TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

127.29
-0.71 (0.55%)
as of Sep 9, 2026, 8:00:01 pm Market Open.
2151 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconSep 9, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 23 opinions in the last 12 months.

The reviews regarding the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) present a mixed view among experts. While some highlight its attractive valuation and the potential for earnings growth, particularly due to improvements in operations and the strategic shift towards North America, others express concerns about its weaker performance relative to peers like Royal Bank of Canada (RY). There are apprehensions regarding its exposure to Caribbean markets and uncertainty surrounding its international strategies. Despite its high dividend yield, some analysts suggest it may not be the best choice compared to other Canadian banks, mentioning that it struggles with loan growth and credit quality issues. Overall, experts acknowledge potential for the long-term but recommend cautious positioning.

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Consensus
Cautious
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
RY
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. 

Unspecified

Canadian banks are facing potential pressure from elevated credit losses. BNS had some issues with funding costs with net interest margins not as good as its peers but this is a temporary issue. The dividend is over 7%

BUY

Very cheap. 1.4-1.6x book value. Trading around 10x earnings. Great business. Tough time recently, partly due to what's happened with US banks. Higher rates increased costs, loan losses went up. Will be substantially higher 1-2 years from now. Yield is 6%.

DON'T BUY

Going through a lot of change with new management. He's not as keen on its international component. Yield is good. If you're heart is set, wait for a better entry point. History tells us that holding Canadian banks has been a good investment.

DON'T BUY
BNS vs. CIBC

CIBC has outperformed BNS year to date. Which stock is less bad (negative)? Do you want to hold any banks? He prefers insurance though he owns TD. Every banks has been down for a while. That said, these two banks have gone sideways since November. He prefers BMO, Royal or insurance.

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

Shares impacted by softness in South and Central American markets, a buying opportunity. A reversion to the mean story, hoping for $95, which would be a 30% increase. Impressive yield of 6.5%. He's still buying.

DON'T BUY

A volatile bank. The good news is that it's trying to consolidate. Bad news is it's not making higher highs and lows.

DON'T BUY

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%.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Not best financial institution in Canada.
Worst performer amongst top 5 Canadian banks the past 5 years.
$67 share price, a good buying opportunity.
$80 share price would be target for the long term.

PARTIAL BUY

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.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Broadest international exposure.
Under performed the past 2-3 years.
Internal management issues root of problems.
New CEO - former CEO of Finning International will be interesting to see.
Lots of upside in the name if company can turn around.

DON'T BUY

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.

HOLD

Very favourable on all Canadian banks for the long term. Question marks on this one. Very high dividend. New CEO brings a wait and see. More diversified internationally, very volatile markets. If you have the stomach for the volatility, won't go wrong for the long haul.

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