Is the NAB share price in the buy zone after crashing?

NAB shares had a day to forget on Thursday. But has this created a buying opportunity?

| 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

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price took an almighty beating on Thursday.

The banking giant's shares ended the day over 6% lower at $26.72.

This leaves NAB's shares trading within throwing distance of their 52-week low.

A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.

Image source: Getty Images

Why was the NAB share price sold off?

Investors were hitting the sell button yesterday after the bank's half-year results fell short of expectations.

Goldman Sachs summarised what went wrong for NAB. It commented:

NAB's 1H23 cash earnings were up 17% on pcp but 4% below GSe, driven by lower-than-expected NIMs. While headline NIM was underwhelming, we note that a driver of this was a reclassification of net interest income into trading income.

Is this a buying opportunity?

While Goldman Sachs clearly wasn't impressed with the bank's results, it does still see a lot of value in the NAB share price.

As a result, the broker has retained its buy rating on its shares with a reduced price target of $30.69. This implies potential upside of almost 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, Goldman is now forecasting a $1.66 per share fully franked dividend in FY 2023. This represents a 6.2% yield, which boosts the total return on offer with NAB shares to 21%.

What did the broker say?

Goldman remains positive on the NAB share price for five key reasons. It explains:

Our Buy rating on NAB is predicated on: i) we see volume momentum over the next 12 months as favouring commercial volumes over housing volumes, and we believe NAB provides the best exposure to this thematic, ii) NAB has delivered the highest levels of productivity over the last three years and its investments continue to yield benefits (A$400 mn expected in FY23E), which we think leaves it well positioned for an environment of elevated inflationary pressure, iii) NAB's strong capital surplus position (A$3.1 bn of surplus capital above the top-end of its target CET1 range of 11.0-11.5%) allows flexibility for further buy-backs, v) NAB returns improvements vs. peers is not reflected in valuations (details within), and vi) our revised TP offers c. 21% TSR.

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 young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

These top ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 40%

Analysts are predicting big things from these shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Stacks of coins in a row with each higher than the last, and a person standing on top of each one watching them grow.
Dividend Investing

How I'd invest $2,000 in high-yield ASX 300 shares

I rate these businesses as strong buys for the long-term.

Read more »

A rueful woman tucks into a sweet pie as she contemplates a decision with regret.
Share Fallers

The worst 4 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April unmasked

Investors sent these four ASX 200 stocks tumbling 21% to 44% in April.

Read more »

A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.
Share Fallers

Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April

It was a tough month for these popular shares.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares. Let's see what the broker is saying.

Read more »

Two smiling men in high visibility vests and yellow hardhats stand side by side with a large mound of earth and mining equipment behind them smiling as the Carnaby Resources share price rises today
Share Market News

Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, PLS Group, Fortescue shares

Bell Potter has reviewed its ratings and 12-month price targets on three ASX 200 mining shares.

Read more »

A group of young people celebrate and party outside.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally caught a break this Friday.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »