Can Aviva plc Beat The FTSE 100 In 2015?

Should you buy shares in Aviva plc (LON: AV) in expectation of FTSE 100-beating performance next year?

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

2014 has been nothing short of superb for investors in Aviva (LSE: AV) (NYSE: AV.US). Indeed, shares in the insurer have surged by 18% since the turn of the year, easily beating the FTSE 100’s lacklustre performance that has seen it fall by 0.5% year-to-date.

However, does this strong share price performance now mean that Aviva is overvalued and, as a result, will underperform the FTSE 100 moving forward? Or, can Aviva beat the FTSE 100 in 2015?

Valuation

Despite its excellent share price performance in 2014, Aviva does not appear to be overvalued. For example, it trades on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.4, which seems to be relatively attractive while the FTSE 100 has a P/E ratio of 15.3. This means that investors are still rather cautious when it comes to Aviva’s future prospects, with its turnaround strategy clearly not convincing all investors that it will result in sustained profitability growth. As a consequence, there remains significant scope for an upward rerating to Aviva’s valuation in 2015.

Should you invest £1,000 in Centrica right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Centrica made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Dividend Prospects

Historically, Aviva has been viewed as an obvious choice for income seeking investors. However, after slashing its dividend in March 2013, yield-hunters have been left somewhat disappointed and, after its share price gains in recent months, Aviva now yields just 3.1%. That’s lower than the FTSE 100’s yield of 3.3% and, as such, does not hold out a major appeal for income investors.

However, with Aviva’s bottom line now in a much healthier state than it was eighteen months ago, it can afford to increase dividends at a brisk pace. For example, Aviva is forecast to bump up next year’s dividend by 14.6%, which is a hugely attractive growth rate and means that the company could be yielding as much as 3.6% as soon as next year. And, with earnings set to grow by 6% next year and to further rise at a brisk pace in 2016 and beyond, Aviva’s appeal as a dividend play could rise substantially over the medium term and help to improve sentiment in the stock moving forward.

Looking Ahead

Clearly, the success of Aviva’s turnaround plan, where it has rationalised the business, generated efficiencies and streamlined its operations, has caused its performance to improve significantly in a relatively short space of time. Indeed, the disappointing year of 2012 (where Aviva made a loss) seems like a distant memory and the company is now in much healthier shape than it once was.

Furthermore, with there being significant scope for an upward adjustment to its rating, Aviva’s share price could continue to rise in 2015. Certainly, the rapidly growing dividend and the success of its turnaround are clearly causing investors to bid up the price of the company’s shares, with this situation likely to continue next year as Aviva makes further progress under its present management team. As a result, Aviva could beat the FTSE 100 in 2015, just as it has done in 2014.

But this isn’t the only opportunity that’s caught my attention this week. Here are:

5 Shares for the Future of Energy

Investors who don’t own energy shares need to see this now.

Because Mark Rogers — The Motley Fool UK’s Director of Investing — sees 2 key reasons why energy is set to soar.

While sanctions slam Russian supplies, nations are also racing to achieve net zero emissions, he says. Mark believes 5 companies in particular are poised for spectacular profits.

Open this new report5 Shares for the Future of Energy — and discover:

  • Britain’s Energy Fort Knox, now controlling 30% of UK energy storage
  • How to potentially get paid by the weather
  • Electric Vehicles’ secret backdoor opportunity
  • One dead simple stock for the new nuclear boom

Click the button below to find out how you can get your hands on the full report now, and as a thank you for your interest, we’ll send you one of the five picks — absolutely free!

Grab your FREE Energy recommendation now

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Aviva. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Investing Articles

Up 272% in just a year, is Palantir stock just getting started?

This writer recognises that Palantir has grown its business very well -- but does the stock price offer him an…

Read more »

Runner standing at the starting point with 2025 year for starting in new year 2025 to achieve business planing and success concept.
Investing Articles

Up 50%? The Aston Martin share price forecast is mind-blowing! 

If analysts are right, the Aston Aston Martin share price could absolutely rocket in the year ahead. Harvey Jones says…

Read more »

Investing Articles

As the S&P 500 drops, here are 2 Stocks and Shares ISA holdings I’m watching

Our writer has different views on how President Trump's tariffs might affect these two US holdings in his Stocks and…

Read more »

Surprised Black girl holding teddy bear toy on Christmas
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Tesla stock at Christmas is now worth…

Tesla stock has been one of best-performing investments of the past decade. But things haven't gone to plan for investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 279% in 5 years, could Meta stock keep soaring?

Meta stock has more than tripled in five years. This writer sees lots to like about the business but also…

Read more »

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

25% total return in a year? Is now the perfect time to buy BP shares?

BP shares are on the front line of today's global economic and political uncertainty but analysts think they can still…

Read more »

Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully
Investing Articles

With Cash ISA changes coming, could now be the time to consider buying shares?

Changes to the Cash ISA could lead to greater investment in the stock market. This could be a good thing…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE 100 dividend shares just got cheaper, thanks to President Trump!

Investors buying dividend shares can lock in bigger long-term yields when share prices take a tumble. These two just did…

Read more »