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Highlights

  • Raymond James target of CAD179 implies 3.68% upside from last close.
  • Stock trades close to 52-week high despite a largely neutral consensus.
  • Quarterly earnings reflected double-digit return on equity levels.

A new price-target revision has emerged for National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA), with Raymond James lifting its estimate from CAD173 to CAD179 while maintaining a market perform rating. Based on the February 17, 2026, closing price of CAD172.83, the revised target points to a 3.68% potential upside. The stock declined 1.12% in the latest session after moving between CAD172.23 and CAD175.70, and continues to trade near its 52-week high of CAD177.54.

Analyst Targets Move Higher Across the Street

The Raymond James action follows a series of upward revisions from other brokerages. Scotiabank increased its target to CAD188, while Desjardins raised its estimate to CAD182 and assigned a buy rating. BMO Capital Markets lifted its projection to CAD177, and Royal Bank of Canada moved its target to CAD163. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upgraded the stock from hold to outperform and boosted its price target to CAD189.

Despite these changes, the overall recommendation profile remains balanced. Four analysts have issued Buy ratings and seven have assigned Hold calls, resulting in a consensus “Hold” rating with an average target price of CAD169.42, according to MarketBeat data.

Earnings Snapshot and Profitability Metrics

National Bank last reported quarterly earnings per share of CAD2.82, with revenue reaching CAD3.70 billion. The bank delivered a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%, reflecting stable profitability levels within the Canadian banking sector. Analysts expect full-year earnings of approximately CAD10.84 per share for the current fiscal period.

Price Performance, Valuation and Dividend Yield

At the latest close, the stock carried a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.16 and a market capitalisation of CAD4.81 trillion. The shares have traded within a 52-week range of CAD106.67 to CAD177.54, indicating a sustained move toward the upper end of the band. The quarterly dividend stands at CAD1.24, translating into a yield of 2.87%, placing income distribution among the key monitored metrics.

Regional Banking Franchise with Diversified Segments

National Bank is the sixth-largest bank in Canada and offers integrated financial services, with a primary geographic focus on Quebec and a growing presence in Toronto. Its operations span personal and commercial banking, wealth management and financial markets, providing a diversified earnings base across business cycles.

FAQs

  1. What does the new CAD179 target price indicate for National Bank’s stock?
    It implies a 3.68% potential upside from the February 17, 2026 closing price of CAD172.83.
  2. What is the current analyst consensus rating for the stock?
    The shares carry a “Hold” consensus with an average target price of CAD169.42.
  3. How profitable is National Bank based on recent results?
    The bank reported a return on equity of 15.43% and a net margin of 19.69%.