Bank of Montreal vs Bank of Nova Scotia — how do they compare? Bank of Montreal trades at $182.04 (market cap $127.25B), while Bank of Nova Scotia trades at $89.03 (market cap $107.95B). The key difference: Bank of Montreal is the larger of the two by market cap, and Bank of Nova Scotia pays the higher dividend (3.65%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BMO | BNS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $127.25B | $107.95B |
Sector | Financials | Financials |
52-Week High | $183.65 | $90.29 |
52-Week Low | $112.54 | $56.41 |
Dividend Yield | 2.68% | 3.65% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BMO trades at $181.55, up 0.4% with a bullish technical signal. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $2.66. Recent strategic moves include the $1.44 billion sale of Moneris and the acquisition of Euroz Hartleys' Australian capital markets business, strengthening its global metals and mining franchise. The stock shows strong fundamental performance with 25.92% net income margin and 11.05% ROE.
BMO presents a balanced investment case with solid earnings momentum and strategic expansion, though trading near resistance at $182. Key opportunities include consistent dividend payments and global banking recognition, while risks involve interest rate sensitivity and competitive pressures in the North American banking sector.
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) trades at $88.85, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. The stock shows strong analyst support, a 52.63% buy rating, and a solid dividend yield. Revenue grew to $37.10B in 2025, though net income margin dipped slightly to 20.99%.
Outlook is positive with earnings growth and strategic acquisitions like MapleMark Bank driving upside. Risks include economic sensitivity and competitive pressures. Wall Street sentiment leans bullish, but investors should monitor credit conditions and interest rate impacts on banking performance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Bank of Montreal is a diversified financial-services provider based in North America, operating four business segments: Canadian personal and commercial banking, U.S. P&C banking, wealth management, and capital markets. The bank's operations are primarily in Canada, with a material portion also in the U.S.
Read more on BMO →Bank of Nova Scotia is a global financial services provider. The bank has five business segments: Canadian banking, international banking, global wealth management, global banking and markets, and other. It offers a range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. The bank's international operations span numerous countries and are more concentrated in Central and South America.
Read more on BNS →