NatWest Group(NWG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong performance in 2025, with total income growth of 12% to £16.4 billion, and operating profit of £7.7 billion, leading to an attributable profit of £5.5 billion [4][17][18] - Earnings per share increased by 27% to 68p, while dividends per share rose by 51% to 32.5p [5][6] - The cost-income ratio improved by 4.8 percentage points to 48.6%, with costs growing only 2% to £8 billion [4][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail banking customer assets and liabilities grew by 4% to £421 billion, with a customer base increase of over 5% [7][8] - In private banking and wealth management, assets under management increased by 20% to £58.5 billion, with net new flows growing by 41% [8][25] - Commercial and institutional lending grew by 10% or £14 billion, reflecting strong performance across various sectors [10][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer deposits increased by 2.4% to £442 billion, with retail banking deposits up by 4% [24] - The company reported a loan impairment rate of 16 basis points, indicating strong risk management [6][33] - The CET1 ratio stood at 14%, reflecting robust capital generation [5][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a return on tangible equity greater than 18% by 2028, focusing on disciplined growth and simplification [51][71] - The acquisition of Evolent Partners is expected to enhance the company's private banking and wealth management capabilities, increasing assets under management significantly [40][48] - The company plans to leverage technology and AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiency [60][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the UK economy, citing strong household savings and a commitment to social housing investment [50] - The company anticipates a moderate growth environment in 2026, with expectations for lower inflation and stable unemployment rates [31][30] - Future guidance includes income expectations of £17.2 billion to £17.6 billion for 2026, with a loan impairment rate below 25 basis points [20][46] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its share count from over 11 billion to just under 8 billion, enhancing shareholder value [6] - The company achieved gross cost savings of around £600 million, contributing to improved operational leverage [11][29] - The strategic focus includes expanding customer engagement and broadening product offerings across all business lines [60][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: On costs and future cost savings - The company highlighted a nearly 5% reduction in the cost-income ratio and discussed various levers for cost savings, including technology investments and operational simplifications [77][80] Question: On customer assets and liabilities target - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth across all business areas, including lending, deposits, and assets under management, while not providing specific growth splits [84]