WallStSmart

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)vsRoyal Bank of Canada (RY)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Royal Bank of Canada generates 91% more annual revenue ($67.15B vs $35.20B). RY leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 28.4%. BNS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. BNS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

BNS

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.61

RY

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.50

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BNS6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%

Market CapQuality
$113.23B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

RY5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$281.07B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.4%

P/E RatioValuation
17.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

BNS4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-16.93B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.612/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.061/10

Elevated debt levels

RY4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.894/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-28.67B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.502/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.881/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BNS

The strongest argument for BNS centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : RY

The strongest argument for RY centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 46.4%.

Bear Case : BNS

The primary concerns for BNS are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.06 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : RY

The primary concerns for RY are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.88 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

BNS is growing revenue faster at 11.7% — sustainability is the question.

BNS generates stronger free cash flow (-16.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BNS scores higher overall (77/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins and 11.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Royal Bank of Canada

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Royal Bank of Canada is a globally diversified financial services company. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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