Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is one of Canada’s Big Five banks and also one of the top dividend payers with an impressive track record. Let’s take a detailed look at Scotiabank’s dividend metrics and whether this high-yield stock can continue delivering strong payouts.
Overview of Bank of Nova Scotia
- Founded in 1832 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
- Market cap of $59.11 billion, making it one of Canada’s largest publicly traded companies.
- Serves over 25 million customers globally.
- Employs over 92,000 people and has over 1,100 branches.
- Provides personal, commercial, corporate, investment banking, and wealth management services.
- Significant operations across the Pacific Alliance region.
Scotiabank’s Dividend Track Record
- Has paid dividends uninterrupted for 189 years since 1833.
- One of the longest dividend streaks globally across all industries.
- Dividend has grown at 4.1% CAGR over the past 20 years.
- Most recent increase was 1.28% in January 2023.
- Current quarterly dividend of $0.78 per share.
- Forward yield of 6.41% based on share price of $48.56 as of December 30, 2022.
Sustainable Dividend Coverage
- Scotiabank has a healthy payout ratio of 71.46%.
- Indicates dividends are well covered by earnings.
- Q3 2023 EPS of $1.72 provides substantial coverage.
- The bank targets a payout ratio between 50-60% going forward.
- Leaves room for continued modest dividend growth.
Strong Capital Position
- Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.7% as of Q3 2023.
- Surplus capital estimated at $3.5 billion.
- Allows Scotiabank to support dividend payments.
- In November 2022, Scotiabank announced plans to repurchase up to 24 million shares.
- Demonstrates confidence to return capital to shareholders.
Financial Performance Supports Dividend
- Scotiabank reported Q3 2023 revenue of $7.4 billion, up 6% year-over-year.
- Net income of $1.35 billion, decrease of of 1.9% from Q3 2022.
- The international banking division saw double-digit loan and deposit growth.
- Efficiency ratio improved to 55.7% from 56.5% last year.
- Reflects good expense control and operating leverage.
Why Scotiabank’s Dividend Remains Safe
There are several reasons why Scotiabank’s dividend remains secure and should continue growing slowly:
- Strong capital and liquidity position provides stability.
- Low payout ratio gives flexibility to maintain dividend during downturns.
- Diversified business mix mitigates risk.
- Long track record through multiple economic cycles.
- Focus on cost management supports profit margins.
- International operations have growth tailwinds as emerging markets develop.
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Consensus Price Targets Signal Upside
- Scotiabank has a consensus analyst price target of $68.00 per share.
- Represents 39.7% upside from the current market price.
- 15 out of 17 analysts rate BNS stock as a buy or hold.
- If shares trade up to the average target, the dividend yield would be 4.6% based on the current payout.
Is Bank of Nova Scotia a Good Dividend Stock?
Scotiabank offers an attractive high yield of 6.4% backed by a very safe dividend with immense longevity. The payout is easily covered by earnings and supported by a strong capital position.
Investors seeking passive income can expect steady payouts from this Canadian banking giant. The dividend should continue growing through a combination of modest increases and natural expansion as earnings grow over time.
For income investors, Scotiabank remains a top Canadian dividend stock pick heading into 2024. The high yield, dividend security, and potential for capital gains make this a compelling long-term holding.