Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares have been among the best-performing long-term ASX 200 financial services stocks.
With experts continuing to warn that the big four banks are either fully valued or overvalued, investors may find themselves searching for alternatives.
Over the past five years, Netwealth shares have soared more than 100%. There has been a strong upward trend during this period, with a few dips.
Such dips have provided investors with rare opportunities to buy the ASX 200 stock at a discount.
After falling 15% in the past month, today presents one such opportunity to buy Netwealth shares in the dip.
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Why buy Netwealth shares?
Netwealth operates an investment platform that helps financial advisers manage client portfolios.
It is widely recognised for its strong profitability and efficient operations, and remains debt-free.
Netwealth has been expanding its funds under administration (FUA) at a rapid pace. In FY25, FUA increased by 40%.
As of March 2025, Netwealth's total market share reached 8.7%.
Netwealth grew its number of accounts by 13% to 162,200, with its average account balance also up 14% to $662,000.
Looking forward, management expects FUA to grow at a similar pace in FY26, driven by continued investment in product and technology.
Is the valuation finally attractive?
There's no question that Netwealth is a high-quality business with strong growth prospects.
However, for the majority of the past few years, its valuation has been elevated.
After reviewing its FY25 result, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) placed a price target of $33.85 on the stock.
This suggests around 11% upside from here.
Netwealth also offers a dividend yield of 1.26%.
Over the past 30 years, Australian shares have increased by an average of 9.3% according to Vanguard.
Therefore, while a 12% total return may not be the most compelling opportunity, Netwealth shares could beat the market from here based on the market's historical average.
Those interested in building a position in Netwealth could certainly put some funds to work today and increase their position size should the ASX 200 stock become more attractively valued.
Should I buy HUB24 instead?
Rival HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) has delivered outstanding returns over the past five years, rising 500%.
Hub24 shares are also down around 7% from their recent peak.
However, with a price target of $103.30, Macquarie suggests HUB24 shares are slightly overvalued, given that they are currently trading above this.
Therefore, between Netwealth and HUB24 shares, Netwealth is the better buy today, according to Macquarie's price targets.
