Australia’s population is ageing and companies like Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) could stand to benefit.
We’re Getting Older…
About 15% of the population is above 65, and this is projected to grow to more than 20% by 2050. Healthcare shares could be a smart way to take advantage of this trend.
With a growing market for their products, here are three healthcare shares to consider for your portfolio.
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)
Cochlear is a company that provides a range of hearing solutions including cochlear implants and bone conduction implants. These can be life-changing products, as Andrew discussed in great detail in his recent Rask Media article.
Cochlear recorded revenue growth of 11% and net profit growth of 16% in their most recent half-year report, with their net profit margin improving to 18%, from 17%.
While the Cochlear share price has struggled recently, there has been large growth over the five-year and ten-year periods. The share price currently sits around $178, down from its all-time high of about $218 in September 2018.
Cochlear certainly has room to grow and an ageing population will create an increased demand for their product.
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
CSL is a global biotechnology company and a true Australian success story. The company was founded in Melbourne more than 100 years ago. CSL has a focus on rare and serious diseases and influenza vaccines. This is another company that will see an increase in demand with an ageing population.
The CSL share price has recently been hovering around the $195-$200 range, down from $230 in September 2018. With their half-year report revealing profit growth of 10% and dividend growth of 20%, this could be another prudent long-term investment.
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)
If you don’t want to pay $200 for a single share in CSL or COH, Pro Medicus might be another option.
Pro Medicus is a leading provider of radiology information systems (RIS), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and advanced visualisation solutions.
Pro Medicus shares can currently be purchased for around $16-$17 per share. In their most recent half-year report, Pro Medicus revealed an increase in profit after tax of 184% and EBIT margins of 51%. This is a fast-growing healthcare company with share price increases of around 40% in the last six months and more than 100% over the last year.
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Disclaimer: At the time of writing, Max does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
