The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) share price could fall after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a possible $42 million package for IVF treatment in NSW if her government is re-elected.
The package would see a rebate of up to $500 for pre-IVF fertility testing, with Ms. Berejiklian stating, “we will provide assistance with out-of-pocket medical expenses related to IVF pre-screening which is often an expensive and emotionally challenging experience for women”.
The Premier also stated that the Government will expand on government-supported IVF services which is only currently available at the Royal Prince Alfred hospital, saying, “we will also make IVF an option for more women who previously may not have been able to afford it by expanding the number of NSW Government supported IVF clinics”.
If re-elected, the services would also be available at Westmead Hospital and The Royal Hospital for Women, which will provide lower cost treatments for around 6,000 women.
What Does This Mean for Monash IVF?
As I have previously said, Monash IVF’s margins have been declining as cheaper and alternative ways of accessing IVF treatment become more readily available in Australia. It’s becoming clear that there is no real competitive advantage for Monash IVF and further erosion of margins and profit may continue in the foreseeable future.
Rask Perspective
This is just further evidence of the increased competition in Australia for IVF treatment in a more cost-effective way. While NSW is only one state in the country, providing treatment for up to 6,000 women is almost half of what Monash IVF service nationally in a year so it could potentially have a big impact.
There is no real competitive advantage for Monash IVF and I believe it to be a company to steer clear of adding to a share portfolio. There are plenty of other companies out there with a more enduring competitive advantage that can provide better returns over time.
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