Ramsay Health Care Limited falls below $60: Is it time to buy?

Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX:RHC) has dropped nearly 14% since its all time high. Is it time to pick up a bargain or wait on the sidelines?

| More on:
a woman

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

Private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) has been a spectacular performer on the ASX for the past 15 years with a return of over 6,000%! It is one of those stocks that always appears expensive and many investors therefore find it difficult to buy. There have been few opportunities to buy the company after a share price fall as it does not happen very often. The recent drop in the share price may provide an opportunity for those investors looking to hold on for the long term.

Ramsay Health Care hit a high over $69 earlier this year and has now dropped below $60. That's a 14% drop when the underlying fundamentals of the business have not changed. Management have just reaffirmed upgraded guidance of earnings growth of 18-20% for FY15 based on the continuation of robust growth across all operations. It seems the stock has been sold off with the rest of the market and this has provided an opportunity to buy a quality business at a discount.

The company is currently trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of about 30 based on FY15 forecasts with a 1.5% dividend yield. While this looks expensive compared to the rest of the market, Ramsay has earned this valuation by being a strong performer for many years with an excellent management team.

The company has shown it is able to grow successfully through acquisition, brownfield expansion and organically. Ramsay Health Care currently operates 212 hospitals in 5 countries with over 25,000 beds and places. This gives the business good economies of scale and an excellent network of hospitals which has been growing steadily each year.

The long-term fundamentals of the private hospital market are attractive. As healthcare costs rise at a greater rate than inflation and government revenues, the public sector will likely be unable to keep up with demand. The global population continues to live longer thanks to new technologies and the demand for healthcare will continue to grow as more chronic conditions are treated for a longer period of time. This will place more pressure on the public sector and Ramsay Health Care is well placed to take advantage of this opportunity.

Foolish takeaway

I think the recent fall in the share price is a great buying opportunity for long-term investors. While the stock looks expensive, you are buying a high quality business that operates in a market which is growing globally each year. Ramsay Health Care has shown it can operate successfully overseas and provide shareholders with market-beating returns.

Motley Fool contributor Christopher Georges owns shares in Ramsay Health Care Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »