Before I even begin, this title is only a touch misleading. That is, the dividend stock I’m discussing certainly is down 20%. But that’s from all-time highs back in 2022. However, when looking more recently shares of this dividend stock are actually up. And by quite a bit.
That dividend stock is Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX: BNS), which saw shares rise even higher this week after earnings. The dividend stock is now up 22% since bottoming out last year. So here’s why I would pick up BNS stock right this minute.
Eating up earnings
First off, let’s look at these most recent earnings. The dividend stock beat out estimates from analysts, reporting net income of $2.2 billion. This was a slight decrease from the $2.4 billion in the same period last year, on an adjusted basis. And as with other banks, it was driven from higher provisions for credit losses and non-interest expenses.
However, this was partially offset by revenue, with revenue up to $8.4 billion from $8.3 billion the year before. Provisions for credit losses also rose to $962 million from $638 million the year before as the company continued to take on a more cautious outlook.
Even so, management remained optimistic about the year, as well as the bank long term. It continues to focus on how to execute its strategies for long-term growth. So let’s get into this as well.
Looking longer term
Beyond this year, there are quite a few reasons to consider BNS stock as a top dividend stock and growth stock. The company has a strong brand across Canada as one of the biggest banks in the country. It also provides diversification, including here in Canada, as well as internationally.
The company is focused now on expanding through two means. First, through innovation. The stock is investing in its digital transformation, which could lead to even more revenue streams and efficiencies in the future.
What’s more, it’s also investing more and more in emerging markets. This specifically comes down to South America, where the company is looking to become more invested – especially in Mexico, with management stating this could be a huge economy in the future.
The dividend
Then there’s the dividend, and why investors want in on this dividend stock in the first place. BNS stock currently holds a dividend yield at 6.44% as of writing. It also trades at 10.8 times earnings, which is lower than its other bank industry peers.
The dividend stock also has a solid 68% payout ratio, meaning it puts aside a fair amount for dividends but not so much that it can’t invest elsewhere. BNS stock also has a long history of dividend growth, seeing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75% in its dividend over the last five years.
Overall, it is a strong company, with a strong balance sheet, strong dividend growth, and a strong future ahead. It simply is a great investment for those wanting in on a rebounding economy, with shares certain to climb back towards those all-time highs. So I would certainly consider the stock while it’s on the path back up.
