Is the NAB share price a buy ahead of next week's quarterly update?

Here's what one expert predicts in the bank's upcoming results.

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Key points
  • NAB shares closed in the red on Wednesday 
  • However, this major bank's share price has soared in the past year 
  • Analysts are predicting a "sweet spot" in the company's financial results next week 

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has lifted in the last month, but could it go higher?

The major bank's share price has jumped 12% in the past month. In Wednesday's trade, NAB's shares fell 0.58%.

Let's examine the outlook for the NAB share price.

A woman sits in her home with chin resting on her hand and looking at her laptop computer with some reflection with an assortment of books and documents on her table.

Image source: Getty Images

What is ahead?

The ASX bank share will report important financial results next week, but what are analysts predicting?

Morgan Stanley analyst Richard Wiles is forecasting a "sweet spot" for the bank with "robust volume growth, margins tracking ahead of consensus, strong credit quality and healthy capital".

He is predicting an underlying cash profit of $1.8 billion with 5% revenue growth and 4% expense growth.

In comments cited by The Australian, he added:

Any commentary on the impact of higher rates and the margin outlook should be positive.

Sharing his thoughts on his outlook for the NAB share price in light of these forecast results, Wiles said:

The current share price reflects this and factors in a 15 per cent probability of recession in 2023, so we stay equal weight.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) boosted the official cash rate by 0.5% on Tuesday, as my Foolish colleague Bernd reported. Australia's official cash rate is now 1.85%.

NAB is due to provide its third-quarter trading update on 9 August.

Share price snapshot

The NAB share price has lifted 17% in the past year and nearly 7% year to date.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) has descended more than 3% in the past year.

NAB has a market capitalisation of nearly $98 billion based on its current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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.

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