Barclays downgrades NatWest to 'equalweight' after strong run
Barclays downgraded NatWest Group plc on Wednesday to 'equalweight' from 'overweight' as it paused for breath and waited for consensus to catch up on capital.
Barclays kept its price target on NatWest unchanged at 700p.
"While we continue to see sector-leading shareholder returns potential (through book growth and dividends), at an undemanding 8x forward PE, we pause for breath following what has ultimately been a strong run in the shares since late-23 lows (up 280% versus Lloyds 150%) as we wait for consensus to catch up on capital," it said.
In a note on the UK domestic banking sector, Barclays lifted its price target on 'overweight' rated Lloyds to 120p from 100p.
"We forecast sector-busting EPS growth of 70% by 2028e, 2x the sector average and circa 20% ahead of consensus, and see compelling valuation at less than 7x '28e PE (versus a European banks average of more than 9x) or 1.3x forward TNAV for a sector-leading 20% return on tangible equity," it said.
"We expect this improving outlook to come into sharper focus at this summer's strategy update, alongside a potential move to half-yearly buybacks."
At 1255 GMT, NatWest shares were down 3.1% at 640p, while Lloyds was 0.8% lower at 99.50p.
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