NatWest Group Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results with 14.4% Profit Growth and Raised Income Guidance

summarizeSummary

NatWest Group reported strong Q1 2026 profits and EPS, increased its full-year income guidance, and maintained a robust capital position, signaling continued operational strength.

check_boxKey Events

• Strong Profit Growth

  Attributable profit to ordinary shareholders increased by 14.4% year-over-year to £1.432 billion, with basic EPS rising 15.5% to 17.9 pence.

• Raised Income Guidance

  The company now expects total income (excluding notable items) to be at the top end of its previously guided range of £17.2 - £17.6 billion for the full year 2026.

• Robust Capital Position

  Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio strengthened to 14.3%, an increase of 30 basis points from Q4 2025, demonstrating strong capital generation.

• Increased Impairment Losses

  Impairment losses rose significantly by 49.7% year-over-year to £283 million, primarily due to updates in economic scenarios and increased Stage 3 flows in credit cards.

auto_awesomeAnalysis

NatWest Group plc delivered robust financial performance in Q1 2026, with attributable profit to ordinary shareholders increasing by 14.4% year-over-year and basic earnings per share rising by 15.5%. The company also raised its full-year income guidance, now expecting to be at the top end of its previously guided range. This strong operational performance, coupled with a solid capital position (CET1 ratio of 14.3%), provides a positive outlook despite a notable increase in impairment losses. Investors should monitor the trend in impairment losses in future quarters.