but isn't rushing into this space, because rising interest rates will hurt consumers (liquidity and the ability to pay loans). That said, it won't hurt to buy a partial position now.
Bit more volatile than the rest of the group. Quite good dividend yield of 6.5%, raised it 3% last quarter, doesn't see it being cut. Larger international segment, which can create volatility, especially in earnings. Big change in leadership. Worried about its losing senior management. Not sure of strategic direction. Reasonable valuation, below peers.
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.