TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

108.93
-1.69 (1.53%)
as of Jun 1, 2026, 8:00:01 pm Market Open.
2157 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJun 1, 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) is recognized among analysts for its strong dividend yield, which is the highest among Canadian banks at approximately 4.5-4.6%. Experts acknowledge a mixed outlook for the bank, with several citing its international expansion efforts, particularly into Latin America and its recent acquisition of KEY, although there are concerns about strategic direction and the effectiveness of this investment. While some analysts express confidence in BNS’s long-term capabilities and recovery potential under new management, others recommend a more cautious approach given its recent performance lag compared to peers like Royal Bank (RY) and Toronto-Dominion (TD). The consensus appears to lean towards holding the stock for its yield while monitoring market conditions and potential price corrections, particularly with uncertainties around the housing market and credit cycles. Overall, BNS is characterized as a safe long-term hold but warrants attention for its performance relative to the broader banking sector.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Undervalued
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HOLD

He's very bullish on Canada. Banks have run quite nicely, but there should be a dip coming around July to add. Looks great. Let it run. Next year he anticipates a bigger correction, and that's when you can trim by 5-10% (banks are long-term holds).

DON'T BUY

Now focusing more on North America. Investment in KEY was a head-scratcher -- if they plan to buy the whole thing, why didn't they do that out of the gate? He prefers others in the space.

TOP PICK

It's charm amongst peers is its relative valuation. Fairly inexpensive at ~1.5x book value. Large Canadian banks have all done well, but this one has lagged. Most international of Canadian banks. 

Strong capital base. Dividends should continue to increase over time. Very strong yield of 4.54%.

(Analysts’ price target is $105.29)
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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 10/26, Down 9.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O’Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with BNS has triggered its stop at $95.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  

HOLD

The only one he still owns (plus a bit of TD). He'll get into banks again when prices are better.

When banks hit 12x PE, that means ROE is 8%. If the problems of GSY spread up the affluence chain, banks will have problems. Housing market is sloppy. Our economy is being bailed out by gold and oil prices. Yield is 4+%.

BUY

Hard to pick on the Canadian banks. Stead eddy, good dividends. Low growth. One of his favourite names, especially for the international diversification. No valuation concerns. Strong balance sheets can handle any loan losses.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

One to look at if you're looking for a Canadian bank. Cleaned up its act in South America.

PARTIAL SELL

You probably don't want to add capital to a name that's moved significantly. Perhaps trim. The time to buy was when it was facing the uncertainty of a new CEO. 

Canadian banks will have credit issues if CUSMA vaporizes. But in general, good franchises. Instead, look outside Canada; JPM is one to consider.

HOLD

Likes it. Canadian bank yields have come down as they've all rallied. At ~4.3%, almost the highest yield of the group. Still work to do on Latin American operations. Definitely a long-term hold.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Well positioned going ahead. Earnings growth likely to accelerate faster than peers. Compelling on valuation and earnings outlook.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

BNS is one of five Canadian banks who have partnered to create the Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank (DSRB) designed to provide funding to the Government of Canada's commitment to boost military spending.  We think the DSRB will create another avenue for business growth in the years to come.  It trades at 19x earnings, 1.7x book and supports a 10% ROE.  We like that cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired and shares bought back.  It pays the highest dividend of the major Canadian banks, with a payout ratio at 75% of cash flow.  We recommend setting a stop-loss at $95, looking to achieve $122 -- upside potential of 15%.  Yield 4.1%    

(Analysts’ price target is $101.69)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Mar 06/25, Up 57%)

Executing on new strategic plan. Still significant valuation gap between it and rest of Canadian banking sector, and that gap will continue to shrink over time.

PARTIAL SELL

Transition is slow-going. Market didn't like its buying a stake in KEY. Question is:  where are they going strategically? Meanwhile, you have cost-cutting, capital markets, and share buybacks. Money has flowed to the TSX this year driving banks higher, but nothing has fundamentally changed with this name.

If you're overweight, you could trim. No calamity on the horizon. He'd just want to see some heat come out of the market before purchasing.

BUY
Investor in his early 60s, not looking for a lot of drama in his portfolio.

Because he works there, he can't really discuss the merits of this particular bank. So he'll talk about the sector instead.

Great numbers across the board. Many raised dividends, ROEs are improving. Yield curve is more upward-sloping, which is helping. PCLs have been a concern and ticked up, but less than what market expected. Better growth numbers. Expectations for earnings numbers are being increased. All the names are looking good here. 

When he looks at banks, he looks at the dividend and growth at the most reasonable price. BNS ticks those boxes. Looking really good despite its run, more to go.

HOLD

If you own it, keep it; it'll be fine for the long term. Reported this week; lower-quality beat because it was on the backs of capital markets and wealth management. Stagnant loan growth, international PCLs are going up. Up 25% YTD, but lowest valuation of the group and highest dividend yield of ~4.6%. 

Hard to put new capital into the banks right now, as all banks are trading at a premium. Plus, we're not at the optimal time in the credit cycle to invest in the banks.

Showing 1 to 15 of 1,688 entries

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bank of Nova Scotia stock symbol?

Bank of Nova Scotia is a Canadian stock, trading under the symbol BNS.TO (previously BNS-T on Stockchase) on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BNS-CT). It is usually referred to as TSX:BNS or BNS.TO

Is Bank of Nova Scotia a buy or a sell?

In the last year, 27 stock analysts published opinions about BNS.TO (previously BNS-T on Stockchase). 13 analysts recommended to BUY the stock. 6 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst recommendation is HOLD. Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia.

Is Bank of Nova Scotia a good investment or a top pick?

Bank of Nova Scotia was recommended as a Top Pick by Rebecca Teltscher on 2025-12-04. Read the latest stock experts ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia.

Why is Bank of Nova Scotia stock dropping?

Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts' recommendations for help on deciding if you should buy, sell or hold the stock.

Is Bank of Nova Scotia worth watching?

27 stock analysts on Stockchase covered Bank of Nova Scotia in the last year. It is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Bank of Nova Scotia stock price?

On 2026-06-01, Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) stock closed at a price of $108.93.