Key Points
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Insurance and weight loss drug stocks lagged. Other healthcare segments significantly outperformed the broader market.
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Celcuity surged 1,028.57% over one year compared to the S&P 500’s 18.89% return.
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Aging populations worldwide drive structural demand growth for healthcare services.
Healthcare stocks have been rather split. Those who deal with insurance or certain weight loss drugs are taking a breather, but others have crushed the broader market’s returns. It’s a good idea to look into the winners as they may be positioning themselves for a sustained rally.
And for many of the winners today, the long-term could be even more juicy. The healthcare sector as a whole is expected to grow significantly due to an aging population worldwide, pushing demand higher and higher. The sector is also defensive due to the non-discretionary nature of healthcare.
Here are 10 healthcare stocks (with a market cap above $1 billion) that have outperformed the broader market.
#10 GRAIL, Inc. (GRAL)
GRAIL is a biotechnology company researching multi-cancer early detection through blood-based testing, led by its Galleri test. Why GRAIL Inc is up: Accelerating adoption of Galleri with rising test volumes, strong revenue growth, and ample cash reserves to expand.
The company’s market cap is $2.18 billion and shares sell for $54.04 (up 30.11% in one year). The S&P 500 returned 18.89% in the same period (as of March 4).
#9 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (IDXX)
IDEXX is a leader in pet and animal healthcare and medicine. Revenues and profits are on the rise.
IDXX is up 46.89% in the past year, with shares trading at $648.70. IDEXX’s market cap is $51.8 billion.
#8 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
This healthcare giant has strong momentum thanks to its innovative medicine portfolio. Analysts are bullish on revenue growth and long-term profitability.
JNJ rose 48.29% in one year; shares are at $245.30. The market cap is $591.148 billion.
#7 Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (XERS)
Xeris develops and sells new therapies using its drug formulation technology for diabetes. The company has experienced record revenue growth, and positive adjusted EBITDA due to Recorlev sales.
XERS jumped 61.87% in the last year with shares trading at about $6. Xeris’s market cap is just over $1 billion.
#6 HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)
Nashville-based HCA operates healthcare facilities around the country. Analysts like the company’s rising revenues though there is some concern about expected smaller government reimbursements in 2026.
HCA was up 74.46% in the last year. With a market cap of $121.742 billion, the company’s shares trade at $544.41.
#5 Precigen, Inc. (PGEN)
Precigen is a biotechnology company that specializes in gene and cell therapies for oncology and rare diseases. There has been bullish sentiment after earnings and insider buying.
PGEN stock has risen 99.44% in one year. Shares trade at $3.55. The market cap is $1.256 billion.
#4 Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp. (ADPT)
Seattle-based Adaptive develops immune-driven diagnostics and therapeutic solutions. Its flagship clonoSEQ test is for minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancers. The company has strong revenue growth and profitability. Plus, insurance coverage is expanding.
With a market cap of $2.528 billion, the company’s stock is up 102.46% in the last year. Shares are $16.44.
#3 Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc. (MLYS)
Mineralys makes therapies for cardiovascular and renal diseases, with its main hypertension drug candidate being lorundrostat. The company has had multiple successful pivotal trial results. Analyst confidence is also up.
MLYS stock is up 190.02% in one year. Shares sell for $28.77. The market cap is $2.277 billion.
#2 Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMLX)
Amylyx focuses on therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s. Why Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is up: Positive trial data, FDA fast track designation, analyst upgrades, and new funding supporting continued pipeline advancement.
AMLX jumped 400% in the last year, with shares currently at $15.05. Amylyx’s market cap is $1.653 billion.
#1 Celcuity Inc. (CELC)
Celcuity makes targeted therapies for cancer, with a focus on addressing treatment resistance in breast cancer. The company strengthened funding and preparation for FDA submission and launch.
CELC skyrocketed 1,028.57% in the last year; shares currently are valued at $112.18. The company’s market cap is $5.191 billion.
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