3 reasons to own National Australia Bank Ltd. and Wesfarmers Ltd shares in 2017

At the current National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX:NAB) share price and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) share price, I would be a happy shareholder.

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I would be a happy shareholder at the current National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) share price and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price.

However, as I have noted a few times recently, neither company strikes me as a bargain at today's prices, so I probably won't be buying in anytime soon.

Nonetheless, here are three reasons I think it is worth holding onto NAB shares and Wesfarmers shares in 2017.

1. Dividends

In 2017, analysts currently forecast NAB to pay a fully franked dividend of 5.7% and Wesfarmers to pay a fully franked dividend of 5%. Importantly, these dividends look to be sustainable, as least for the next 18 months. When we consider that term deposits at a bank are offering just 2.3% to 2.5% per year, those tax-effective dividends are even more appealing.

2. Brands

Having a strong brand is often greatly underestimated by sharemarket investors. Just take one look at Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW), whose shares plummeted over the past three years only to stage a dramatic comeback in recent times. Having a reputable brand instils loyalty with customers and gives a company options when things go south.

Wesfarmers owns Coles, Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, Target and more, so it has some great brands under its control. NAB has its own brand (obviously), but it also operates through subsidiaries like MLC, UBank and Bank of New Zealand.

3. Growth

Wesfarmers' Bunnings Warehouse and Kmart have been chalking up decent returns for investors and appear set to continue doing so. Coles is the number-one business for Wesfarmers — based on profit — but it is being challenged by strong competition from Woolies, Aldi and others. I suspect it will grow its profits over coming years, but it will be more modest growth than that which it has achieved in recent times.

NAB has recently divested many of its poorly performing businesses, such as its UK banking group CYBG PLC CDI (ASX: CYB). This should make the business more efficient, leading to greater returns over time.

Motley Fool Contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any company mentioned. Owen welcomes and encourages your feedback. You can follow him on Twitter @OwenRask. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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