Australian investors have long had a passion for investment in the healthcare sector. The darling company that first comes to mind in this category is none other than CSL. Created in 1916 as the government body, Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, it listed on the ASX in 1994 at a market capitalization of $299 million. It has since grown to $136 billion in 2024, a staggering 450 times its listing value. A boon for those early investors.
Along with CSL, other global healthcare giants that have spawned out the Australian public markets include names such as Cochlear and Resmed. While high hopes are currently held for promising companies like Telix and Neuren Pharmaceuticals. But Australia’s listed healthcare sector could have been so much bigger if not for the takeovers of companies like Sirtex and Viralytics.
As it stands the market capitalisation of this sector in the listed market is approximately $250 billion encompassing just under 30 companies. And 30% of these companies are currently valued at over $100 million. These figures clearly demonstrate the opportunities that are available to investors wanting to play in this space.
To keep informed of company information, investors can access a variety of freely available news sources. While there does not appear to be a standout, all-encompassing daily source of news, the following sites are regularly updated with the latest company news.
- Biotech Dispatch – Independent news service providing coverage, opinion and analysis. Provides company specific information with a large focus on ASX listed companies. Updated twice weekly.
- Stockhead (Health and Biotech Sector) – General information about ASX listed small and microcap stocks.
- Biotech Daily – Daily news on ASX-listed biotechnology companies. Subscription service but allows free access to archive. Includes CEO interviews.