Here's why Healthscope Ltd shares have slipped today

Does Healthscope Ltd (ASX:HSO) present as a good buy today?

a woman

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Shares of private hospital operator Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO) have retreated 6 cents or 1.9% today, with the stock now trading ex-dividend.

When the company reported its half-year earnings late last month, it declared an unfranked dividend of 3.3 cents per share. The dividend payment will be distributed on Tuesday 24 March, 2015.

Meanwhile, it also reported a $58.6 million net profit for the half, up from a $27.8 million loss in the prior corresponding period, which was bolstered by strong international pathology earnings growth and a 6% rise in overall group revenues.

Should you buy Healthscope?

Healthscope has been an incredible performer for those investors lucky enough to have bought into the 2014 float, having vastly outperformed the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) in that time.

Healthscope

Source: Google Finance

Companies exposed to the private health industry could generate fantastic gains for investors over the coming years, underpinned by the shift away from public care as well as Australia's ageing and growing population. Although the stock is by no means cheap right now, it's certainly one investors should keep an eye on.

In the meantime, there are plenty of other fantastic investment opportunities you need to know about.

Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ASXvalueinvest.

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