Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)vsBerkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)
BNS
Bank of Nova Scotia
$77.79
+2.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $93.16B
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
$474.07
-0.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.03T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 1017% more annual revenue ($371.44B vs $33.25B). BNS leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 18.0%. BNS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.10. BNS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).
BNS
Exceptional Buy81
out of 100
Grade: A-
BRK-B
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.5%
Earnings expanding 161.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 5.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 2.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BNS
The strongest argument for BNS centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.9% and operating margin at 37.5%. Revenue growth of 23.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : BRK-B
The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.0% and operating margin at 33.0%.
Bear Case : BNS
The primary concerns for BNS are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 5.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : BRK-B
The primary concerns for BRK-B are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BNS profiles as a growth stock while BRK-B is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
BNS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
BNS is growing revenue faster at 23.5% — sustainability is the question.
BRK-B generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BNS scores higher overall (81/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 23.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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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