A Top TSX Index Stock Yielding 4.9% With Big Upside Potential

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) trades at a discount to its larger peers and offers an attractive dividend yield.

| More on:

The Canadian market is full of great companies that have generated strong long-term return for investors. Once in a while, they go on sale.

Let’s take a look at one stock that might be an interesting pick for your portfolio right now.

Bank of Nova Scotia

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is Canada’s third-largest bank, but it certainly isn’t small. With a market capitalization of $87 billion, the bank is a powerhouse in both Canada and Latin America.

The international business should be the most interesting aspect for buy-and-hold investors who are searching for a stock that is low risk but also provides exposure to emerging markets.

Pacific Alliance focus

Bank of Nova Scotia has built a large presence in Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Colombia. The four countries have a combined population of more than 230 million and represent the core members of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc, which enables labour, goods, and capital to move freely among the countries. The stock markets are also linked.

Banking penetration is lower in the region compared to more developed economies. This provides Bank of Nova Scotia with a huge opportunity as the middle class grows.

On the retail side, demand for personal loans and investment products should increase. Commercial opportunities are also significant, as businesses that expand into the other member countries require a variety of cash-management services.

The Latin American operations are already seeing loan and deposit growth that is outpacing Canada and the international division accounts for roughly 30% of Bank of Nova Scotia’s total profits.

Canadian growth

Bank of Nova Scotia is also growing its Canadian business. The bank made two large wealth management acquisitions last year to boost its presence in this segment. The addition of Jarislowsky Fraser and MD Financial could prove to be big wins for Bank of Nova Scotia, but the market appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach, as the stock is down considerably.

Bank of Nova Scotia trades at $71 per share compared to $84 in late 2017.

At the time of writing, the stock trades at just 10.6 times trailing earnings. That’s a big discount to the 12.2 and 12.4 times investors are paying for its two larger peers.

Risks

A global recession would likely hit Bank of Nova Scotia harder than the other Canadian banks due to the potential volatility in emerging markets. In addition, any major political upheaval in the core Latin American countries would be bad news. That said, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru have become much more stable in the past decade and likely pose less risk than might be expected.

Dividends

Bank of Nova Scotia has a strong track record of dividend growth, and that should continue. The current payout provides a yield of 4.9%.

Should you buy?

Long-term investors have done well with this stock. A $10,000 investment in Bank of Nova Scotia 20 years ago would be worth more than $85,000 today with the dividends reinvested.

If you have some cash sitting on the sidelines, Bank of Nova Scotia should be a good buy. The stock appears oversold right now, and you get paid well to wait for sentiment to improve.

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 stock mentioned. Bank of Nova Scotia is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Fortis has increased its dividend annually for the past five decades.

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

Here are three top dividend stocks long-term investors won't want to ignore during this part of the market cycle.

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Generate $175/Month in Passive Income With a $30,000 Investment

Dividend aristocrats offer reliability, and many of them also offer generous yields. With sizable enough discounts, these yields can become…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Canadian Investors

These three stocks would be excellent additions to your portfolios, given their solid underlying businesses, consistent dividend growth, and healthy…

Read more »

data analyze research
Dividend Stocks

3 Undervalued Stocks to Watch in November

Not all undervalued and discounted stocks are destined or poised to make a comeback soon, and a protracted timeline can…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

The Perfect TFSA Stocks for Long-Term Growth

Two industry heavyweights are perfect stock holdings in a TFSA for long-term money growth.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Fortis has increased the dividend for 51 consecutive years.

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

BAM stock recently jumped after beating earnings. But is it still a buy, or is it better to wait?

Read more »