One of the best performing areas of the market so far this year has been the healthcare sector. Even after a sharp decline yesterday the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care (Index: ^AXHJ) (ASX: XHJ) index is still up 3.6% for the year.
Considering the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is now down 1.4% year to date, healthcare has clearly been a great place to put your money. But have investors missed out on all the gains now? I don't think they have. I believe these three healthcare shares could prove to be great long-term investments today.
Impedimed Limited (ASX: IPD)
This growing medical device company is one to keep a close eye on. ImpediMed recently launched its first product into the health and wellness market. Its SOZO device allows users to track everything from their body composition, fluid status, and hydration levels through a variety of settings. As well as this the company commenced with the full commercial launch of its L-Dex lymphoedema detection product in the US marketplace and began to pursue the Chronic Heart Failure business. According to management ImpediMed has been attracting the attention and support of some of the most prestigious medical organisations in the United States. One in particular is Mayo Clinic which wants to work with the company to explore new opportunities for its technology.
Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)
As well as providing investors with growth at a reasonable price, this leading fertility treatment company also provides investors with a fully franked 3.9% dividend. In its recent full year results the company posted a 12.4% jump in IVF treatments, outpacing the industry average of 8.2% and increasing its market share to almost 24%. This led to a 34.6% increase in full year net profit after tax to $28.8 million. With management expecting demand for its services to continue to increase, I believe Monash IVF represents a great investment today.
REVA Medical Inc (ASX: RVA)
Thanks to the development of REVA Medical's bioresorbable scaffolds I feel this is a company with enormous potential. The company aims for its scaffolds to one day replace the traditional metal stents used to treat coronary artery disease currently. Unlike metal stents which stay in the artery permanently, REVA Medical's scaffolds are designed to disappear naturally when their job is done. Clinical trials have been very positive and the company is now in the process of seeking regulatory approval. If the company can get a foothold in a market expected to be worth $8.3 billion by 2019, it could have a very bright future ahead of it.
