Big four ASX bank stocks

These four bank stocks show steady growth supported by lending expansion strong balance sheets and continued strategic execution across Australia and New Zealand.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

on 13 May 2026 shared its 3Q26 Trading Update and reported unaudited cash NPAT of about $2.7 billion whereas statutory NPAT was around $2.6 billion. 

Income remained stable as lending and deposit growth balanced the impact of fewer trading days. The company said Australian households and businesses continue to face pressure from higher energy costs and interest rates. 

Middle East conflict has also affected supply chains and increased uncertainty. Operating expenses increased 1% mainly due to cloud computing software licensing and AI investment. 

Loan impairment expense reached $316 million after higher collective provisions. Deposit funding continued strong at 79% though the CET1 ratio remained at 11.6% above regulatory requirements.

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC)

on 05 May 2026 reported its 2026 Half Year Result for the six months ended 31 March 2026. Lending and deposits increased 7% over the year. Australian business lending rose 16% and housing loans excluding RAMS also grew.

Customers continued to face pressure from higher prices and global conflict. Provisions were increased as a cautious step. Costs were lower than the previous half. Regional services expanded with new centres and community banking initiatives across Australia.

The UNITE program advanced with migration to BT Panorama and progress toward a single commercial bank. AI tools and digital platforms were expanded to improve fraud detection and customer support.

An interim dividend of 77 cents per share was declared. Total shareholder return reached 31% for the year to 31 March 2026.

National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB) 

on 04 May 2026 announced its 2026 half year results for the six months dated ended 31 March 2026. Underlying profit rose 6.4% while cash earnings were reduced by a $949 million software capitalisation change. Revenue and balance sheet activity showed steady growth.

Business lending increased 5.6% and home lending improved with stronger use of proprietary channels. Deposit growth also remained solid across key customer segments supported by higher transaction account activity.

Forward looking provisions were lifted by $300 million due to a more uncertain global environment. CET1 ratio stood at 11.65% with strong liquidity levels. An interim dividend of 85 cents per share was declared.

Digital banking and customer experience initiatives advanced with higher customer feedback scores and increased use of digital lending platforms.

ANZ Group Holdings Limited (ASX: ANZ) 

on 01 May 2026 shared its 2026 half year result and interim dividend. Statutory profit was $3,650 million and cash profit was $3,780 million. Cash profit increased 14% excluding prior significant items and return on tangible equity rose to 11.6%.

Lending and deposits grew moderately whereas margins stayed stable in a competitive market. Institutional and New Zealand operations performed strongly and Australia retail transformation continued.

Capital position keeps on strong with CET1 ratio at 12.39%. Liquidity and funding levels stayed above requirements. Collective provisions were increased due to higher external risk. Interim dividend was 83 cents per share.

Progress continued on ANZ 2030 priorities including leadership changes cost reduction and Suncorp Bank integration with completion planned by June 2027. Trading update shows ongoing execution focus and improved financial outcomes.

(Source: Company Report)