Why did the NAB share price jump 21% in 2024?

It was a good year for this big four bank. Let's see what happened over the 12 months.

| More on:
A woman blows what looks like colourful dust at the camera, indicating a positive or magic situation.

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

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price was in fine form in 2024.

During the course of the year, the banking giant's shares absolutely thumped the market with a gain that was more than double the one recorded by the ASX 200 index.

NAB's shares rose 20.8% over the 12 months compared to a 7.7% gain by the benchmark index.

But the returns didn't stop there. NAB also rewarded its shareholders with two dividends during the period.

The bank paid out a fully franked interim dividend of 84 cents per share in July and then a fully franked final dividend of 85 cents per share in December.

This equates to a 5.5% dividend yield based on where the NAB share price closed 2023, which boosts the total return to 26.3%. This is once again, more than double the total return of 11.2% achieved by the ASX 200 index in 2024.

This means that a $20,000 investment in NAB's shares at the end of 2023 would have turned into just over $25,000 12 months later. This is despite almost all major brokers being bearish on the NAB share price a year ago.

Why did the NAB share price outperform?

Investors were buying NAB and the rest of the big four banks in 2024 after they delivered better than feared results during earnings season.

For FY 2024, NAB posted a 2% decline in revenue and an 8.1% fall in cash earnings to $7.1 billion. Management advised that this mainly reflects lower net interest margins (NIM) and lower Markets & Treasury (M&T) income, partially offset by volume growth and higher fee income.

But with bad debts remaining relatively subdued, investors were relieved that high interest rates didn't cause as much damage as many feared. Combined with a thriving housing market, the big four banks were seen as a great place to be last year.

What's next?

Most brokers believe the NAB share price is overvalued at current levels. However, one broker still sees value in the bank's shares.

A recent note out of Morgan Stanley reveals that its analysts have an overweight rating and $38.40 price target on them. This compares to its current share price of $37.47.

The broker believes that a soft economic landing in Australia should give NAB with plenty of room for meaningful collective provision release in the near term.

Should you invest $1,000 in Capricorn Metals Ltd right now?

Before you buy Capricorn Metals Ltd shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Capricorn Metals Ltd wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.
Share Market News

After the recent debacle, what price target does Macquarie have on Monash IVF shares?

Supported by strong industry tailwinds, this ASX stock could be worth a second look.

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was the ASX's fourth day of gains for the week today.

Read more »

A happy couple drinking red wine in a vineyard.
Best Shares

5 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings

The experts say these 5 shares are set to rise over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Share Market News

What is next for ASX 200 shares after last month's upheaval?

Macquarie reveals its outlook for ASX 200 shares in May in a new research note published today.

Read more »

a man raises his fists to the air in joyous celebration while learning some exciting good news via his computer screen in an office setting.
Share Gainers

Why Cedar Woods, Healius, NextDC, and Platinum shares are charging higher today

These shares are rising on Thursday. But why are investors buying them? Let's find out.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, DroneShield, Resolute Mining, and Woodside shares are falling today

These shares are under pressure on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.
Financial Shares

This ASX 300 stock is jumping on surprise merger news

This stock could be having a very big makeover.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Share Gainers

These were the best-performing ASX 200 shares in April

These shares were in fine form in April. Let's see why they outperformed.

Read more »