What Makes NatWest (NWG) a New Buy Stock

Core Viewpoint - NatWest Group (NWG) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors' reliance on these estimates for valuation [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value for a stock, prompting institutional investors to buy or sell, thus affecting stock prices [4]. Recent Performance and Outlook - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, NatWest is expected to earn $1.61 per share, with a 3.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places NatWest in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a proven track record of Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, ensuring that only the top 5% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating [9].