Healthy gains: 5 best ASX 200 healthcare shares of 2024
ASX 200 healthcare shares performed well in 2024, with the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) rising 6.01% and delivering a 12-month total return, including dividends, of 7.51%.
However, the healthcare sector did underperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which rose by 7.49% (or 11.44% including dividends).
Here are the best-performing stocks of 2024 in the healthcare sector.
1. Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)
ASX healthcare share Sigma ripped 162% higher to close at $2.62 on 31 December.
Sigma Healthcare's share price rocketed after the company announced plans to merge with the privately owned Chemist Warehouse pharmaceutical chain. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has green-lighted the deal but it's not finalised yet. Sigma Healthcare already owns a network of chemists, including Amcal, Discount Drug Stores, and Guardian Pharmacy.
2. Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)
The Pro Medicus share price rose by 161% to finish the year at $250.12 per share.
The medical imaging technology company reported strong profit growth last year and won various large new contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers keen to use its industry-leading Visage platform. One of those new contracts was a 10-year $330 million deal with Trinity Health.
3. Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)
The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price lifted 144.1% to close at $24.61 on 31 December.
The radiopharmaceutical company reported strong revenue growth for its Illuccix prostate cancer imaging product. Telix also expanded its US manufacturing footprint through the acquisition of RLS, America's only joint commission-accredited network, with 31 radio pharmacies serving more than 85% of the population.
In October, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Telix's application for Pixclara, a PET agent for the imaging of brain cancer. Telix hopes to receive approval and launch the product in the US this year.
4. Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)
This ASX 200 healthcare share rocketed 120.6% to close at $4.17 on 31 December.
Clarity Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company whose products are designed to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Last year, the SECuRE therapy trial results for its prostate cancer treatment, 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA, created much excitement, and Clarity expects to release final data this year. The first patient treated with two doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA achieved a complete response, with no detectable cancer after treatment.
5. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH)
The Fisher & Paykel share price ascended 60.1% to close at $34.95 per share on 31 December.
The company put in a strong financial performance last year. For the six months ended 30 September, Fisher & Paykel reported an 18% increase in operating revenue to a record of NZ$951.2 million. The healthcare provider reported strong top-line growth for both its hospital and homecare segments.
The post Healthy gains: 5 best ASX 200 healthcare shares of 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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