The healthcare industry was one of a handful of industries that managed to remain stable during this year. As the market crashed, healthcare stocks remained strong as the pandemic continued. Now, with more lockdowns sweeping across Canada, and a new strain of COVID-19 threatening Canadians, healthcare companies are even more important than ever.
The world changed because of the virus, and no industry more than health care. That’s because many saw the necessity of investments in these companies and really everything health care related. Yet when it comes to healthcare stocks that will continue to see investment and growth next year and beyond, I would seriously consider adding CloudMD Software & Services (TSXV:DOC), Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN), and Viemed Healthcare (TSX:VMD)(NASDAQ:VMD) to your watch list.
CloudMD
The pandemic meant that investors in CloudMD didn’t have to wait to convince people that this telehealth service was necessary. Now, instead of risking your chances of contracting the virus at a hospital, you can simply ask one of many specialists that CloudMD has to offer. The company has been acquiring everything from mental health organizations to residents, and I doubt very much we’ll return to in-person visits when they aren’t necessary in the future.
The company sported record revenue during its latest earnings report, reaching $3.4 million and now on track for $35 million per year after recent acquisitions. Shares are also up an unbelievable 758%, but still cheap at around $2.60 per share as of writing. So, even a small stake could make you serious returns next year.
Northwest
If you want stability from your stocks, Northwest is what you’ll want to invest in. The company has properties in every healthcare sector imaginable, from office buildings to hospitals around the world. During Northwest’s latest earnings report, it announced the average lease agreement was a whopping 14.5 years, with 97.2% occupancy. Now that’s stability.
But the stock has also seen strong growth this year, with shares rising 13.45% in the last year, and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5% during the last five years. Meanwhile, investors receive a 6.39% dividend yield that clearly is supported by these long-term lease agreements.
Viemed
Viemed was a great investment before the pandemic. The company creates equipment for those with respiratory illnesses to be used in the home, and as the baby boomer population continues to age, investors saw this as the perfect option: to take care of their health at home. But since the pandemic, demand has increased again and again. While it’s not likely to continue this streak for years to come, the world will know that Viemed was there when called to action.
Net revenue increased 22% year over year during the latest quarter, with a 58% increased in adjusted EBITDA and an all-time high in cash balance of $32.4 million. Even better, management believes this kind of growth will continue at least into next quarter. Shares are up 26% for this year, but have grown 318% since its initial public offering three years ago.
Bottom line
Health care is likely to continue seeing strong investment in the future. These stocks will continue to see strong returns both during and after the pandemic due to the new necessity of each company. Adding these to your watch list and buying on a dip could be just what you need to keep your portfolio healthy in 2021.
