
Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector is showing initial signs of recovery after reaching a 30-year high in valuation discount relative to the S&P 500 index [1][2] Group 1: Market Performance - Since reaching a historical high on September 3, 2024, healthcare stocks have been in a "persistent downtrend," underperforming both in absolute terms and relative to the S&P 500 [1] - August is identified as a turning point for the sector, with healthcare stocks beginning to reverse their previous weak performance [1] Group 2: Economic Environment - The recovery is driven by a historically significant valuation gap and an economic backdrop characterized by GDP growth slowing to 1.5% or lower while inflation remains at 3% or higher, which historically favors the healthcare sector [1] - The dual effect of valuation discount and improved sentiment provides strong justification for including healthcare stocks in investment portfolios under the current economic conditions [2] Group 3: Investment Recommendations - Evercore ISI highlights several healthcare stocks with attractive valuations and sentiment, including Cencora (COR.US), BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN.US), Cigna (CI.US), Cardinal Health (CAH.US), Humana (HUM.US), Incyte (INCY.US), LabCorp (LH.US), Pfizer (PFE.US), Quest Diagnostics (DGX.US), Teleflex (TFX.US), Tenet Healthcare (THC.US), Universal Health Services (UHS.US), and Viatris (VTRS.US) [2]