Health Services Industry Update: Stocks Trading Up Amid Optimism

Strategic Insights -

The health services industry is experiencing a surge, with multiple stocks trading up today, despite some companies facing challenges. As of Wednesday, July 29, 2015, 2:00 PM ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading up 114 points (0.6%) at 17,744. The NYSE advances/declines ratio sits at 2,136 issues advancing vs. 880 declining with 147 unchanged. The Health Services industry currently sits up 0.3% versus the S&P 500, which is up 0.5%.

Key Takeaways:

  • The health services industry is experiencing a surge, with stocks trading up today, despite some companies facing challenges.
  • Boston Scientific, a major player in the industry, is down $0.23 (-1.3%) to $17.28 on light volume, with 3.2 million shares exchanging hands as compared to its average daily volume of 9.2 million shares.
  • Edwards Lifesciences is down $4.56 (-2.9%) to $151.24 on heavy volume, with 1.1 million shares of the company exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 1.1 million shares.
  • Humana, another major player, is down $2.02 (-1.1%) to $182.50 on light volume, with 667,389 shares of the company exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 2.9 million shares.
  • All three stocks have experienced significant growth in the current year, with Boston Scientific up 32.1%, Edwards Lifesciences up 22.3%, and Humana up 28.5%.
  • TheStreet Ratings rates Boston Scientific as a buy, citing its solid stock price performance, increase in net income, largely solid financial position, and expanding profit margins.
  • TheStreet Ratings also rates Edwards Lifesciences as a buy, citing its compelling growth in net income, revenue growth, largely solid financial position, and notable return on equity.
  • TheStreet Ratings rates Humana as a buy, citing its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position, solid stock price performance, increase in net income, and reasonable valuation levels.
  • Investors interested in the health services industry may consider the Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) or ProShares Ultra Short Health Care (RXD) ETFs.

Statistics:

  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading up 114 points (0.6%) at 17,744.
  • The NYSE advances/declines ratio is at 2,136 issues advancing vs. 880 declining with 147 unchanged.
  • The Health Services industry is currently up 0.3% versus the S&P 500, which is up 0.5%.
  • Boston Scientific is down $0.23 (-1.3%) to $17.28 on light volume, with 3.2 million shares exchanging hands as compared to its average daily volume of 9.2 million shares.
  • Edwards Lifesciences is down $4.56 (-2.9%) to $151.24 on heavy volume, with 1.1 million shares of the company exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 1.1 million shares.
  • Humana is down $2.02 (-1.1%) to $182.50 on light volume, with 667,389 shares of the company exchanged hands as compared to its average daily volume of 2.9 million shares.
  • All three stocks have experienced significant growth in the current year, with Boston Scientific up 32.1%, Edwards Lifesciences up 22.3%, and Humana up 28.5%.

Sources:

  • TheStreet Wire, "Editor's Note: Any reference to TheStreet Ratings and its underlying recommendation does not reflect the opinion of TheStreet, Inc. or any of its contributors including Jim Cramer."
  • TheStreet, "Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV)"
  • TheStreet, "ProShares Ultra Short Health Care (RXD)"