The healthcare sector has experienced a 0.79% decline year-to-date, making it the worst performer among the S&P 500’s 11 sectors and the only one in negative territory. But unlike other market-lagging sectors that have performed better of late (e.g., consumer discretionary), healthcare isn’t just the worst-performing sector in 2025; it’s the worst-performing sector over the past three months.
The dramatic losses experienced by companies like UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), which has lost more than 44% YTD, have been well-publicized. But one company operating in that sector hasn’t only avoided the pain; its 14% gain has outperformed the market. Based on its recent earnings call, Nashville-based HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) is providing forward guidance that the rest of the industry hopes will be a rising tide that lifts all boats.
