5 Best European Stocks That Beat Earnings Estimates to Buy

3. NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG)

On May 1, 2026, NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) reported Q1 EPS of 17.9p compared to 15.5p last year, with total income of GBP 4.36B, pretax profit of GBP 2B, a net interest margin of 2.47%, and a CET1 ratio of 14.3%. CEO Paul Thwaite said results reflect “strong performance,” with total income excluding notable items of GBP 4.2B and operating profit of GBP 2.0B, both higher year over year, alongside a return on tangible equity of 18.2%. Paul Thwaite also pointed to “positive momentum” supported by customer activity, growth across all three businesses, expanded capabilities, and productivity gains from using AI at scale.

NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) said it now expects FY26 income excluding notable items to be at the top end of its GBP 17.2B to GBP 17.6B range based on current assumptions, while reaffirming the rest of its outlook and noting uncertainty in market conditions.

Prior to the earnings release, Keefe Bruyette has downgraded NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) to Market Perform from Outperform previously, with a 650 GBp price target on the shares.

NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) provides banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally.