It's been a rather mixed year for the financial services sector, with some stocks making strong gains and others being comfortably outperformed by the ASX.
However, the sector as a whole could still have potential and, among its constituents, there are a number of high quality companies that offer a potent mix of high yields, relatively low valuations, and impressive growth prospects.
With that in mind, here are three prime examples of financial stocks that could be all-set for a stunning 2015.
Insurance Australia Group Ltd
When it comes to long-term dividend growth, Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) is tough to beat. Indeed, it has increased dividends per share at an annualised rate of 31.3% over the last five years, which means that today it offers a fat, fully franked yield of 6.1%. And, with interest rates having the potential to go even lower in 2015, that could prove to be a real asset moving forward.
In addition, IAG continues to make steady progress as a business. The recent acquisition of Wesfarmers' underwriting business solidifies its position in the domestic market, while its P/E ratio of just 11.9 means that it has a relatively attractive valuation to go alongside upbeat longer-term prospects.
With the ASX having a P/E ratio of 15.3, an upward rerating could be on the cards for IAG. Indeed, it could beat the wider index in 2015, just as it has done in 2014, with shares in the insurer being up 8% year-to-date.
Macquarie Group Ltd
Also beating the ASX thus far in 2014 is Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX:MQG), with the fund management company seeing its share price move upwards by 6% versus a flat performance from the ASX.
This is perhaps surprising, since fund management and investment banking stocks tend to perform best during a bull market. However, for bullish investors, Macquarie could hold significant potential, simply because fees tend to move upwards in-line with a higher stock market. And, if interest rates do fall next year (which is a very real prospect), then a weaker Aussie dollar could suit Macquarie, since around two-thirds of its income is generated from outside these shores.
Furthermore, with Macquarie trading on a PEG ratio of just 1.46, it seems to offer growth at a reasonable price, which could mean that it continues to outperform the wider market in 2015.
National Australia Bank Ltd.
For National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB), its UK operations have been a drag on performance in recent years, with Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank delivering disappointing results. However, with a new CEO at the helm, rationalisation could help NAB to become more efficient and more profitable in the long run and, looking at the next two years, the bank is expected to increase its bottom line by around 16% per annum, which is roughly twice the forecast pace of the wider index.
In addition, NAB remains a very enticing investment opportunity due to its fully franked yield of 6.3%. It is likely to keep investor interest in the stock buoyant – especially if interest rates fall next year – and, with dividend per share growth of 5.5% per annum forecast over the next two years, NAB could become an even more attractive income play moving forward.
Furthermore, with shares in the bank trading on a PEG ratio of just 0.87, they seem to offer growth at a reasonable price, which could mean they perform well in 2015.
