I am particularly interested in the ASX healthcare sector due to the growing number of high-quality companies that are now listed, many of which have seen strong share price growth over the past 5 years.
In addition, I believe the demand for healthcare services is only going to grow over the next decade due to an ageing global population and continuing advances in healthcare treatments and technology.
With that in mind, here are 3 of my top picks in the ASX healthcare space right now:
Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)
Over the past decade, global private hospital provider Ramsay has experienced strong revenue growth from its existing facilities, as well as growing through acquisitions and expanding into new markets. It has now achieved considerable size and scale, which therefore spreads its operating costs and provides it with a distinct competitive advantage in negotiations with health insurers.
Ramsay has been impacted by the ban on non-essential surgeries across the countries in which it operates. However, with elective surgeries beginning to recommence in Australia, and with other markets likely to soon follow, it may merge from its troubles faster than anticipated.
As one of the largest hospital providers in the world, with operations across 11 countries, I believe that Ramsay is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing need for healthcare services over the next decade.
Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
Cochlear has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus crisis as elective surgeries, such as those for cochlear implants, have been deferred across a number of countries in which it operates. This led to Cochlear raising $880 million from an institutional placement in late March.
However, with the Cochlear share price taking a significant hit over the past few months, and the hope that elective surgeries may soon commence across a number of its markets, I believe now could be a good buying opportunity.
As the proportion of the global population over the age of 65 continues to increase, I think the demand for hearing products and solutions over the next few decades will only rise.
ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)
ResMed has evolved over the last 30 years to become one of the world's leading sleep treatment companies. It is now a major US-based global company, employing more than 7,00 people worldwide.
The company's healthcare devices and cloud-based software solutions target sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions. Its global scale and breadth now provide it with a distinct advantage over its competitors. The company recently recorded an impressive 47% increase in net income during the third quarter of FY 2020.
I believe that the strong demand for ResMed's products is likely to continue over the next decade, driven by the largely untapped market of sleep apnea sufferers globally.
