Health Care Sector Rises Amid Strong Performances by HCA Holdings, Express Scripts, and Aetna

Strategic Insights -

As of Thursday, September 3, 2015, the Health Care sector is showing signs of resilience despite initial declines, driven by strong performances from key players like HCA Holdings, Express Scripts, and Aetna. The sector currently sits down 0.4% versus the S&P 500, which is up 0.5%.

HCA Holdings is pushing the sector higher today, with shares up $1.82 (2.1%) to $87.29 on light volume. This performance is notable, considering the company's market cap of $35.0 billion and its P/E ratio of 17.3, which is below the S&P 500's P/E ratio of 24.2. Express Scripts is also experiencing a positive day, with shares up $0.58 (0.7%) to $84.07 on light volume. Aetna is also rising, with shares up $1.89 (1.7%) to $115.45 on light volume.

The three stocks mentioned - HCA Holdings, Express Scripts, and Aetna - are drawing attention for their strong performances. These companies are well-positioned to continue their growth, with HCA Holdings boasting a 16.5% year-to-date gain, Express Scripts down 1.4%, and Aetna up 27.8%.

Key Takeaways:

  • HCA Holdings is up 2.1% to $87.29 on light volume, with a market cap of $35.0 billion and a P/E ratio of 17.3.
  • Express Scripts is up 0.7% to $84.07 on light volume, with a market cap of $55.4 billion and a P/E ratio of 27.1.
  • Aetna is up 1.7% to $115.45 on light volume, with a market cap of $38.9 billion and a P/E ratio of 16.9.
  • The Health Care sector is showing signs of resilience, with HCA Holdings, Express Scripts, and Aetna leading the charge.
  • Strong performances from these companies are driving the sector's growth, with HCA Holdings boasting a 16.5% year-to-date gain and Aetna up 27.8%.
  • Express Scripts' 0.7% gain highlights its ability to maintain a strong position in the sector despite a slight decline.

Statistics:

  • HCA Holdings' $1.82 gain represents a 2.1% increase from its previous trading day's close of $85.47.
  • Express Scripts' $0.58 gain represents a 0.7% increase from its previous trading day's close of $83.49.
  • Aetna's $1.89 gain represents a 1.7% increase from its previous trading day's close of $113.56.
  • HCA Holdings has a market cap of $35.0 billion and a P/E ratio of 17.3.
  • Express Scripts has a market cap of $55.4 billion and a P/E ratio of 27.1.
  • Aetna has a market cap of $38.9 billion and a P/E ratio of 16.9.

Sources:

  • ^DJI (http://www.thestreet.com/quote/%5eDJI.html)
  • TheStreet (http://www.thestreet.com/)
  • HCA Holdings (http://www.hcahealthcare.com/)
  • Express Scripts (http://www.express-scripts.com/)
  • Aetna (http://www.aetna.com/)