(Adds dividend, divisional performance, CEO comment)
TORONTO, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Bank of Nova Scotia, Canada's third-biggest lender BNS.TO , reported third-quarter results ahead of expectations, driven by a strong performance from its domestic and international operations.
The bank said on Tuesday that earnings per share, excluding one-off items, increased to C$1.66 ($1.33) in the quarter to June 30 from C$1.54 a year ago. Analysts had on average forecast earnings of C$1.64, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S data.
"The bank delivered strong quarterly earnings, generating double digit growth in our Canadian and international personal and commercial banking businesses," Chief Executive Brian Porter said in a statement.
Porter said Scotiabank 's Canadian business had achieved earnings of over C$1 billion, driven by loan and deposit growth and an improved profit margin. He said its international business achieved quarterly earnings of over C$600 million, also benefiting from loan and deposit growth.
Scotiabank reported an increase in its quarterly dividend of 3 cents to C$0.79.
($1 = 1.2462 Canadian dollars)