TSE:BNS

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO)

122.97
-0.13 (0.11%)
as of Jul 31, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
2152 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 31, 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 challenges and relative positioning among Canadian banks. While some analysts note its attractive valuation and strong dividend yield, particularly at approximately 4.5%, others point out its struggles compared to peers like Royal Bank of Canada (RY). Analysts express concerns regarding management changes and strategic decisions, such as its move into the U.S. market with the KEY investment. Despite being labeled as the 'weakest Canadian bank' by some, several reviews acknowledge its potential for operational turnaround and growth driven by international exposure, particularly in Latin America. Overall, BNS continues to attract attention due to its high dividend and relatively low price-to-earnings ratio in the current market landscape.

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Consensus
Mixed
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
TD,TD

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DON'T BUY
BNS vs. RY

Has had some issues. Change in management, change in focus. Cheapest of the banks on a PE basis. RY is the premier Canadian bank, and it trades at that kind of valuation.

It all depends on how long you're looking to own for. He's sticking with RY.

HOLD

The banks are very well positioned. Benefitting from GenAI and AI investments. Regulatory environment is in their favour with OSFI lowering threshold for risk-weighted assets, which means they have more capital to lend. Consumer is reasonably healthy. As long as interest rates don't go flying through the roof anytime soon, the banks can continue to do well.

DON'T BUY

It's the weakest Canadian bank. They're reducing exposure to the Caribbean, because that area lacks growth. Tailwinds for all Canadian banks: the stock market is going up, management fees are up, M&A is increasing, and loans and mortgage rates are rising in a struggling economy. BNS is still struggling. Their dividend increase was the weakest of the six. He's not convinced BNS will catch up to its peers.

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.

Showing 1 to 15 of 1,691 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, 29 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on BNS.TO (previously BNS-T on Stockchase). 13 analysts recommended to BUY and 7 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is DON'T BUY. 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 Tim Regan on 2026-07-29. 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 Bank of Nova Scotia.

Is Bank of Nova Scotia worth watching?

Bank of Nova Scotia is followed by 2152 investors on Stockchase and is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Bank of Nova Scotia stock price?

On 2026-07-31, Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) stock closed at a price of $122.97.

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3.4(29)
Based on 29 expert opinions: 13 buy 9 hold 7 sell