Maintained Market Perform: BNS The Bank of Nova Scotia by BMO Feb 25, 2026
BNS analyst rating: on Feb 25, 2026 BMO Capital maintained The Bank of Nova Scotia at Market Perform and raised its price target to C$101 from C$98. This move keeps BMO cautious on near-term upside while nudging fair value higher. Investors should note the rating and target change because it signals modest confidence without a clear buy call.
BNS analyst rating: what BMO Capital changed and when
On Feb 25, 2026 BMO Capital maintained Market Perform for BNS and lifted the price target to C$101 from C$98. The update is recorded at 01:25 PM and is summarized by TheFly. The action is a maintenance, not an upgrade or downgrade, but it raises the reference price investors use.
What a Market Perform rating means for BNS analyst rating watchers
A Market Perform rating signals neutral expected returns versus peers or the market. Investors should interpret this as neither a buy nor a sell recommendation. The price target increase to C$101 slightly tightens upside but keeps expectations moderate. For income-focused holders, neutral ratings often mean watchful holding, not immediate trading.
Price target detail and immediate market reaction
BMO raised the BNS price target to C$101 from C$98, a change of C$3. The reported intraday price impact shows a 0.41% move, equal to $0.31 in the note. TheFly covered the change in real time, which underlines the modest nature of this adjustment. Small target increases often reflect margin or capital assumptions rather than firm conviction shifts.
Recent company results and context for the BNS analyst rating
Scotiabank reported Q1 2026 results showing 13% return on equity, per the earnings call transcript. That metric rose and supports a slightly higher price target. For detail, see the Q1 transcript on Seeking Alpha. Strong ROE but mixed growth trends help explain BMO’s neutral stance.
How this change fits historical analyst coverage for The Bank of Nova Scotia
BNS typically draws coverage from major Canadian and global brokerages. BMO’s maintenance continues a pattern of cautious, peer-comparative ratings. Historically, ratings have ranged from Underperform to Outperform across firms. For investors, repeated neutral stances suggest stable fundamentals but limited catalyst-driven upside.
Meyka view and proprietary grade on BNS analyst rating
Meyka AI rates BNS with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Meyka’s grade highlights relative strength versus peers, though it is not a guarantee. For more on BNS in our platform, see Meyka’s stock page at https://meyka.ai/stocks/BNS
Final Thoughts
BMO Capital’s Feb 25, 2026 action leaves the BNS analyst rating at Market Perform while nudging the price target to C$101. That combination signals modest confidence in Scotiabank’s near-term prospects without endorsing material upside. Investors should view this as a neutral datapoint, not a trading trigger. The 0.41% short-term price move shows limited market surprise. Scotiabank’s 13% ROE from the latest quarter supports steady fundamentals, and the raised target reflects that stability. Meyka AI rates BNS with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. These grades are not guaranteed and we are not financial advisors. Use the BMO note and company results together to set position sizing and risk limits.
FAQs
What exactly changed in the BNS analyst rating on Feb 25, 2026?
BMO Capital maintained the BNS analyst rating at Market Perform and raised the price target to C$101 from C$98 on Feb 25, 2026, as reported by TheFly.
Does a maintained Market Perform mean I should sell BNS?
No. A Market Perform means neutral expectations versus peers. It signals holding and monitoring, not an automatic sell, especially for income or long-term investors.
How does the new BNS price target affect valuation?
The increase to C$101 nudges fair value higher by C$3. It tightens upside expectations but keeps valuation in a neutral band relative to peers and recent results.
Where can I read the BMO note and company call for context on the BNS analyst rating?
The BMO note summary is available via TheFly and the Q1 2026 earnings call transcript is on Seeking Alpha. Those two sources provide direct context for the analyst action.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Analyst ratings are opinions and not guarantees of future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.