List of S&P 500 Healthcare Stocks
- Aug 11
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 11
The ever-evolving landscape of the stock market requires investors to stay informed about the key players in every sector. For those focused on innovation, growth, and the enduring demand for human well-being, the S&P 500 healthcare stocks represent a cornerstone of any robust portfolio. This article provides a detailed overview of the healthcare companies within the prestigious S&P 500 index.
The Standard & Poor's 500, commonly known as the S&P 500, is a stock market index that represents 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. It is widely regarded as one of the best gauges of large-cap U.S. equities. The composition of the S&P 500 is not static; it is managed by the S&P Dow Jones Indices, which periodically adds or removes companies based on a set of criteria. These criteria include market capitalization, liquidity, and sector representation. A committee makes these decisions to ensure the index remains a relevant and accurate benchmark for the U.S. economy. Changes to the index can be prompted by mergers, acquisitions, significant growth or decline in a company's market value, or shifts in the broader economic landscape.
The healthcare sector within the S&P 500 is a dynamic and influential group, encompassing a wide array of businesses, from pharmaceutical giants and biotechnology pioneers to medical device manufacturers and health insurance providers. These companies are at the forefront of medical innovation, developing life-saving drugs and technologies that impact lives globally. As such, the performance of S&P 500 healthcare stocks is closely watched by investors seeking both growth potential and the stability that comes with a non-cyclical demand for health-related products and services.
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List of S&P 500 Healthcare Stocks
The following is a comprehensive list of the S&P 500 healthcare stocks for the second quarter of 2025. The companies are organized by sub-industry, providing a clearer picture of the sector's composition. For each company, you will find its stock market symbol, a brief description of its business, founding year, and headquarter location.
Pharmaceuticals
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV): A research-based biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing advanced therapies for complex diseases. Founded in 2013 (spinoff from Abbott Labs), it is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois.
Amgen Inc. (AMGN): A pioneer in biotechnology that discovers, develops, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. Founded in 1980, it is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): A global biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases. Founded in 1887, it is headquartered in New York, New York.
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): A leading pharmaceutical company known for its drugs in areas such as diabetes, oncology, and neuroscience. Founded in 1876, it is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): A research-based biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for life-threatening illnesses like HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1987, it is headquartered in Foster City, California.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): A global healthcare giant with products in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and consumer health sectors. Founded in 1886, it is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK): A global pharmaceutical company that produces a wide range of medicines and vaccines. Founded in 1891, it is headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey.
Organon & Co. (OGN): A global pharmaceutical company dedicated to women's health, producing contraceptives and fertility treatments. Founded in 2021 (spinoff from Merck), it is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE): One of the world's premier biopharmaceutical companies, developing a wide range of vaccines and medicines. Founded in 1849, it is headquartered in New York, New York.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): A global biotechnology company creating transformative medicines, with a focus on cystic fibrosis. Founded in 1989, it is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Viatris Inc. (VTRS): A global healthcare company that provides access to medicines, including brand-name drugs and generics. Founded in 2020 (merger of Mylan and Upjohn), it is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): The largest global animal health company, commercializing a diverse portfolio of animal medicines and vaccines. Founded in 2013 (spinoff from Pfizer), it is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Health Care Equipment & Supplies
Abbott Laboratories (ABT): A global healthcare company with a broad portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, and nutritionals. Founded in 1888, it is headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois.
Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN): The designer and manufacturer of the Invisalign system of clear teeth aligners. Founded in 1997, it is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
Baxter International Inc. (BAX): A healthcare company providing a portfolio of essential renal and hospital products. Founded in 1931, it is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX): A global medical technology company selling medical supplies, devices, and diagnostic products. Founded in 1897, it is headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX): A global developer and marketer of medical devices used in interventional medical specialties. Founded in 1979, it is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
The Cooper Companies, Inc. (COO): A global medical device company operating through its CooperVision and CooperSurgical segments. Founded in 1958, it is headquartered in San Ramon, California.
Dexcom, Inc. (DXCM): A company that develops and distributes continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes management. Founded in 1999, it is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW): A global leader in medical innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. Founded in 1958, it is headquartered in Irvine, California.
Hologic, Inc. (HOLX): A medical technology company focused on improving women's health through early detection and treatment. Founded in 1985, it is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (IDXX): A global leader in veterinary diagnostics, software, and water microbiology testing. Founded in 1983, it is headquartered in Westbrook, Maine.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG): The pioneer in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery with its da Vinci Surgical System. Founded in 1995, it is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Medtronic plc (MDT): One of the world's largest medical technology companies, developing a wide range of medical devices and therapies. Founded in 1949, it is operationally headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
ResMed Inc. (RMD): A leading developer of medical equipment for treating and managing sleep-disordered breathing. Founded in 1989, it is headquartered in San Diego, California.
STERIS plc (STE): A leading provider of infection prevention and other procedural products and services. Founded in 1985, it is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio.
Stryker Corporation (SYK): A leading medical technology company offering innovative products in orthopaedics and surgical equipment. Founded in 1941, it is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Teleflex Incorporated (TFX): A global provider of medical technologies for critical care and surgery. Founded in 1943, it is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (WST): A leading manufacturer of containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs. Founded in 1923, it is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH): A global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, specializing in orthopedic reconstructive products. Founded in 1927, it is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana.
Health Care Providers & Services
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH): A global, integrated healthcare services and products company. Founded in 1971, it is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
Cencora, Inc. (COR): A leading global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services company. Founded in 2001 (as AmerisourceBergen), it is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Centene Corporation (CNC): A multi-national healthcare enterprise providing services to government-sponsored healthcare programs. Founded in 1984, it is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
Cigna Group (CI): A global health services company offering a wide range of health insurance and related products. Founded in 1792, it is headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
CVS Health Corporation (CVS): An integrated pharmacy health care company with a major presence in retail and insurance. Founded in 1963, it is headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
DaVita Inc. (DVA): A leading provider of kidney care services through its network of outpatient dialysis centers. Founded in 1994, it is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV): A health benefits company offering network-based managed care plans. Founded in 2004, it is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA): One of the largest operators of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the United States. Founded in 1968, it is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
Henry Schein, Inc. (HSIC): A provider of health care products and services to office-based dental and medical practitioners. Founded in 1932, it is headquartered in Melville, New York.
Humana Inc. (HUM): A leading health and well-being company offering health insurance products and wellness services. Founded in 1961, it is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
McKesson Corporation (MCK): A leading provider of healthcare supplies and pharmaceutical distribution services. Founded in 1833, it is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Molina Healthcare, Inc. (MOH): A managed care company providing health insurance through government programs. Founded in 1980, it is headquartered in Long Beach, California.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH): A diversified healthcare company offering products and services through its UnitedHealthcare and Optum platforms. Founded in 1977, it is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Life Sciences Tools & Services
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A): A leader in life sciences and diagnostics, providing instruments, software, and services. Founded in 1999 (spinoff from HP), it is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Biogen Inc. (BIIB): A biotechnology company focused on delivering innovative therapies for neurological diseases. Founded in 1978, it is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL): A contract research organization offering preclinical and clinical lab services. Founded in 1947, it is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Danaher Corporation (DHR): A global science and technology innovator that manufactures and markets professional and medical products. Founded in 1969, it is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Illumina, Inc. (ILMN): A leading developer and manufacturer of systems for genetic variation and biological function analysis. Founded in 1998, it is headquartered in San Diego, California.
IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV): A global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services. Founded in 2016 (merger of Quintiles and IMS Health), it is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH): A leading global life sciences company providing vital diagnostic information. Founded in 1978, it is headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina.
Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (MTD): A global manufacturer of precision instruments and services for laboratories and manufacturing. Founded in 1945, it is headquartered in Greifensee, Switzerland.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO): A global leader in serving science, offering analytical instruments, equipment, and software. Founded in 1956, it is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Waters Corporation (WAT): A specialty measurement company that has pioneered chromatography and mass spectrometry innovations. Founded in 1958, it is headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
Biotechnology
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (BIO): A manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products. Founded in 1952, it is headquartered in Hercules, California.
Incyte Corporation (INCY): A biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics. Founded in 1991, it is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.
Moderna, Inc. (MRNA): A biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. Founded in 2010, it is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): A leading biotechnology company that develops and commercializes medicines for serious medical conditions. Founded in 1988, it is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.
Historically Cheapest and Most Expensive S&P 500 Healthcare Stocks
Determining the "cheapest" and "most expensive" stocks can be approached from several angles, including absolute stock price and valuation multiples like the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio.
Historically, in terms of absolute stock price, companies that have undergone numerous stock splits over their long histories, such as Pfizer (PFE), have often traded at a lower per-share price, making them more accessible to smaller retail investors. Conversely, companies with very high absolute stock prices are less common in the healthcare sector compared to technology, but a company like Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) has at times traded at a high absolute price point before stock splits.
From a valuation perspective, which is often a more insightful measure of "cheap" or "expensive," the picture is more fluid. Biotechnology stocks, for instance, can trade at very high P/E ratios or even have negative earnings (and thus no P/E ratio) during their research and development phases, making them appear "expensive" based on current earnings. However, this reflects investor optimism about future growth. On the other hand, established pharmaceutical giants like Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) and Gilead Sciences (GILD) have at times traded at relatively low P/E ratios compared to the broader market, suggesting they could be considered "cheaper" on a relative basis, especially if they have strong pipelines and stable cash flows.
🔖 Conclusion
The list of S&P 500 healthcare stocks in the second quarter of 2025 represent a diverse and powerful segment of the U.S. economy. From established pharmaceutical behemoths with centuries of history to innovative biotechnology firms pushing the boundaries of medicine, this sector offers a wide range of investment opportunities. While the quarter saw minimal changes in the overall composition of this group, the constant evolution of the healthcare industry means that investors must remain vigilant. Understanding the key players, their financial health, and their role in the broader healthcare ecosystem is crucial for making informed investment decisions. The stability of demand for healthcare services, coupled with the relentless pace of innovation, ensures that the S&P 500 healthcare stocks will continue to be a focal point for investors for the foreseeable future.
For an updated summary of relevant information on healthcare stocks belonging to the S&P 500, visit our daily summary.
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