Should You Buy Bank of Nova Scotia Right Now?

Here’s what investors need to know before buying Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS).

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) just reported solid Q2 2015 earnings and investors who previously shunned the bank in favour of its peers are starting to rethink that strategy.

Let’s take a look at the current situation to see if you should add the bank to your portfolio.

Earnings

In a challenging environment, the bank pulled in Q2 net income of $1.8 billion and earnings per share of $1.42. It wasn’t a home-run quarter, but the numbers pleased the market and Bank of Nova Scotia’s stock has responded well.

Net interest margins in the Canadian operations jumped to 2.26%, the best they have been in the past 12 months. The number doesn’t look big, but it is a strong indicator to investors that Bank of Nova Scotia is doing well in a tough domestic market. Assets under management increased 13%, deposits rose 4%, and loan growth hit 3%.

The international segment continues to see strong numbers coming from Latin America. Loans in the region increased 7% and deposits rose 6% compared with the same period the year before. As the company improves efficiency in the Latin American operations, profits should start to expand.

Risks

All of the Canadian banks are under careful scrutiny right now as investors look for signs of trouble connected to the rout in the oil patch.

At the moment, Bank of Nova Scotia’s exposure to the energy sector should be manageable. As of April 30 the company said $15.5 billion, or 3.4% of the company’s total loan book, consisted of drawn funds by oil and gas clients. About 60% of the loans are considered investment grade. The company also has undrawn commitments of another $12 billion that energy companies could still tap.

The other area of concern is exposure to the Canadian housing market. Bank of Nova Scotia finished the second quarter with $188 billion in outstanding residential mortgages. Half of the mortgages are insured and the average loan-to-value ratio of the uninsured loans is 53%. About 16% of the mortgage portfolio is located in Alberta.

The bank is still well capitalized, with a CET1 ratio of 10.6%. This is important because it means the company is more than capable of weathering a downturn in the housing market, or further weakness in the energy sector.

Should you buy?

The bank launched a major restructuring program late last year and investors should start to see stronger results in the back half of 2015. Bank of Nova Scotia has invested heavily in its international operations. This positions it well to benefit from growth in the strengthening Latin American markets and provides a nice revenue balance to help offset weakness in Canada.

The stock currently trades at an attractive 11 times forward earnings and 1.7 times book value. Given reasonable valuation and a solid 4% dividend, long-term investors should be comfortable buying the stock and sitting on it until they retire.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Bank Stocks

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

The Average Canadian Stock Investor Owns This 1 Stock: Do You?

This Canadian stock has about 49% ownership by the public, and with growth and dividends to consider, it's a top…

Read more »

falling red arrow and lifting
Stocks for Beginners

1 Dividend Stock Down 18% to Buy Right Now

CIBC (TSX:CM) is a strong dividend stock investors should certainly consider not just for passive income, but future growth as…

Read more »

edit Business accounting concept, Business man using calculator with computer laptop, budget and loan paper in office.
Tech Stocks

Forget TD Stock: 2 Tech Stocks to Buy Instead

TD remains a solid income stock but two outperforming tech stocks are better buys for their strong growth and upside…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Where Will Royal Bank of Canada Stock Be in 5 Years?

Royal Bank's continued focus on a strong capital position plus its acquisition of HSBC will likely ensure prosperous times ahead.

Read more »

Payday ringed on a calendar
Bank Stocks

How to Build a Bulletproof Monthly Passive-Income Portfolio With Just $10,000 and TD Stock

TD (TSX:TD) stock has been a poor performer over the last few years, but could be a big passive-income winner…

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Bank Stocks

Is RBC Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Shares of Royal Bank of Canada have delivered game-changing returns to shareholders in the last two decades. Is RBC stock…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Bank Stocks

Is Scotiabank (BNS) Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Let's dive into whether the Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) remains a solid buy or if it's more of a…

Read more »