Australia’s healthcare sector remains a vital part of the ASX200, and on 26 May 2025, some of the market’s most prominent healthcare stocks have been making headlines with their diverse performances. From biotechnology giants to cutting-edge medtech developers, these companies play a crucial role in both the local and global healthcare landscape.
This article takes a detailed look at how the biggest healthcare stocks on the ASX are performing today, including CSL Limited (CSL), Sigma Healthcare (SIG), Pro Medicus (PME), ResMed (RMD), and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (FPH).
CSL Ltd (ASX:CSL): Biotechnology Titan Holds Firm
CSL Ltd
Price: $247.30 | Change: +$0.92 (+0.37%)
CSL, Australia’s third-largest listed company by market cap, remains a core pillar of the ASX200 healthcare sector. As of midday, CSL’s stock is trading slightly higher, up 0.37%, continuing its modest recovery.
Despite this gain, CSL remains in negative territory for 2025 YTD, down -12.17%, and has shed nearly -12% over the past year. Nevertheless, its global footprint in biopharmaceuticals and its dominant role in plasma therapies and vaccines keep it as a defensive stalwart in the healthcare space.
Key Takeaways:
- Market cap: $119.7 billion
- ASX Rank: #3 overall, #1 in healthcare
- Long-term fundamentals remain strong despite recent underperformance
Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX:SIG): Star Performer in Pharmacy Distribution
Price: $3.12 | Change: -$0.01 (-0.32%)
Sigma Healthcare, a pharmacy distribution powerhouse, has become one of the sector’s brightest stars, with a stunning 1-year gain of +155.74%. Although down slightly by 0.32% today, the overall momentum behind SIG remains positive.
The company has benefitted from structural tailwinds in healthcare access and pharmacy reforms, and it boasts an impressive YTD performance of +19.08%.
Key Takeaways:
- 1-Year return: +155.74%
- Sector-beating growth: +157.65% vs healthcare average
- High liquidity: over 6.7 million shares traded today
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX:PME): Tech-Driven Imaging Pioneer Sees Slight Dip
Price: $272.44 | Change: -$2.04 (-0.74%)
Pro Medicus is the leading name in healthcare imaging software on the ASX, delivering world-class RIS and radiology platforms to global hospitals. After a phenomenal +29.25% gain in the past month, PME shares have slipped slightly today, down 0.74%.
Even so, its long-term trajectory remains outstanding, up +135.47% over the past year, far outperforming both the healthcare sector and the broader ASX200.
Key Takeaways:
- Strong innovation-driven rally
- Market cap: $28.45 billion
- Impressive international revenue streams and growth outlook
ResMed Inc (ASX:RMD): Sleep Tech Leader Takes a Breather
ResMed Inc
Price: $37.35 | Change: -$0.95 (-2.48%)
ResMed, known for its sleep apnea and respiratory care devices, is trading weaker today, down 2.48%, marking it as one of the day’s underperformers in the healthcare sector.
Despite today’s fall, ResMed has still delivered a strong 1-year return of +17.45% and remains one of the most innovative players in medtech. Its global operations span over 140 countries, and its cloud-connected healthcare solutions continue to gain traction.
Key Takeaways:
- Mixed short-term signals but strong long-term fundamentals
- ASX Rank: #28 overall, #4 in healthcare
- Resilient YTD: +1.58%
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (ASX:FPH): Quiet But Consistent Growth
Price: $33.43 | Change: +$0.04 (+0.12%)
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, a leader in respiratory and sleep apnea devices, is inching higher today with a modest 0.12% gain. While it’s down -4.35% YTD, the company’s 1-year performance is robust at +28.97%, bolstered by strong global demand for its hospital respiratory systems.
With products sold in over 120 countries and a stable earnings profile, FPH continues to deliver value to long-term investors.
Key Takeaways:
- Market cap: $19.6 billion
- Sector Rank: #5
- Global sales and consistent product innovation support its strong long-term view
Conclusion: Healthcare Sector Highlights Mixed Fortunes
Today’s ASX200 News paints a varied picture for the healthcare sector. CSL and FPH have shown slight gains, while PME and RMD face modest declines. Sigma Healthcare remains the standout over the past year, despite a small dip today.
Overall, the healthcare sector on the ASX200 continues to be a diverse mix of biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical distribution giants — each with unique catalysts and performance trajectories. While macroeconomic headwinds and valuation pressures weigh on some names, others are capitalising on innovation and demographic trends to deliver strong shareholder returns.
Investors looking at the healthcare sector should remain aware of the broader market sentiment but can take comfort in the long-term strength and resilience of Australia’s top healthcare players.
