Due to growing and ageing populations, increased chronic burden, and improvements in treatments, demand for healthcare services is expected to grow at a solid rate for the next couple of decades.
In my opinion this makes the healthcare sector a great place for investors to look for long-term buy and hold investments.
Three healthcare shares which I think will outperform the market over the next few years are listed below. Here's why I like them:
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)
Its shares may be close to an all-time high but I still see a lot of value in this biotherapeutics company for investors with a long-term view. As well as its increasingly profitable immunoglobulins and specialty products, I believe CSL's fledgling vaccines business will be a key driver of growth in the future.
Nanosonics Ltd. (ASX: NAN)
Although this infection control specialist's popular trophon EPR product continues to grow its installed base at a rapid rate, it still only has an estimated 12% share of the total market. Considering the technology is regarded as best in class, environmentally friendly, and wholly effective at disinfecting ultrasound probes, I suspect that it will continue to capture market share over the next few years.
Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)
As a leading private hospital operator I think Ramsay is in a great position to profit from the tailwinds of ageing population's globally and increased cases of chronic disease. Although FY 2018's guidance underwhelmed the market and caused its shares to sink lower, I believe investors should look beyond this and focus on its solid long-term growth prospects.
