NatWest Q1 profit beats forecasts, raises income outlook to top of range

NatWest beat first-quarter profit forecasts and lifted its full-year income outlook to the top of its guidance range after a stronger-than-expected start to 2026.

Reuters reported that the bank's operating profit before tax came in at about £2.0 billion for the first quarter, above analyst expectations of about £1.9 billion. Coverage also said profit rose 12% year on year.

NatWest raised its 2026 income guidance to the top end of its existing range of £17.2 billion to £17.6 billion. That suggests the lender sees continued strength in revenue generation through the rest of the year.

The company also said it booked a £283 million impairment charge in the quarter, including about £140 million tied to Middle East conflict risk. That shows the bank is still carrying some credit and geopolitical caution even as its core earnings improved.

NatWest's investor calendar had listed Q1 2026 results for May 1, and the bank's latest update now gives investors a clearer read on how the year has started.

For shareholders, the key takeaway is that the earnings beat was strong enough for management to move guidance up rather than simply reiterate it.