Top broker says NAB (ASX:NAB) share price has 20% upside. Here's why

NAB is this broker's top pick amongst the Aussie banks for 2022.

| More on:
A kid stretches up to reach the top of the ruler drawn on the wall behind.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • NAB shares are struggling in 2022 amid weakness in the wider banking sector
  • Not all are downbeat on the bank however, with one team of analysts urging their clients to buy NAB for a 20% upside potential in 2022
  • In the last 12 months the NAB share price has held gains, up 7%

Shares in National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) are walking lower today, currently trading 2.3% in the red at $28.22.

NAB shares have taken a beating over the past month in line with the wider ASX banking sector, as the global financial system is turned on its head in response to conflict in Europe.

As such, the NAB share price has fallen sharply from its peak of $30.85 in mid-February – also its 52-week high.

TradingView Chart

Is NAB a buy in 2022?

According to analysts at investment bank JP Morgan, NAB is absolutely a buy for 2022. The broker is overweight on NAB shares and sees a respective amount of upside for the remainder of this year.

In fact, NAB is JP Morgan's top pick among the banking majors for this year.

"We have an overweight recommendation on NAB reflecting stronger-than-peer revenue growth prospects, likely sound cost control, and ongoing capital management," the firm said in a recent note.

The stronger revenue profile reflects NAB's tilt towards small business banking, which should insulate it from ROE [return on equity] pressures in retail banking, as well as strong execution in its market leading SME franchise where it continues to take market share.

JP Morgan analysts also reckon NAB is well positioned to benefit from any increase to interest rates, calling this "leverage to rates" a net positive to net interest income (NII).

Not only that, on the customer level NAB is looking strong, it says, particularly when examining trends on individual metrics.

"Customer metrics are very sound with strategic NPS showing strong improvement in recent periods," the broker said.

The bank's Q1 FY22 results were also a standout for analysts at the firm, particularly at the net interest margin (NIM) level – a headwind that most analysts are baking in for ASX banks to face in 2022.

…underlying NIM performance which at negative 2 basis points half on half was well ahead of ANZ at minus 4 basis points and Westpac's negative 10 basis points in the quarter, as well as CBA's negative 9 basis points in the December half.

What made the margin performance more compelling was it came alongside strong loan growth of 3% quarter on quarter.

Whilst NAB could potentially "walk away" from its cost targets for FY22-24, this shouldn't be an issue for shareholders, the broker says. And NAB should avoid "short-termism" in its forecasts anyways.

"While costs may rise from here on volume-driven expenses we are comfortable with management planning for the long term and see a strong case for consistent above-peer earnings growth which we think justifies a re-rating," analysts remarked.

While we think it possible that NAB walks away from its cost targets, this is already factored into our forecasts and still we see NAB's pre-provision profit growth outstripping peers.

JP Morgan values NAB at $33.50 per share. This suggests an upside potential of 20% for investors to sink their teeth into this year, should the broker's thesis come to life.

NAB share price snapshot

In the last 12 months the NAB share price has held gains, up 7%. This year to date it has struggled, however, and is down 3% since trading recommenced on 4 January.

During the past month of trading shares have gained 1%, but NAB is still trailing the broad indexes so far in 2022.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Bank Shares

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Bank Shares

Should I buy ANZ shares today?

With a 5.7% dividend yield, are ANZ shares a good buy right now?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Bank Shares

Can Bank of Queensland shares keep outperforming the other ASX 200 bank stocks into 2026?

A leading expert offers his verdict on what’s ahead for Bank of Queensland shares.

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Bank Shares

Forget CBA shares, Ord Minnett says this ASX bank stock could rocket 50%+

Let's see which bank stock could be a better buy.

Read more »

ASX 200 shares broker downgrade origami paper fortune teller with buy hold sell and dollar sign options
Broker Notes

Are Bendigo Bank shares a buy, hold or sell? Here's Macquarie's latest recommendation

Should I buy the dip on Bendigo Bank shares today?

Read more »

A man thinks very carefully about his money and investments.
Bank Shares

Why these experts say sell CBA shares now

These two investment experts recommend selling CBA shares today. But why?

Read more »

A human-like robot checks out market performance on a laptop, indicating the rise of AI shares.
Bank Shares

Westpac share price drops despite key AI appointment

The banking giant is doubling down on its AI ambitions.

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
Bank Shares

Should you buy NAB shares in June?

Is this the right time to invest in the ASX bank share?

Read more »

A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.
Bank Shares

$5,000 invested in CBA shares one year ago is now worth…

CBA shares have continued to defy bearish analysts and charged higher.

Read more »