Board Change • 18h
High number of new directors There are 6 new directors who have joined the board in the last 3 years. Independent Non-Executive Director Albert Hitchcock was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2026. The company’s lack of board continuity is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Announcement • May 06
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NasdaqGS:WTW) acquired Cushon Group Limited from NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) and others. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NasdaqGS:WTW) reached an agreement to acquire Cushon Group Limited from NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) and others on December 10, 2025.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Ardea Partners International Llp acted as financial advisor, DLA Piper Group acted as legal advisor, Alpha Financial Markets Consulting UK Limited acted as due diligence provider and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP acted as due diligence provider for Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company. Lazard & Co., Limited acted as financial advisor, CMS Law acted as legal advisor and KPMG LLP acted as due diligence provider for NatWest Group plc. Lincoln International LLP acted as financial advisor and Travers Smith LLP acted as legal advisor for Cushon Group Limited.
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NasdaqGS:WTW) completed the acquisition of Cushon Group Limited from NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) and others on May 5, 2026. The transaction has been approved by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Announcement • Apr 09
NatWest Group plc to Report Q3, 2026 Results on Oct 30, 2026 NatWest Group plc announced that they will report Q3, 2026 results on Oct 30, 2026 Announcement • Mar 06
NatWest Appoints Adeel Hyder as its new Managing Director of Business Banking, Effective June 1, 2026 NatWest announced Adeel Hyder as its new Managing Director of Business Banking, leading the bank’s strategy to strengthen support for small and micro businesses across the UK. JoiningNatWest from Starling Bank on 1 June 2026, Adeel is an experienced banking leader with a strong track record in customer-centric digital transformation and deep SME expertise. His background spans McKinsey, TSB and, most recently, Starling, where he helped build and scale its digital-first business bank. He brings proven commercial leadership, deep experience overseeing business performance, and sharp insight into the needs of UK small businesses. Adeel will report to Robert Begbie, CEO of NatWest’s Commercial & Institutional business, and will join its Executive Committee. Announcement • Feb 14
NatWest Group plc, Annual General Meeting, Apr 28, 2026 NatWest Group plc, Annual General Meeting, Apr 28, 2026. Announcement • Feb 09
NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) agreed to acquire Evelyn Partners Group Limited from an investor group comprised funds managed by Permira Advisers Ltd., Warburg Pincus LLC and others for an enterprise value of £2.7 billion. NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) agreed to acquire Evelyn Partners Group Limited from an investor group comprised funds managed by Permira Advisers Ltd., Warburg Pincus LLC and others for an enterprise value of £2.7 billion on February 9, 2026. A cash consideration will be paid by NatWest Group plc. As per the transaction, employees of Evelyn Partners will join NatWest Group plc. The Transaction is expected to be accretive to NatWest Group's growth. The Transaction will be funded from existing resources. As of FY ended 2025, Evelyn Partners Group Limited generated EBIDTA of £179 million equivalent of 9.7x 2025 EV to EBITDA multiple and operating income of £509 million.
The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory board / committee. The transaction is expected to close in Summer 2026. Ardea Partners International Llp and Merrill Lynch International acted as financial advisors and David Watkins, Nick Pacheco, Thomas Peacock, Jan Putnis, Dominic Robertson, Daniel Schaffer, Phil Linnard, Lisa Wright, Heather Zuckert, David Ives, Rebecca Cousin and Kevin Howes of Slaughter and May and UBS AG, London Branch acted as legal advisors to NatWest Group plc. Evercore Partners International LLP and Goldman Sachs International acted as financial advisors and Macfarlanes LLP acted as legal advisor to Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Limited. Linklaters LLP acted as legal advisor to Permira Advisers Ltd. and Warburg Pincus LLC. Announcement • Feb 05
Barclays and NatWest Reportedly Preparing to Submit Rival Bids for Evelyn Partners Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) and NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) are preparing to submit rival bids for local wealth manager Evelyn Partners (Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Limited), which is valued at around GBP 2 billion (USD 2.72 billion/EUR 2.3 billion), Sky News reported. Evelyn is owned by US private equity firm Warburg Pincus and UK's Permira following the 2020 merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson. Advisers at Evercore are allegedly managing the sale process, with February 5, 2026 set as the deadline for bids. A decision is expected soon after their submission, according to the report. Barclays and NatWest have declined to comment on their intentions when contacted by the media. Announcement • Jan 13
Natwest Group plc Announces Board Changes NatWest Group plc announced that Yasmin Jetha, non-executive director, will retire from the NWG Board on 31 March 2026. In addition, NWG announces the appointment of Albert Hitchcock as an independent non-executive director with effect from 16 February 2026. Albert is a former non-executive director of Nationwide Building Society and Pureprofile and former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Pearson. Prior to joining Pearson, he held senior roles at Vodafone Group and Nortel Networks. Albert Hitchcock is a highly experienced executive, non-executive director and portfolio advisor. Albert spent a 35-year career in the technology industry and originally worked for BAE Systems and Racal Electronics, in a variety of engineering and product development roles. In 1993 he joined the Canadian telecommunications equipment provider Nortel Networks as a senior engineer and was subsequently promoted through the organisation to become Global CIO in 2002. In January 2007 after 14 years at Nortel Albert joined Vodafone and was appointed into the role of Vodafone Group Chief Information Officer. Albert joined Pearson, the international publishing conglomerate in 2014. He led the 'digital change' at Pearson from a traditional print-based publisher to the global leader in digital learning. Between December 2018 and September 2025, Albert was a non-executive director of Nationwide Building Society. Since leaving Pearson in 2022, Albert has established a portfolio career and now advises the executive teams of Hitachi, Syniti and several technology startups. Albert is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and a Chartered Engineer. Board Change • Dec 30
High number of new directors There are 6 new directors who have joined the board in the last 3 years. Independent Non-Executive Director Josh Critchley was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2025. The company’s lack of board continuity is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Announcement • Dec 11
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NasdaqGS:WTW) reached an agreement to acquire Cushon Group Limited from NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG). Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NasdaqGS:WTW) reached an agreement to acquire Cushon Group Limited from NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) on December 10, 2025.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Ardea Partners International Llp acted as financial advisor, DLA Piper Group acted as legal advisor, Alpha Financial Markets Consulting UK Limited acted as due diligence provider and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP acted as due diligence provider for Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company. Lazard & Co., Limited acted as financial advisor, CMS Law acted as legal advisor and KPMG LLP acted as due diligence provider for NatWest Group plc. Lincoln International LLP acted as financial advisor and Travers Smith LLP acted as legal advisor for Cushon Group Limited. Announcement • Nov 27
NatWest Appoints Andrew Hunter as Managing Director, Venture Capital Coverage NatWest announced the appointment of Andrew Hunter as Managing Director of Venture Capital Coverage, within its fast-growing Venture Banking team. This appointment marks the latest addition to the team led by Jenny Edwards, who joined NatWest as Head of Venture Banking earlier this year. Under her leadership, the team is spearheading efforts to serve the UK's most ambitious and innovative venture-backed scaleups with tailored financial solutions, strategic expertise and deep ecosystem connectivity. Andrew brings 18 years of private markets experience, having worked extensively with venture-backed innovation companies and the funds that support them. He joins NatWest from HSBC Innovation Banking, where he was Managing Director, Investor Coverage, overseeing relationships with leading venture and growth investors across the UK and Europe. Prior to this, Andrew held a variety of client-facing roles at SVB in London, spanning Corporate Banking, Funds Banking, and Venture and Growth Banking. He began his career at Lloyds Banking Group, focusing on mid-market corporates. In his new role, Andrew will work closely with Greg Brown, who was announced as NatWest's Head of Venture Capital in October, to coordinate the bank's relationships with venture capital and growth stage investors, helping to bring more of the NatWest platform to the benefit of the funds and their portfolio companies. Announcement • Oct 24
NatWest Group plc Updates Earnings Guidance for the Full Year 2025 NatWest Group plc updated earnings guidance for the full year 2025. For the period, the company expected income excluding notable items to be around GBP 16.3 billion for 2025 and to achieve a Return on Tangible Equity of greater than 18.0%. Except for this strengthened guidance, the company reaffirmed the outlook provided in first half of 2025 Interim Results on Form 6-K. Announcement • Oct 22
NatWest Group plc Appoints Josh Critchley as an Independent Non-Executive Director, Effective 3 November 2025 NatWest Group plc announced the appointment of Josh Critchley as an independent non-executive director with effect from 3 November 2025. Josh Critchley is a former Vice Chair of Global Investment Banking for the Royal Bank of Canada. He was previously their long-time Head of European and Asian Investment Banking, serving in that role for twelve years (2011 - 2022), including seven years as a member of RBC Capital Markets' Global Operating Committee. He joined RBC in 2009 to help lead the build-out of RBC's investment banking and equities footprint in Europe as part of RBC becoming a full-service investment banking provider. Before Royal Bank of Canada, Josh held senior roles at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. Announcement • Oct 01
NatWest Group plc to Report Fiscal Year 2025 Results on Feb 13, 2026 NatWest Group plc announced that they will report fiscal year 2025 results on Feb 13, 2026 Announcement • Sep 25
NatWest Reportedly in Talks to Sell Cushon NatWest Group (LSE:NWG) is reportedly looking to offload Cushon(Cushon Money Limited), the workplace pensions provider it acquired only two years ago, as its Chief Executive Officer refocuses one of Britain's biggest high street banks on its core strategic priorities. Sky News has learnt that NatWest is working with advisers on a sale of Cushon, for which it paid £144 million in exchange for a controlling stake. City sources said the bank was in detailed talks with a number of potential buyers of the business. NatWest owns an 85% stake in Cushon, with the remainder held by the subsidiary's management. A market source said that Cushon had drawn interest from a significant number of strategic players in the pensions market amid a growing push for consolidation. A disposal of Cushon would reflect the strategic priorities of Paul Thwaite, NatWest's Chief Executive Officer, which include a bank-wide simplification programme and more active balance sheet and risk management. A NatWest Group spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation.” "Our focus remains on delivering for our customers". Announcement • May 31
An undisclosed buyer acquired an unknown minority stake in NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) from HM Treasury. An undisclosed buyer acquired an unknown minority stake in NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) from HM Treasury on May 30, 2025.
An undisclosed buyer completed the acquisition of an unknown minority stake in NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) from HM Treasury on May 30, 2025. Announcement • May 30
UK Treasury Reportedly to Sell Remaining Stake in NatWest The UK Treasury is expected to sell its last-remaining shares in NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG), Mark Kleinman of Sky News reports via X. A statement is coming either later in the day or on June 02 2025 confirming the disposal, according to Sky. Announcement • Apr 15
Natwest Group plc Announces Stepping Down of Frank Dangeard as A Non-Executive Director, Effective 23 April, 2025 Further to the announcement on 25 March 2025, NatWest Group plc announced that, following a short period of personal leave, Frank Dangeard will be stepping down from his role as a non-executive director of NWG with effect from the date of the NWG Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2025. During his tenure, Frank has made a significant contribution to the Boards on which he has served and also to the NWG Performance and Remuneration Committee on which he has been a member since September 2018. Announcement • Feb 14
Santander Reportedly Explores Sale of UK Business with NatWest Banco Santander, S.A. (BME:SAN) has held talks with NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) over the potential sale of its UK banking business (Santander UK Group Holdings plc). Early-stage negotiations took place between the two lenders last year, according to the Financial Times, which reported that there was still interest in a potential deal. Santander said last month that the bank will remain in the UK "into the future". The Spanish lender first entered the UK market two decades ago. It serves more than 14m British customers and has more than 400 branches across the country. A spokesman for Santander said: "Santander UK is not for sale. The UK remains a core part of Santander's globally diversified business model." NatWest declined to comment. Announcement • Jan 20
Natwest Group plc Announces Resignation of Vivek Ahuja as Non-Executive Director NatWest Group plc announced the resignation of Vivek Ahuja as Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from 17th January 2025. Announcement • Jan 01
Natwest Group plc Announces Board Changes NatWest Group plc (NWG) announced that Mark Seligman, non-executive director and Senior Independent Director, will retire from the NWG Board on 31 March 2025. Lena Wilson, independent non-executive director, will assume the role of Senior Independent Director from 1 April 2025. In addition, NWGannounced the appointment of Gill Whitehead as an independent non-executive director with effectfrom 8thJanuary 2025. Lena Wilson is a highly experienced Board member who has demonstrated strong leadership and is highly regarded by her fellow directors. Gill recently stepped down from her role as Group Director, Online Safety at Ofcom. She currently serves as Chair of Rugby World Cup 2025, Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of the British Olympic Association and Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of Informa PLC. Announcement • Dec 14
Natwest Group plc Announces Executive Changes NatWest Group has announced the appointment of Gary Moore as Group Chief Governance Officer & Company Secretary with effect from 14 February 2025. Gary, a qualified solicitor, is currently Head of Corporate Secretariat & Deputy Company Secretary, a role he has held since September 2023, having joined the bank in 2010. Jan Cargill, current Group Chief Governance Officer & Company Secretary, is retiring after 35 years with NatWest. Announcement • Dec 13
NatWest Group plc Announces Board and Committee Changes Further to the announcement on 26 July 2024, NatWest Group plc announced that Mark Seligman, non-executive director and Senior Independent Director, will retire from the NWG Board on 31 March 2025. Lena Wilson, independent non-executive director, will assume the role of Senior Independent Director from 1 April 2025. In addition, NWG announced the appointment of Gill Whitehead as an independent non-executive director with effect from 8th January 2025. In addition, Lena will continue to chair the Group Performance & Remuneration Committee. Gill recently stepped down from her role as Group Director, Online Safety at Ofcom. She currently serves as Chair of Rugby World Cup 2025, Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of the British Olympic Association and Chair of the Audit Committee and non-executive director of Informa PLC. Gill has over 25 years of executive experience in the technology and media sectors having worked at Ofcom, Google, Channel 4 and the BBC. She is a Visiting Policy Fellow at the University of Oxford's Internet Institute, focussing on global developments in online and AI safety. Her Board experience as Chair, Audit Committee Chair and Non-Executive Director spans FTSE 50 companies, public bodies and sport. Gill has spent the last few years mobilising tech regulation in the UK, including leading for Ofcom the implementation of one of the UK's most significant pieces of new tech legislation, the Online Safety Act. She also led the establishment of several key regulatory partnerships, including as the inaugural Chief Executive of the UK's Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum, on behalf of the UK's largest regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority, and as Chair of the Global Online Safety Regulators Network. Previously, Gill was Google UK's Senior Director of Client Solutions & Analytics, leading teams in data science and analytics, measurement and user experience, having also led their market insights function across EMEA. Before the world of tech, Gill worked in media at Channel 4 and the BBC in a variety of data and technology-driven leadership roles. Gill is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Having previously been a Non-Executive Director of the Financial Ombudsman Service and Camelot (operator of the National Lottery), Gill's current Board roles are Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of Informa plc, Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of the British Olympic Association, and Chair of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Announcement • Nov 12
NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) announces an Equity Buyback for 262,605,042 shares, representing 3.16% for £1,000 million. NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) announces a share repurchase program. Under the program, the company will repurchase up to 262,605,042 shares for £1,000 million. The shares will be repurchased at a price of 380.8 pence per share. The shares will be repurchased pursuant to a contract between the company and HM Treasury. The company intends to intends to cancel all of the repurchased ordinary shares. The program is expected to settle on November 13, 2024. Reported Earnings • Oct 25
Third quarter 2024 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.14 (vs UK£0.10 in 3Q 2023) Third quarter 2024 results: EPS: UK£0.14 (up from UK£0.10 in 3Q 2023). Revenue: UK£3.50b (up 7.4% from 3Q 2023). Net income: UK£1.17b (up 31% from 3Q 2023). Profit margin: 34% (up from 28% in 3Q 2023). The increase in margin was primarily driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 3.9% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 3.0% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 32% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 17% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Sep 09
NatWest Group plc Announces Head and Managing Director for India Changes NatWest Group plc has appointed former American Express executive Ruchika Panesar as the new head and managing director for India effective September 26. She succeeds Punit Sood who will retire from the bank at the end of September, NatWest group said in a statement. Based in New York at American Express, Panesar was the vice president and global head of enterprise communications and marketing technology. She has over two decades of global experience across fintech and payment disciplines with deep expertise in global technology transformation, building enterprise scale products and technology and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and Gen AI to drive innovation across digital customer experiences, NatWest said in a statement. As head of India, Panesar will be based in Gurugram and will spearhead the design and execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with senior leaders across the Bank, with an emphasis on delivering world class experiences for customers. Ruchika will be Chair of the India Management Committee and will report directly to the group chief information officer, Scott Marcar, the statement added. In August, the UK’s retail banking NatWest Group had announced plans to hire around 4000 engineers in Bengaluru over the next two years following its latest expansion in the southern city with its capability centre. Valuation Update With 7 Day Price Move • Aug 05
Investor sentiment deteriorates as stock falls 17% After last week's 17% share price decline to €3.65, the stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 7x. Average forward P/E is 8x in the Banks industry in Europe. Total returns to shareholders of 71% over the past three years. Announcement • Aug 02
NatWest Group Announces Executive Changes at Lombard NatWest Group has announced that Paul Edwards has been appointed to lead the banking group's asset finance business, Lombard, together with specialist businesses providing working capital solutions. Paul has been at NatWest for 12 years and has held a number of roles in that time, most recently leading the bank's commercial mid-market business in the South West and Wales. For Lombard he succeeds Ian Isaac, who is retiring after a decade as Managing Director at the end of September 2024. Declared Dividend • Jul 29
First half dividend of UK£0.06 announced Shareholders will receive a dividend of UK£0.06. Ex-date: 8th August 2024 Payment date: 13th September 2024 Dividend yield will be 4.7%, which is about the same as the industry average. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is well covered by earnings (37% payout ratio) and is expected to be well covered in 3 years' time (39% forecast payout ratio). The dividend has increased by an average of 26% per year over the past 6 years. However, payments have been volatile during that time. EPS is expected to grow by 3.4% over the next 3 years, which should provide support to the dividend and adequate earnings cover. Reported Earnings • Jul 28
Second quarter 2024 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.14 (vs UK£0.12 in 2Q 2023) Second quarter 2024 results: EPS: UK£0.14 (up from UK£0.12 in 2Q 2023). Revenue: UK£3.70b (flat on 2Q 2023). Net income: UK£1.17b (flat on 2Q 2023). Profit margin: 32% (in line with 2Q 2023). Revenue is forecast to grow 3.4% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 3.2% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 37% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 17% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Jul 27
Natwest Group plc Announces Interim Dividend, to Be Paid on 13 September 2024 NatWest Group plc announced an interim dividend for 2024 of £500 million or 6 pence per ordinary share. The interim dividend will be paid on 13 September 2024 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 9 August 2024. The ex-dividend date will be 8 August 2024. Announcement • Jul 26
Natwest Group plc Announces Directorate Change NatWest Group plc announced that Mark Seligman, Senior Independent Director, has indicated that he will not seek re-election to the NWG Board at its Annual General Meeting in April 2025. Ian Cormack, Senior Independent Director of NatWest Holdings Limited ("NWH") has also indicated that he will step down from the Board of the company. Reported Earnings • Apr 26
First quarter 2024 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.10 (vs UK£0.13 in 1Q 2023) First quarter 2024 results: EPS: UK£0.10 (down from UK£0.13 in 1Q 2023). Revenue: UK£3.38b (down 11% from 1Q 2023). Net income: UK£922.0m (down 26% from 1Q 2023). Profit margin: 27% (down from 33% in 1Q 2023). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 2.5% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 3.3% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 51% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 13% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Apr 24
Natwest Group plc Approves to Declare Final Dividend NatWest Group plc at the AGM held on April 23, 2024, approved to declare a final dividend of 11.5 pence per ordinary share. Upcoming Dividend • Mar 07
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.12 per share Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 14 March 2024. Payment date: 29 April 2024. Payout ratio is a comfortable 35% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 6.7%. Within top quartile of German dividend payers (5.1%). In line with average of industry peers (6.7%). Declared Dividend • Feb 19
Final dividend of UK£0.12 announced Shareholders will receive a dividend of UK£0.12. Ex-date: 14th March 2024 Payment date: 29th April 2024 Dividend yield will be 7.1%, which is higher than the industry average of 4.8%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is well covered by earnings (35% payout ratio) and is expected to be well covered in 3 years' time (38% forecast payout ratio). The dividend has increased by an average of 26% per year over the past 6 years. However, payments have been volatile during that time. EPS is expected to decline by 14% over the next 3 years. However, it would need to fall by 62% to increase the payout ratio to a potentially unsustainable range. Reported Earnings • Feb 18
Full year 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.49 (vs UK£0.36 in FY 2022) Full year 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.49 (up from UK£0.36 in FY 2022). Revenue: UK£14.2b (up 9.2% from FY 2022). Net income: UK£4.51b (up 25% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 32% (up from 28% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Net interest margin (NIM): 2.12% (up from 1.81% in FY 2022). Cost-to-income ratio: 51.8% (down from 55.5% in FY 2022). Non-performing loans: 1.42% (up from 1.35% in FY 2022). Revenue is forecast to grow 1.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 2.3% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 66% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 5% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Feb 18
NatWest Group plc, Annual General Meeting, Apr 23, 2024 NatWest Group plc, Annual General Meeting, Apr 23, 2024. Agenda: To consider and approve of a final dividend. Announcement • Feb 16
Natwest Group plc Announces Appointment of Paul Thwaite as Executive Director The Board of NatWest Group plc appointed Paul Thwaite as Executive Director with immediate effect. This follows his appointment on an initial 12-month basis in July 2023. Paul previously served as a director of Motability Operations Group plc from 30 September 2016 to 1 March 2021. Announcement • Feb 10
Natwest Group Appoints Emma Crystal as Head of Coutts NatWest Group has appointed a UBS executive to head up its wealth business, including high-net-worth bank Coutts, after it was at the centre of a debanking crisis which led to the resignation of two of its bosses. Emma Crystal will become chief executive in the summer, moving from her current job managing the sustainable finance unit at the Swiss banking giant. The announcement comes more than six months after Peter Flavel resigned as boss of the wealth division, admitting that Coutts had “fallen below the bank’s high standards of personal service” in how it handled former politician Nigel Farage’s account. Incoming boss Ms Crystal will report directly to NatWest’s interim chief executive Paul Thwaite, and will also join the board of Coutts. She has held wealth management leadership roles at Credit Suisse, which was bought by UBS last year, and started her career in investment banking at Deutsche Bank. Announcement • Feb 06
NatWest Group plc Appoints Geeta Gopalan as Independent Non-Executive Director with Effect from 1 July 2024 NatWest Group plc announced the appointment of Geeta Gopalan as an independent non-executive director with effect from 1 July 2024. Geeta currently serves as a non-executive director of Virgin Money UK PLC, Funding Circle plc, Intrum S.A., and as a Trustee of The Old Vic Theatre. She previously served as a non-executive director of Dechra Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ultra Electronics Plc, Wizink Bank SA, and Vocalink. Geeta's biography is set out below. Stepping down on 30 June 2024. Reported Earnings • Oct 28
Third quarter 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.10 (vs UK£0.059 in 3Q 2022) Third quarter 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.10 (up from UK£0.059 in 3Q 2022). Revenue: UK£3.26b (up 9.3% from 3Q 2022). Net income: UK£957.0m (up 64% from 3Q 2022). Profit margin: 29% (up from 20% in 3Q 2022). The increase in margin was primarily driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 1.8% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 3.5% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 70% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 13% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Sep 23
Natwest Group plc Announces the Appointment of Sabrina Wilson to the Board of Directors NatWest Group plc announced the appointment of Sabrina Wilson to the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from 4 September 2023. Announcement • Sep 07
NatWest Group plc Announces Executive Changes NatWest Group plc has announced a new chairman, Richard Haythornthwaite will replace Howard Davies in the role. Haythornthwaite will join the board of NatWest Group as an independent non-executive director on January 8, 2024 and following a handover period will take over as chair on April 15, 2024, when Howard Davies will stand down from the board, the company said. Haythornthwaite is chair of Ocado Group plc and a non-executive director of Globant SA. He also has a number of private company directorships which include chairing the AA, QiO Technologies Ltd. and Railsr, alongside a role as an advisory partner at investment bank Moelis & Co. Prior to taking up his appointment as chair of Natwest Group, Haythornthwaite will be stepping down as a director of Globant SA and from his private company directorships apart from the AA, where he will transition to become a non-executive director. Upcoming Dividend • Aug 03
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.055 per share at 6.5% yield Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 10 August 2023. Payment date: 15 September 2023. Payout ratio is a comfortable 34% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 6.5%. Within top quartile of German dividend payers (4.7%). In line with average of industry peers (6.0%). Announcement • Aug 02
NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) commences an Equity Buyback Plan for 966,778,930 shares, representing 10% of its issued share capital, under the authorization approved on April 25, 2023. NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) ) commences share repurchases on July 31, 2023, under the program mandated by the shareholders in the Annual General Meeting held on April 25, 2023. As per the mandate, the company is authorized to repurchase up to 966,778,930 ordinary shares, representing 10% of its issued share capital. The minimum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for each ordinary share is £0.01 and the maximum price which may be paid for each ordinary share is the higher an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List of the UK Listing Authority for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased and an amount equal to the higher of the price of the last independent trade of an ordinary share and the current highest independent bid for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Trading System. The shares purchased may either be held as treasury shares or re-issued or allotted to employee share schemes. The authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the company or June 30, 2024, whichever is earlier. As of March 16, 2023, the company had 9,667,789,295 ordinary shares outstanding and 85,910,882 ordinary shares in treasury. Reported Earnings • Jul 30
Second quarter 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.13 (vs UK£0.094 in 2Q 2022) Second quarter 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.13 (up from UK£0.094 in 2Q 2022). Revenue: UK£3.70b (up 15% from 2Q 2022). Net income: UK£1.22b (up 36% from 2Q 2022). Profit margin: 33% (up from 28% in 2Q 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow 1.9% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.0% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 75% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 31% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Jul 29
NatWest Group plc Announces Interim Dividend for 2023, Payable on 15 September 2023 NatWest Group plc announced an interim dividend for 2023 of £492 million, or 5.5 pence per ordinary share. The interim dividend will be paid on 15 September 2023 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 11 August 2023. The ex-dividend date will be 10 August 2023. Announcement • Jul 26
NatWest Group plc Announces CEO Changes The Board of Directors of NatWest Group has announced that Alison Rose has agreed by mutual consent to step down as Group Chief Executive with immediate effect. For an initial period of 12 months, and subject to regulatory approval, the Board has appointed Paul Thwaite, the current CEO of the Commercial and Institutional business, to take over the responsibilities of leading NatWest Group. A further process will take place in due course to appoint a permanent successor. Paul Thwaite was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NatWest's Commercial & Institutional, ring fenced back, in July 2022, after leading the Group's Commercial Banking division as CEO since November 2019. He is responsible for supporting business customers, ranging from start-ups through to multi-nationals and has recently led the Group's response to supporting UK businesses customers through the Covid pandemic. New Risk • Jul 04
New major risk - Revenue and earnings growth Earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 0.09% per year for the foreseeable future. This is considered a major risk. Ultimately, shareholders want to see a good return on their investment and that generally comes from sharing in the company's profits. If profits are expected to decline, then in most cases the share price will decline over time as well. In addition, if the company pays dividends it will also likely need to reduce or cut them, striking a dual blow to total shareholder returns. Currently, the following risks have been identified for the company: Major Risk Earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 0.09% per year for the foreseeable future. Minor Risks Unstable dividend paying track record with dividend experiencing an annual drop of over 20% in the past. Significant insider selling over the past 3 months (€2.2m sold). Announcement • Jun 14
Lightico Ltd acquired Vizolution Limited. Lightico Ltd acquired Vizolution Limited on June 12, 2023. The deal will combine Vizolution's transformational agent-assisted and self-serve solutions with Lightico's powerful Compliant Digital Completion Platform, including its workflow-integrated eSignature, document collection, and identification & verification services. Vizolution's team will join Lightico's organizational structure with Zviki Ben Ishay, Lightico's Chief Executive Officer, at the helm and Bill Safran, Vizolution's Chief Executive Officer, transitioning to Chief Strategy Officer. HSBC Ventures, Santander Consumer Finance, Natwest and Development Bank of Wales join Lightico's current backers Capital One Ventures, Crescendo, Lool Ventures, Mangrove Capital, Oxx, and Spinach Angels.
Lightico Ltd completed the acquisition of Vizolution Limited on June 12, 2023. Announcement • Jun 02
NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) completed the acquisition of 85% stake in Cushon Money Limited from Augmentum Fintech PLC (LSE:AUGM). NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) entered into an agreement to acquire 85% stake in Cushon Money Limited from Augmentum Fintech PLC (LSE:AUGM) for £144 million on February 13, 2023. The remaining 15% stake will be retained by Cushon management. The transaction is expected to close later in 2023 and is subject to regulatory approval. CMS acted as a legal advisor to NatWest Group plc. Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP acted as legal advisor to Cushon Money Limited.NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) completed the acquisition of 85% stake in Cushon Money Limited from Augmentum Fintech PLC (LSE:AUGM) on June 1, 2023. Recent Insider Transactions • May 25
Group CFO & Executive Director recently sold €1.9m worth of stock On the 23rd of May, Katie Murray sold around 605k shares on-market at roughly €3.16 per share. This transaction amounted to 49% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest sale by an insider in the last 3 months. Katie has been a net seller over the last 12 months, reducing personal holdings by €1.7m. Recent Insider Transactions • May 18
Group CEO & Executive Director recently bought €331k worth of stock On the 11th of May, Alison Rose-Slade bought around 112k shares on-market at roughly €2.95 per share. This transaction amounted to 4.8% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Despite this recent buy, Alison has been a net seller over the last 12 months, reducing personal holdings by €338k. Reported Earnings • Apr 30
First quarter 2023 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.13 (vs UK£0.077 in 1Q 2022) First quarter 2023 results: EPS: UK£0.13 (up from UK£0.077 in 1Q 2022). Revenue: UK£3.81b (up 24% from 1Q 2022). Net income: UK£1.24b (up 56% from 1Q 2022). Profit margin: 33% (up from 26% in 1Q 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. Revenue is forecast to stay flat during the next 3 years compared to a 4.8% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 58% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 28% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Board Change • Mar 26
Insufficient new directors There is 1 new director who has joined the board in the last 3 years. The company's board is composed of: 1 new director. 8 experienced directors. 2 highly experienced directors. Independent Non-Executive Director Yasmin Jetha was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2020. The company’s insufficient board refreshment is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Upcoming Dividend • Mar 09
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.10 per share at 4.7% yield Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 16 March 2023. Payment date: 02 May 2023. Payout ratio is a comfortable 38% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 4.7%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (4.8%). Lower than average of industry peers (5.5%). Announcement • Feb 18
NatWest Group plc Provides Earnings Guidance for the Year 2023 NatWest Group plc provided earnings guidance for the year 2023. For the year, the company expects Income excluding notable items for the Group to be around £14.8 billion and full year NIM around 3.20%, based on a Bank of England base rate of 4.00% through the remainder of 2023. Reported Earnings • Feb 18
Full year 2022 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.36 (vs UK£0.25 in FY 2021) Full year 2022 results: EPS: UK£0.36 (up from UK£0.25 in FY 2021). Revenue: UK£12.8b (up 7.4% from FY 2021). Net income: UK£3.60b (up 35% from FY 2021). Profit margin: 28% (up from 22% in FY 2021). Revenue is forecast to grow 5.8% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.5% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 37% per year but the company’s share price has only increased by 7% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings growth. Announcement • Feb 14
NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) entered into an agreement to acquire 85% stake in Cushon Money Limited for £144 million. NatWest Group plc (LSE:NWG) entered into an agreement to acquire 85% stake in Cushon Money Limited for £144 million on February 13, 2023. The remaining 15% stake will be retained by 15% retained by Cushon management. The transaction is expected to close later in 2023 and is subject to regulatory approval. Announcement • Feb 01
Natwest Group plc Announces Directorate Change NatWest Group plc ('NWG') announced that Mike Rogers has confirmed his intention to step down as a non-executive director on 25 April 2023, in order to take up another FTSE 100 Board role. During Mike's tenure as Chair of the Group Sustainable Banking Committee, the Committee has played an important role in overseeing progress as a purpose-led organisation, particularly in relation to climate agenda. Mike has also made a valuable contribution as a member of the Group Performance and Remuneration Committee and more recently as Chair of the Colleague Advisory Panel. Board Change • Nov 16
Insufficient new directors No new directors have joined the board in the last 3 years. The company's board is composed of: No new directors. 9 experienced directors. 3 highly experienced directors. Group CEO & Executive Director Alison Rose-Slade was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2019. The following issues are considered to be risks according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model: Insufficient board refreshment. Reported Earnings • Oct 29
Third quarter 2022 earnings released: EPS: UK£0.059 (vs UK£0.063 in 3Q 2021) Third quarter 2022 results: EPS: UK£0.059 (down from UK£0.063 in 3Q 2021). Revenue: UK£2.98b (down 1.1% from 3Q 2021). Net income: UK£583.0m (down 14% from 3Q 2021). Profit margin: 20% (down from 22% in 3Q 2021). The decrease in margin was primarily driven by higher expenses. Revenue is forecast to grow 4.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.2% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Europe. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 22% per year but the company’s share price has remained flat, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Board Change • Oct 07
Insufficient new directors There is 1 new director who has joined the board in the last 3 years. The company's board is composed of: 1 new director. 8 experienced directors. 3 highly experienced directors. Group CEO & Executive Director Alison Rose-Slade was the last director to join the board, commencing their role in 2019. The company’s insufficient board refreshment is considered a risk according to the Simply Wall St Risk Model. Valuation Update With 7 Day Price Move • Sep 29
Investor sentiment deteriorated over the past week After last week's 16% share price decline to €2.57, the stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 6x. Average forward P/E is 8x in the Banks industry in Europe. Total returns to shareholders of 25% over the past three years. Simply Wall St's valuation model estimates the intrinsic value at €5.02 per share. Upcoming Dividend • Aug 26
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.17 per share Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 30 August 2022. Payment date: 16 September 2022. Payout ratio is a comfortable 45% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 4.3%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (4.6%). Lower than average of industry peers (6.5%). Upcoming Dividend • Aug 18
Upcoming dividend of UK£0.035 per share Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 25 August 2022. Payment date: 16 September 2022. Payout ratio is a comfortable 45% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 4.2%. Lower than top quartile of German dividend payers (4.5%). Lower than average of industry peers (6.5%). Reported Earnings • Jul 30
Second quarter 2022 earnings released Second quarter 2022 results: Revenue: UK£3.23b (down 1.7% from 2Q 2021). Net income: UK£923.0m (down 25% from 2Q 2021). Profit margin: 29% (down from 37% in 2Q 2021). The decrease in margin was primarily driven by higher expenses. Over the next year, revenue is expected to shrink by 2.0% compared to a 22% growth forecast for the industry in Germany. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 3% per year but the company’s share price has increased by 9% per year, which means it is well ahead of earnings. 
