Scotiabank's Q2 2025: Navigating Contradictions in Credit Outlook, International Growth, and Net Interest Margin

Credit outlook and economic uncertainty, international banking growth strategy, economic outlook and loan growth expectations, international banking segment performance and strategy, impact of rate changes on net interest margin are the key contradictions discussed in The Bank of Nova Scotia's latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Net Income and Earnings Performance:
- Scotiabank reported net income of $2.1 billion for Q2 2025, with earnings per share at $1.52.
- The company delivered a significant performing allowance build in Canada due to potential macroeconomic uncertainties.
- This adjustment was driven by conservative estimates of the evolving macroeconomic backdrop, particularly the impact of tariffs.

International Banking and Profitability:
- International Banking contributed $681 million in earnings, up 4% year-over-year, with a net interest margin expansion of 4 basis points.
- The growth was driven by disciplined cost management, offsetting lower business loan volumes in Brazil and Mexico.

Canadian Banking and Deposit Growth:
- Canadian Banking reported earnings of $613 million, down 31% year-over-year, with deposits growing 5% year-over-year.
- The decline in earnings was primarily due to significant performing provisions, while deposit growth outpaced loan growth, especially in non-personal deposits.

Credit Provisions and Impaired Loans:
- The total performing allowance increased by $346 million, driven by weaker forward-looking indicators and expert credit judgment.
- Credit provisions were stable in Canadian banking, with impaired loans showing a slight increase, but slowing down compared to prior periods.

Wealth Management and Fee Income:
- Global Wealth Management had earnings of $405 million, up 17% year-over-year, attributed to higher revenues from assets under management and trading volumes.
- Fee-based revenues increased, driven by growth in mutual fund fees, investment management fees, and strong private banking loan growth.