National Australia Bank stock weighs FY26 growth against rising costs
Published on 11/05/2026 at 09:45 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSNAB Reports FY26 Results
- Underlying profit excluding large notable items rose 6.9 percent, while revenue increased 5.8 percent.
- The board declared an 85-cent final dividend, taking full-year dividends to 1.70 Australian dollars per share.
- NAB plans to simplify its operating model and reduce its workforce by up to 2,500 roles by September 2027.
National Australia Bank reported its FY26 results on Thursday, November 5, 2026, highlighting stronger underlying earnings alongside higher costs and credit pressure. In its results announcement, the bank said underlying profit excluding the large notable item announced at the half increased 6.9 percent and revenue grew 5.8 percent.
NAB CEO Andrew Irvine said customers and businesses remained resilient despite higher inflation, five cash rate rises, rising living costs and global uncertainty. The bank said costs increased 4.5 percent while net interest margin improved, leaving management focused on execution as the operating environment softens.
Growth Priorities Meet Cost Pressure
Business banking remained the strongest operating priority. Business and Private Banking increased lending balances by 10.5 percent and deposits by 6.1 percent. Corporate and Institutional Banking lifted lending by 9.0 percent and deposits by 5.5 percent, while Personal Banking deposits increased 7.0 percent.
NAB also said the share of Australian home-lending drawdowns through proprietary channels rose to 53 percent in the second half. Management presented the shift as part of its effort to strengthen customer relationships and improve execution in a competitive market.
The bank is simultaneously simplifying its operating model. NAB plans to reduce its workforce by up to 2,500 roles by September 2027, citing duplication, slower decisions, risk requirements and the need to direct investment toward customer priorities. Irvine described the measures as difficult but said they should strengthen the bank's ability to respond to competition and technological change.
Dividend Maintains Shareholder Focus
The board declared a final dividend of 85 Australian cents per share, bringing total FY26 dividends to 1.70 Australian dollars per share. The payout keeps shareholder returns central to the investment case while management works to offset cost and credit risks through volume growth, deposit gathering and a simpler operating model.
National Australia Bank stock traded at 24.61 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 09:37 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The real-time quote of National Australia Bank stock reflects the current European trading indication.
National Australia Bank at a Glance
- Company: National Australia Bank Limited
- ISIN: AU000000NAB4
- Ticker: NAB on the Australian Securities Exchange
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 24.61 euros at 09:37 CET on November 5, 2026
- Final dividend: 85 Australian cents per share
- FY26 total dividends: 1.70 Australian dollars per share
Australian equities are represented by the S&P/ASX 200, keeping NAB's results in the context of a broader market shaped by rates, credit conditions and economic growth.
Investors will next focus on the execution of NAB's FY27 priorities, including cost simplification, business-lending growth and the scheduled dividend process. More news and analyses on National Australia Bank stock.
