Life Healthcare Group Holdings Limited. JSE: LHC

Background of Life Healthcare
Life Healthcare Group is an investment holding company which, through various subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, holds extensive interests in private hospitals, surgical centres and healthcare services in seven of South Africa’s provinces. The group has also made moves to buy into Botswana, India and Poland.
During its 25 year history, the company has grown through numerous acquisitions and construction of new hospitals, to become the second largest private hospital operator in South Africa today. The group’s portfolio includes around 90 facilities and covers around 27% market share of private hospital beds.
Life Healthcare is also a market leader in private mental healthcare and acute rehabilitation services, while being further diversified through renal dialysis, oncology and employee wellness. The hospital division accounted for R13.3 billion worth of revenue in 2015, with the healthcare services division contributing R866 million. The international division, which includes a 100% shareholding in Scanmed Multimed is in Poland and a 46.25% shareholding in Max Healthcare in India, contributed R648 million. Life Healthcare shares are for sale on the main board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in 2010 and the group has a market cap of R41 billion.
Life Healthcare Shares Growth Driver
Life Healthcare’s latest data for the 2015 year showed that all three of the group’s divisions experienced revenue growth, but operating profits were down to R3.5 billion from R4.1 billion the previous year. Earnings were however impacted by costs associated with funding raised to buy into international acquisitions.
Overall, the grouped performed well against internal performance benchmarks. Slowdown in South Africa’s economy resulted in low growth of medical aid clients which the group services, prompting a more cautious approach to expansion. This has however been offset by demand caused by the country’s disease burden and aging medical aid population. Complementary services such as oncology and mental health have been growing rapidly.
Local acquisitions, consolidation and innovation have been partnered with international acquisitions and mergers in line with the group’s strategy of growing a sizeable international business footprint. Life Healthcare is also looking to grow its presence in the uninsured segment of the market through leveraging its occupational health platform and its important public-private partnership, Life Esidimeni.
The group aims to expand further in the short-term, adding 210 beds along with 50 new complementary services units in South Africa, and pursuing expansion and capital investment in Poland and India respectively.
Life Healthcare Investor Tip
Life Healthcare looks well set to continue with robust performances locally, whilst focusing on becoming a truly international healthcare provider. International expansion is likely to play a key role in achieving the group’s objectives going forward. Shareholders have been patient with the company, as the live online stocks chart shows that Life Healthcare share price has been hovering around R40 since 2014. The international expansion should create some optimism around Life Healthcare share price and encourage investors to buy into the company.
Life Healthcare Major Shareholders
Government Employees Pension Fund, JP Morgan, Lazard Asset Management, Allan Gray, Industrial Development Corporation, Brimstone Investment Corporation.
Sector
Health Care
Industry
Health Care Facilities & Svcs
Sub industry
Health Care Facilities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Life Healthcare?
The second largest private hospital operator in South Africa.
Can you buy Life Healthcare shares online?
The website of SA Shares makes it easy for you to buy JSE listed shares online.
Who are the major shareholders in Life Healthcare?
Government Employees Pension Fund, JP Morgan, Lazard Asset Management, Allan Gray, Industrial Development Corporation, Brimstone Investment Corporation.
When did Life Healthcare list on the JSE?
10 June 2010
When was Life Healthcare founded?
1983