A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia's top shares?

This business is generating very healthy profit growth.

| More on:

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

I'd describe Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) as one of Australia's top shares for a variety of reasons, and I think right now is a great time to invest.

Most of the company's profit generation comes through its ownership of the Chemist Warehouse franchise business. It also owns the Amcal and Discount Drug Store businesses.

In my view, Sigma Healthcare is delivering exceptional growth and its outlook is very compelling. Let me run through three very attractive elements.

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

Strong Australian growth         

The company's core earnings driver is Australia, where a vast majority of the franchise stores are located. There were 561 Australian Chemist Warehouse stores at the end of FY26, following the addition of 24 locations in FY26.

The Australian segment saw revenue growth of 14.9% to $10.4 billion, with Chemist Warehouse branded like-for-like network sales growth of 13.4% amid continued demand for GLP-1 medicines.

Over the long term, it has franchise network targets of around 900 Chemist Warehouse stores, around 300 Amcal locations, and approximately 150 Discount Drug Stores.

It expects to open 13 Chemist Warehouse-branded stores in the first half of FY27, with 12 refurbishments also planned.

The fact that the business continues to deliver double-digit revenue growth after such a long time says to me that the business can deliver good revenue growth for the foreseeable future.

Exciting international growth

Australia is not the only market where the company is growing. Excitingly, it has a presence in New Zealand, Ireland, the UAE, and UK. It also has a presence in China where it's focusing on profitable online sales.

In FY26, 20 stores were opened in international markets, with 14 new stores in New Zealand and four new ones in Ireland.

Impressively, sales grew by 45% in Ireland and 20.3% in New Zealand during FY26. Overall, international revenue increased 33% to $421.4 million.

The business is entering the UK market in FY27, which could be another exciting growth market for one of Australia's top shares. The success in nearby Ireland – which is now profitable – is a good sign for the UK, in my view.

I think the company could expand to other markets in the longer term.

Operating leverage

Not only is the business growing its top line rapidly, but I think profit can increase even faster thanks to its rising profit margins. Remember, it's normally profit growth rather than revenue growth that can send a share price higher.

The FY26 financials were a great demonstration of its ability to deliver stronger profits.

While overall revenue rose 15.5%, normalised operating profit (EBIT) climbed 20.6% to $1.09 billion, and normalised net profit grew 22.3% to $732.3 million. It also reduced net debt to $663 million.

Australian segment normalised EBIT grew 18.3% and international segment EBIT soared 91.3% to $55.8 million.

I think the strengthening profit margins are a great sign for one of Australia's top shares to continue becoming more valuable.

After falling 15% since February 2026, the Sigma Healthcare share price is now valued at 35 times FY27's estimated earnings. I think Sigma Healthcare, one of Australia's top shares, could be undervalued at this level.

But, it's not the only stock I've got my eyes on.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A scientist in a white coat and glasses puts her arms in the air in a sign of strength and success.
Healthcare Shares

7 ASX healthcare stock picks from Bell Potter

Some of these companies are tipped to double in value.

Read more »

Three scientists wearing white coats and blue gloves dance together in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

$10,000 invested in CSL shares in June is now worth…

After plunging to a nine-year low in June, CSL shares have gone gangbusters.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Healthcare Shares

Forget CSL shares. 3 ASX healthcare stocks with bigger upside

Brokers see better opportunities beyond CSL shares.

Read more »

Two scientists analysing results on a computer screen.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares to buy with 25% to 100% upside as sector rebound races higher

After slumping to a 9-year low on 3 June, healthcare shares have rallied by an extraordinary 42%.

Read more »

A female scientist in a laboratory setting using a tablet to review data, with a male scientist working in the background.
Healthcare Shares

Are CSL shares still cheap after almost doubling since June?

The healthcare giant is no longer dirt cheap, but let's find out if the current valuation leaves room for long-term…

Read more »

Buy the dip written on a yellow sign.
Broker Notes

Down 43%! 4 reasons to buy the BIG dip in Pro Medicus shares today

A leading expert believes Pro Medicus shares are well-place to rebound.

Read more »

A woman researcher holds a finger up in happiness as if making the 'number one' sign with a graphic of technological data and an orb emanating from her finger while fellow researchers work in the background.
Healthcare Shares

CSL led the ASX healthcare shares rebound. Can it continue?

The rebound of healthcare stocks looks promising, but proving the recovery is real remains.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Healthcare Shares

Ingenia Communities Group rejects takeover offer, backs growth strategy

Ingenia Communities Group has rejected a takeover offer from Warburg Pincus, reaffirming its strategy and Peet acquisition plans.

Read more »