'Cut-throat': Why did NAB make headlines today?

We look at what has put this ASX bank share in focus today.

| More on:

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
  • The National Australia Bank Ltd share price finished up 0.89% on Tuesday 
  • KPI sales targets have been reportedly introduced for NAB staff 
  • The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) also closed 1% higher today 

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price finished in the green on Tuesday.

NAB shares climbed 0.86% today, finishing at $30.64 at market close. For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 0.73% today.

Let's take a look at what is happening at NAB.

a group of seven businesspeople take to the floor in starter block positions as though they are set to compete in a running race in an office environment.

Image source: Getty Images

New sales targets

NAB is making headlines today amid a decision to bring back KPI [key performance indicator] sales targets for branch staff.

Internal documents reveal the bank is using the targets to sell credit cards, general insurance, and personal loans, The Age reported. Higher uptakes could lead to better earnings for the bank.

There are also targets for boosting home loan drawdowns, according to the 'KPI Guide Performance Plans' document seen by the publication. Bank staff reportedly hit their target if they can raise the drawdown by $39 to $60 million a year.

University of Sydney Business School senior lecturer Andrew Grant told the publication the sales targets could create a "cut-throat" culture.

In response to the reports, NAB said financial targets account for less than 20% of the performance of staff. NAB retail executive Krissie Jones added:

We regularly review our performance and reward frameworks so that they encourage the right behaviour to deliver good outcomes for customers

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) finished up 0.99% today. NAB makes up 22.1% of the total market cap of the financials sector on the ASX.

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price climbed 0.41% today, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares gained 1.12% while Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) jumped 1.75%. Conversely, the Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price dropped 0.44%.

NAB on the ASX recap

The NAB share price has rocketed 17% in the past 12 months, gaining 6% year to date.

In the past month, NAB shares have climbed 0.69% although they have jumped nearly 8% in the past week

NAB has a market capitalisation of about $99 billion based on its current share price.

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 recommended Macquarie Group Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

A man surrounded by huge piles of paper looks through a magnifying glass at his computer screen.
Financial Shares

2 beaten-down ASX financial stocks worth a closer look

Falling share prices, rising fundamentals. Are these financials mispriced?

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Financial Shares

How high does Macquarie think this ASX 200 stock will go after its wealth sale?

This financial stock is a bargain, if the team at Macquarie are right.

Read more »

A shocked man holding some documents in the living room.
Financial Shares

IAG shares jump 12%: Buy, sell or hold?

Here's what the experts are tipping next.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Financial Shares

Pepper Money shares plunge 10% after Challenger slashes takeover offer

The revised proposal comes just over a month after the original takeover approach sparked a strong rally in Pepper’s share…

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy QBE shares today

A leading analyst expects QBE shares to outperform. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Two hands being shaken symbolising a deal.
Financial Shares

This ASX financial stock just struck a $500 million deal

Perpetual enters a deal to sell its wealth business to Bain Capital.

Read more »

Person pointing finger on on an increasing graph which represents a rising share price.
Financial Shares

A leading investor just bought these ASX 200 shares for income and growth

These businesses have been chosen as top buys right now.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Financial Shares

Macquarie says this major fintech stock can rocket almost 100%

The signs are looking good for future growth.

Read more »