Take a bite out of returns

Controversy over federal health care reform apparently hasn't dented the industry's earning power.

In fact, health care shows up three times on a top 10 list of industries that generated the highest returns on equity over the last 12 months. Raleigh, N.C.-based Sageworks, a financial data firm, conducted the survey based on a financial statement analysis of privately held U.S.-based companies.

The top industry for return on an investment, according to Sageworks, is dental offices, with a 101.1% return. A return like that shows why several dental management firms, including Sarasota-based Sebring Software, have been growing rapidly. (See Aug. 2, 2013 Business Observer)

Health practitioners' offices, meanwhile, rank fourth on the Sageworks list, with a 78% return on equity. Doctors offices rank fifth, at 76.6%, and outpatient care centers are sixth, at 71.2%. The rest of the list is dominated by service-industry businesses, including legal, accounting, employment and real state.

The full list: