NatWest vs Manulife
NatWest (NATWEST GROUP PLC) and Manulife (Manulife Financial Corporation) are the focus of this page. It compares business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. Educational content, not financial advice.
NatWest (NATWEST GROUP PLC) and Manulife (Manulife Financial Corporation) are the focus of this page. It compares business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible wa...
Why It's Moving
NatWest rallies as chairman buys shares and bank prepares to retire $1.5bn AT1 notes — small but confidence-boosting moves ahead of year‑end
- Chairman share purchase: NatWest chairman Rick Haythornthwaite bought 23,869 ordinary shares at £6.2820 each on 5 December, a public insider purchase that investors often read as management signalling confidence in the stock. [3]
- Planned AT1 redemption: NatWest filed to redeem all $1.5bn of its 6.0% perpetual AT1 notes on 29 December 2025, which the bank expects will lift its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by roughly 5 basis points — a small but positive capital improvement ahead of year‑end. [2]
- Market context and technical action: The stock recently hit a 52‑week high earlier this month, reflecting positive sentiment that these governance and capital actions may be reinforcing; analyst views remain mixed but the combination of insider buying and the AT1 call can temper investor concern over capital structure. [1]
Manulife Financial surges to 52-week high amid dividend boost and strong analyst backing.
- Stock reached $35.63 high with solid volume of 1.73M shares, signaling robust demand as it climbs 1% weekly.
- Dividend hiked to $0.44 quarterly (up from $0.32), yielding 5.0% annualized and payable December 19, enhancing appeal for income investors.
- Analysts maintain Buy/outperform consensus with $49.50 average target, reflecting optimism on 16.11% ROE and prior earnings beat.
NatWest rallies as chairman buys shares and bank prepares to retire $1.5bn AT1 notes — small but confidence-boosting moves ahead of year‑end
- Chairman share purchase: NatWest chairman Rick Haythornthwaite bought 23,869 ordinary shares at £6.2820 each on 5 December, a public insider purchase that investors often read as management signalling confidence in the stock. [3]
- Planned AT1 redemption: NatWest filed to redeem all $1.5bn of its 6.0% perpetual AT1 notes on 29 December 2025, which the bank expects will lift its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by roughly 5 basis points — a small but positive capital improvement ahead of year‑end. [2]
- Market context and technical action: The stock recently hit a 52‑week high earlier this month, reflecting positive sentiment that these governance and capital actions may be reinforcing; analyst views remain mixed but the combination of insider buying and the AT1 call can temper investor concern over capital structure. [1]
Manulife Financial surges to 52-week high amid dividend boost and strong analyst backing.
- Stock reached $35.63 high with solid volume of 1.73M shares, signaling robust demand as it climbs 1% weekly.
- Dividend hiked to $0.44 quarterly (up from $0.32), yielding 5.0% annualized and payable December 19, enhancing appeal for income investors.
- Analysts maintain Buy/outperform consensus with $49.50 average target, reflecting optimism on 16.11% ROE and prior earnings beat.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
UK Banking Consolidation
Santander's £2.65 billion acquisition of TSB is reshaping the UK banking sector. This collection features companies positioned to benefit from this major consolidation, including direct competitors, potential M&A targets, and the investment banks facilitating these industry-changing deals.
Published: July 2, 2025
Explore BasketEuropean Financial Consolidation
BNP Paribas's acquisition of AXA Investment Managers could trigger a wave of mergers in European finance. These carefully selected stocks represent potential buyers and targets in banking, insurance, and asset management as the industry reshapes for the future.
Published: July 2, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
UK Banking Consolidation
Santander's £2.65 billion acquisition of TSB is reshaping the UK banking sector. This collection features companies positioned to benefit from this major consolidation, including direct competitors, potential M&A targets, and the investment banks facilitating these industry-changing deals.
Published: July 2, 2025
Explore BasketEuropean Financial Consolidation
BNP Paribas's acquisition of AXA Investment Managers could trigger a wave of mergers in European finance. These carefully selected stocks represent potential buyers and targets in banking, insurance, and asset management as the industry reshapes for the future.
Published: July 2, 2025
Explore BasketInvestment Analysis
NatWest
NWG
Pros
- NatWest Group reported a 32.4% year-on-year increase in earnings per share in Q3 2025, demonstrating strong profitability growth.
- The company upgraded its full-year income guidance to £16.3 billion, reflecting confidence in ongoing growth strategies.
- NatWest maintains a strong return on tangible equity at 19.5%, indicating efficient capital use.
Considerations
- NatWest Group's stock is currently trading above its fair value according to some analyses, suggesting limited upside near term.
- The bank operates in a highly competitive UK retail banking market which could pressure margins and growth.
- Interest margin growth is expected to peak by 2027, potentially limiting future profit expansion.
Manulife
MFC
Pros
- Manulife Financial Corporation has a large market cap of approximately $56 billion, supporting significant scale advantages.
- The company operates in diverse insurance and wealth management segments, providing multiple growth drivers.
- Manulife benefits from strong brand presence in both Canadian and Asian markets, enhancing its geographic diversification.
Considerations
- Manulife's recent stock performance has been slightly negative, reflecting potential market concerns or sector challenges.
- The insurance industry faces regulatory and macroeconomic risks including interest rate volatility and capital requirements.
- Manulife is exposed to underwriting and claims risks which can affect profitability during adverse events.
Why invest with Nemo?
Zero Commission
Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.
Trusted & Regulated
Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.
6% Interest on Cash
Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.
Discover More Comparisons
NatWest vs Truist
NatWest vs Truist
NatWest vs Travelers
NatWest vs Travelers
Lloyds Banking Group vs Manulife
Lloyds Banking Group vs Manulife