Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)vsBerkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)
BNS
Bank of Nova Scotia
$80.56
-1.02%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $100.47B
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
$488.13
+1.98%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.02T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 997% more annual revenue ($375.39B vs $34.22B). BNS leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 19.3%. BNS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.26. BNS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
BNS
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
BRK-B
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 39.8%
Generating 17.0B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 119.6% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 5.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
4.4% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BNS
The strongest argument for BNS centers on Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 39.8%. Revenue growth of 12.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : BRK-B
The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 14.3%.
Bear Case : BNS
The primary concerns for BNS are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 6.08 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : BRK-B
The primary concerns for BRK-B are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BNS profiles as a mature stock while BRK-B is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
BNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.
BNS is growing revenue faster at 12.6% — sustainability is the question.
BNS generates stronger free cash flow (17.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BNS scores higher overall (79/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 27.9% margins and 12.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Bank of Nova Scotia
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
The Bank of Nova Scotia offers various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Halifax, Canada.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).
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