The ASX 200 financial services space has become increasingly competitive.
With the majority of experts warning that the big four banks are overvalued, Australian investors may be looking at other financial services stocks to gain exposure to the financial sector.
Over the past few years, the competition between HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) and Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) has heated up.
Hub24 and Netwealth operate investment platforms that help financial advisers manage client portfolios. The two ASX 200 financial services companies consistently rank #1 and #2 for platform functionality. Both ASX 200 platforms have captured similar market share and have attracted similar net inflows.
Each company has advantages over the other. HUB24 is recognised as being more innovative, while Netwealth is known for its strong profitability and efficient operations.
Netwealth and Hub24 have been among the best-performing ASX 200 stocks recently.
Over the past 12 months, Netwealth has risen 59%, while Hub24 has almost doubled that performance, climbing 123%.
Over a 5-year horizon, Netwealth is up 210%, while Hub24 has soared 715%.
But, which is the better investment today?
Hub24 vs Netwealth
There's no doubt both companies have a long runway of growth ahead of them.
They've been expanding their funds under administration (FUM) at a rapid pace, and it's likely they can continue doing this for years to come.
It may be hard for investors to choose between Netwealth and Hub24 shares.
So, what do the experts have to say?
An expert's view
On 15 July, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) released two separate research notes covering its views on the two companies.
Macquarie is forecasting 16% earnings per share (EPS) growth for both companies over the next 5 years.
Macquarie raised its price target for Netwealth shares by 17%, from $28.40 to $33.35, reflecting long-term growth expectations.
For Hub24, the broker raised its price target 29% from $74.20 to $95.90, citing positive market updates, its earnings forecasts, and long-term growth assumptions.
However, the broker has a neutral rating on both stocks on valuation grounds.
Both companies are trading slightly below these price targets, suggesting their share prices will decline from here over the next 12 months. Based on today's share prices, Macquarie expects Netwealth to fall slightly more than Hub24 over the next 12 months.
Foolish Takeaway
Both Netwealth and Hub24 have developed exceptional 5-year track records. Given their long growth runways, it may be tempting for ASX investors to buy shares in these two companies. However, one expert believes they are both fully valued and will be trading lower in 12 months' time. ASX investors should wait for a more attractive entry point to buy these two ASX financial services companies.
