If you're looking to add high-quality ASX healthcare shares to your portfolio, experts say there are two standout options to consider: ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).
Both of these healthcare giants are well-positioned for growth and are favourites among leading analysts.
And with the market gyrating in recent weeks, some investors might be searching for individual names in the crowd.
Here's what the experts are saying on these 2 top ASX healthcare shares.
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ASX healthcare shares in favour
ResMed is in the sleep disorder treatment business. It has been on the radar for many investors in 2024, having surged 42% this year. At the time of writing, it trades at $36.09 per share.
Analysts at Morgans believe ResMed is well-positioned for future growth. Even in the face of emerging weight-loss drugs that could potentially impact the healthcare sector.
But Morgans is confident that these drugs will have little impact on the "large, underserved sleep disorder breathing market" that ResMed dominates.
In its most recent quarterly results, ResMed posted 9% revenue growth to US$1.2 billion and a 350 basis-point improvement in its gross margin.
The ASX healthcare share is also rated as a buy from consensus, according to CommSec.
CSL for the long-term
CSL is another standout in the ASX healthcare space. Having climbed 5% into the green this year, the company has also paid dividends of $3.80 per share in the last 12 months.
Bell Potter rates the ASX healthcare share a buy, citing its positive margin outlook and strong earnings growth prospects.
CSL's transition into a "margin recovery phase" is expected to drive above-market earnings growth in the coming years.
Bell Potter highlights that CSL trades at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of around less than 30 times.
This is a discount compared to its ten-year average of 31 times and its five-year average of 35 times.
Bell Potter has a buy rating on CSL and a price target of $327.42, signalling potential for 8% upside at the time of writing.
CSL's long-standing history as a high-performing ASX healthcare share also earns it high marks from the broker.
Given the company's proven quality and growth prospects, we believe significant upside remains.
Foolish takeaway
These 2 ASX healthcare shares are rated as top buys according to leading brokers. Each company has plenty going on and could be well positioned.
CSL shares are up 11% in the last twelve months. Whereas Resmed shares have climbed more than 51% over that time.
