Dividends are one of the best benefits to being a shareholder, but finding a great dividend stock is no easy task. Does NatWest (NWG) have what it takes?
NatWest, M&G and Standard Chartered led early FTSE 100 losses as investors shed exposure to rate-sensitive financial stocks Shares in some of Britain's largest banks and asset managers fell sharply in early trading on Thursday, extending a turbulent month for UK financial stocks as geopolitical anxiety, shifting interest rate expectations and weakening equity markets combined to drive investors away from the sector. NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG), the high street lender, M&G PLC (LSE:MNG), the FTSE 100 asset manager, and Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN), the emerging markets-focused bank, were among the heaviest fallers, each dropping between 5% and 6% in the first hour.
Investors interested in Banks - Foreign stocks are likely familiar with NatWest Group (NWG) and HDFC Bank (HDB). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
NatWest Group plc (NYSE: NWG - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 1,991,500 shares, an increase of 138.5% from the February 12th total of 835,025 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,013,801 shares, the short-interest ratio
Investors looking for stocks in the Banks - Foreign sector might want to consider either NatWest Group (NWG) or Sumitomo Mitsui (SMFG). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?
NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) shares rose 4% to 603.88p after UBS upgraded its earnings forecasts following better-than-expected fourth quarter and stronger capital generation. The Swiss bank said fourth-quarter pre-tax profit excluding notable items and litigation and conduct charges was 7% above consensus, with net interest income 3% ahead and operating costs in line, while impairments were 30% better than expected at 13 basis points of loans.
NatWest Group plc (NWG) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NatWest Group delivered strong Q4 and FY25 results, with revenue and earnings easily clearing sell-side consensus. NWG's structural hedge continues to boost net interest income, with management guiding for growing hedge income through 2030. The £2.7 billion Evelyn Partners acquisition will more than double NatWest's AUMA while also diversifying its revenue away from net interest income.
NatWest guided for further income growth and profitability this year as it reported fourth-quarter results that beat expectations.
NatWest Group PLC told investors that 2025 profit and income rose sharply, allowing it to hike shareholder returns again and tee up a fresh £750 million share buyback for the first half of 2026, as the UK lender raised its medium-term ambitions and set out new financial targets. The bank reported total income of £16.4 billion, up 12% year-on-year, helped by deposit margin expansion, stronger structural hedge income and lending growth.
NatWest said its annual profit rose 24% on Friday, slightly ahead of forecasts, and the lender set out more ambitious performance targets.
NatWest Group plc (NWG) M&A Call Transcript