Standard Chartered
Despite rising by 13% in the last three months, shares in Standard Chartered (LSE: STAN) continue to offer excellent value for money relative to the FTSE 100. For example, they trade on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of just 11.1, which is considerably less than the FTSE 100s P/E ratio of around 16.
Certainly, the future of Standard Chartered is set to be one of change, with a new management team likely to make efficiencies and rationalise the business. They may also, however, increase dividends per share at a rapid rate. Thats because Standard Chartered currently pays out just 53% of profit as a dividend which, for a bank that has remained highly profitable throughout the credit crunch, seems to be rather modest.
As such, a combination of a rapidly growing dividend, very attractively priced shares and the potential for Chinese stimulus to boost the Asian economy mean that Standard Chartered should beat the FTSE 100 over the medium term.
Genel
Shares in Genel (LSE: GENL) continue to disappoint and are now down by 16% since the turn of the year. Thats at least partly because of uncertainty surrounding the companys operations in Kurdistan, with the political climate continuing to be relatively challenging.
As such, Genels share price currently offers a very wide margin of safety and this reduces the risk to the companys investors, while at the same time also increasing the potential reward. For example, Genel has a price to earnings growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.2 and this means that even if the companys upbeat earnings forecasts are missed, its shares may not react so unfavourably moving forward. And, if Genel does perform as expected, then a share price rise could be on the cards.
Next
With the UK economy moving from strength to strength, UK-focused consumer stocks such as Next (LSE: NXT) could be a great place to invest. Certainly, Nexts shares lack value at the present time, with the company being expected to grow its bottom line in the mid-single digits over the next two years and its shares having a P/E ratio that is broadly similar to that of the wider index.
However, where Next could beat the FTSE 100 is with regard to its defensive merits. For example, it has a beta of just 0.7 and, with considerable turbulence expected during the rest of the year, Nexts shares could outperform a falling FTSE 100. Furthermore, its sales and profitability should remain robust even if the UK economy experiences a challenging period as was seen with Nexts great run of profitability during the credit crunch.
Compass
Over the last five years, shares in Compass (LSE CPG) have risen by a whopping 11%, which is a far superior performance to the FTSE 100. And, looking ahead, there could be more to come, since Compass offers its investors a hugely consistent and robust earnings profile.
Of course, thats to be expected, since the provision of catering and other support services is generally one which offers great earnings visibility. And, looking ahead, investors may be willing to pay a significant premium for this relative certainty, with Compass P/E ratio of 21.5 having the potential to move higher due to a bottom line that is expected to rise by a hugely impressive 13% in the current year.
Of course, finding FTSE 100-beating stocks is never an easy task. That’s why The Motley Fool has written a free and without obligation guide called 7 Simple Steps For Seeking Serious Wealth.
It’s a step-by-step guide that could make a real difference to your portfolio returns in 2015 by helping you to find the best stocks at the lowest prices.
Click here to get your copy – it’s completely free and comes without any obligation.
Peter Stephens owns shares of Standard Chartered. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.