Q: BNS has been trending down since the new year and more so recently since their announcement of divestitures of more Latin American holdings to Colombian bank Davivienda for a 20 percent equity position in the bank. They are also booking impairments of 1.7 billion on this deal. All that being said, would you consider this recent drop a buying opportunity? Also, BNS did not raise its dividend in 2024. Do you see the bank raising its dividend in 2025 and going forward on regular basis like all other Canadian banks. Thanks.
5i Research Answer:
BNS is certainly a bank that investors like to hate on, and for generally good reason these past few years. After skipping in 2024, we would be quite surprised if it did not raise its dividend this year. Sentiment is low here, and the bank needs to get its act together. Investors would appreciate low, but consistent, dividend increases. It is cheap at 10X earnings with a high yield of 5.72% that is likely quite secure. We can see it as an accumulate.