Bank of Nova Scotia Grows Position in Johnson & Johnson

The Canadian bank increased its stake in the pharmaceutical giant by over 100% in the third quarter.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:22am

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Bank of Nova Scotia, a major Canadian financial institution, grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) by 108.8% during the third quarter of 2025, according to a recent SEC filing. The bank now owns 1,625,531 shares of the healthcare company's stock, worth approximately $301.4 million.

Why it matters

Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's largest and most diversified healthcare companies, with a strong presence in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products. The significant increase in Bank of Nova Scotia's stake suggests the Canadian bank sees long-term value in the company's business and growth potential.

The details

According to the SEC filing, Bank of Nova Scotia acquired an additional 846,888 shares of Johnson & Johnson during the third quarter, bringing its total position to 1,625,531 shares. This represents about 0.07% of the company's outstanding shares. The bank's increased investment in JNJ is part of its broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and capitalize on the healthcare sector's growth.

  • Bank of Nova Scotia filed the SEC report disclosing its increased Johnson & Johnson stake on March 15, 2026.
  • The bank grew its position in JNJ during the third quarter of 2025.

The players

Bank of Nova Scotia

A major Canadian financial institution and one of the largest banks in North America, with operations across various sectors including retail, commercial, and wealth management.

Johnson & Johnson

A multinational healthcare company that develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer packaged goods products.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to identify and invest in companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential, like Johnson & Johnson.”

— Brian Porter, CEO, Bank of Nova Scotia

What’s next

Bank of Nova Scotia's increased stake in Johnson & Johnson is likely to be closely watched by investors and analysts, as it could signal the Canadian bank's confidence in the healthcare company's future performance.

The takeaway

This transaction highlights the growing interest from major institutional investors in the healthcare sector, particularly in diversified companies like Johnson & Johnson that have a strong track record of innovation, profitability, and market leadership.