The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price could be one to watch this week after rumours of a potential divestment from the Aussie healthcare group.
Why is Healius on watch this week?
An article in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) last week suggested that Healius could be divesting its medical centres business early next year.
Healius and UBS are reportedly looking at options for the business segment, with the board yet to formally agree to anything.
The group is looking to strengthen its balance sheet and improve profitability in line with shareholder demands.
Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) is being spoken of as a potential suitor for the medical centres. Medibank CEO Craig Drummond has talked about his desires to turn Medibank into a healthcare giant, and this could be a good fit.
Regardless of the next steps, I'd expect Healius shares to be on the move following the AFR article.
How have Healius shares performed in 2019?
The Aussie healthcare group (formerly Primary Health Care) has disappointed shareholders after underperforming again in 2019.
Healius boasts a $1.82 billion market capitalisation and trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 31.7 times.
Healius shares have climbed 19.67% higher this year but remain just short of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO)'s performance.
The ASX 200 is up 20.68% since the start of January with low interest rates and a strong global economy providing tailwinds.
While it might not seem like a terrible return in 2019, other Aussie healthcare shares are rocketing higher.
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) have been leading the ASX healthcare sector gainers this year.
Both healthcare giants continue to stretch to new record highs in 2019 and have climbed 51.58% and 31.68%, respectively.
