10 Worst Performing Healthcare Stocks in 2024

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 10 worst performing healthcare stocks in 2024.

The Evolving Landscape of Global Healthcare Spending and Innovation

The healthcare industry remains a vital and resilient sector which is driven by advancements in technology, increasing global demand, and an aging population. ReportLinker projects that the healthcare services industry will grow from $7.5 trillion in 2022 to $7.975 trillion in 2023. It is anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%, or $9.8 trillion, through 2027. The global healthcare market is divided into several segments, including hospitals, digital health, and healthcare services. The hospital market alone is predicted to grow by 4.18% a year between 2024 and 2029, reaching a market value of $5.19 trillion.

In 2021, worldwide healthcare spending reached a record $9.8 trillion, or 10.3% of global GDP, according to a report released by the World Health Organization in December 2023. Spending was not uniformly dispersed, either, with low-income nations becoming more dependent on foreign help as government health spending declined. High-income nations spent about $4,000 per capita on health care, but 11% of the world’s population resided in nations that spent less than $50 per person. Even while public health spending increased during COVID-19, this trend is unlikely to continue because nations are dealing with issues like high inflation, weak growth, and mounting debt.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), national healthcare spending is projected to reach an estimated $4.8 trillion in 2023 and grow at an annual rate of 5.6% between 2027 and 2032.

A patient-centered, technology-driven revolution is taking place in the healthcare industry. Thanks to the epidemic, telehealth has become widely accepted; in 2023, the global market was estimated to be worth $60.15 billion and is predicted to continue growing. By 2028, the genomics-driven precision medicine market, which provides individualized therapies based on genetic composition, is expected to reach $50.2 billion. With $31.5 billion in equity funding from 2019 to 2022 and the potential for $360 billion in annual US savings over the next five years, AI is also revolutionizing healthcare. The global market for remote patient monitoring (RPM), which was valued at $71.9 billion in 2023, is expected to continue expanding thanks to wearable technology.

Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course, said:

“Sustained public financing on health is urgently needed to progress towards universal health coverage. It is especially critical at this time when the world is confronted by the climate crisis, conflicts, and other complex emergencies. People’s health and well-being need to be protected by resilient health systems that can also withstand these shocks.”

The Looming Collapse of U.S. Healthcare

The most concerning aspect of the healthcare industry is the looming collapse of the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in terms of workforce shortages and financial instability. The healthcare industry is facing a severe staffing crisis. By 2030, it is projected that 124,000 more physicians will be needed, and 800,000 registered nurses (RNs) are anticipated to leave the profession by 2027. The current turnover rate for staff RNs is a staggering 24%. This shortage has led to the closure of vital patient services, including Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics, and ICUs in some healthcare systems.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. continues to spend nearly twice as much on healthcare as the OECD average, with worse outcomes on average. This disparity highlights the inefficiency and unsustainability of the current system. Additionally, 58% of hospital bad debt comes from insured patients, further straining the revenue cycle and limiting funds available for clinical services. The combination of these factors paints a grim picture of the U.S. healthcare system’s future. Without significant intervention and reform, the industry risks a systemic collapse that could have far-reaching consequences for public health and the economy.

10 worst performing healthcare Stocks in 2024

A medical technician in a lab coat overseeing a complex piece of healthcare technology equipment.

Our Methodology 

In our methodology, we used a stock screener to pick stocks with a market capitalization above $10 billion and assessed their year-to-date (YTD) returns. We subsequently identified those with underwhelming YTD performance as of November 11 and ranked them accordingly.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Here is our list of the 10 worst-performing healthcare stocks in 2024.  

10. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX)

Total YTD Return: -17.12% 

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) is a global leader in veterinary diagnostics and water microbiology testing. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing products for pet healthcare, livestock and poultry diagnostics, and water quality testing. Its core business includes providing diagnostic tests, imaging systems, and practice management software to veterinary clinics and animal hospitals, as well as health tests for livestock and poultry and solutions for water safety testing. IDXX is down by over 17% since the start of 2024, which makes it one of the worst performing healthcare stocks.

In Q3 2024, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) reported a 6% organic revenue growth, with notable contributions from its Companion Animal Group (CAG) diagnostics, which grew by 7%, and its water business, which saw a 13% growth. However, this growth was overshadowed by a 2% decline in its Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy (LPD) segment and overall pressures from the U.S. macroeconomic environment that constrained clinical visits to veterinary practices. The company had to revise its full-year organic revenue growth outlook down to 5.3% from 6%, reflecting a reduction of 1% to 1.5% compared to previous forecasts due to these external pressures.

Analysts have expressed caution regarding the corporation’s future performance, with several lowering their price targets significantly. For instance, JPMorgan reduced its target from $630 to $575, while Barclays set a new target of $481, reflecting a bearish sentiment towards the stock.

Baron Partners Fund stated the following regarding IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“Shares of veterinary diagnostics leader IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) detracted from performance. Foot traffic to veterinary clinics in the U.S. remains uneven, which will modestly hamper aggregate revenue growth. Despite this, IDEXX’s excellent execution has enabled the company to continue to deliver robust financial results. We believe IDEXX’s competitive trends are outstanding, and we expect new proprietary innovations and field sales force expansion to be meaningful contributors to growth in 2024. We see increasing evidence that long-term secular trends around pet ownership and pet care spending have been structurally accelerated, which should help support IDEXX’s long-term growth rate.”

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 42 hedge fund holders held shares in IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) in Q3 2024, with Fundsmith LLP being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $1.3 billion. Street analysts hold a consensus Moderate Buy rating on the stock.

9. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST)

Total YTD Return: -17.88% 

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) is a global manufacturer specializing in drug packaging and delivery systems for injectable medications. The company designs and produces a variety of products, including stoppers, seals, syringes, cartridge components, and self-injection systems. It primarily serves pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients by offering containment and delivery solutions for their drugs.

In Q3 2024, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) reported revenues of $746.9 million, marking a 0.5% organic sales decline compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline was attributed to significant de-stocking by customers, which overshadowed price increases and foreign currency benefits that collectively contributed an additional $34.2 million to sales. The company’s adjusted operating profit margin fell to 21.5%, down 270 basis points from Q3 2023, while adjusted diluted EPS decreased by 14.4%, reflecting the pressures on both revenue and costs. The company’s mixed earnings and share price decline this year make it one of the worst performing healthcare stocks on our list.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 31 hedge fund holders held shares in West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) in Q3 2024, with Durable Capital Partners being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $325.9 million. Street analysts hold a consensus Strong Buy rating on the stock.

8. Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH)

Total YTD Return: -19.89% 

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH) is a managed care company that primarily provides health insurance through government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Founded in 1980 by Dr. C. David Molina as a single clinic in Long Beach, California, the company aimed to serve low-income patients often turned away by other providers. Today, Molina operates in 19 states across the U.S. and serves over 5.1 million members.

In Q3 2024, Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH) reported premium revenue of approximately $9.7 billion, reflecting a 17% year-over-year growth. However, this growth was overshadowed by an 89.2% Medical Care Ratio (MCR), which indicates that nearly 90 cents of every dollar earned was spent on medical care, significantly higher than expected and above their long-term target range of 85-88%. The elevated MCR was driven by increased medical costs in both Medicaid and Medicare segments, with specific challenges noted in California due to a retroactive premium rate reduction that negatively impacted margins.

Despite the revenue increase, Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH)’s profitability faced pressure. The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $6.01 met expectations but highlighted a concerning trend in cost management. The adjusted pre-tax margin stood at 4.5%, which, while within their target range, reflects an environment where costs are rising faster than revenue growth in key segments.

While Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH) has shown strong revenue growth and operational discipline, its high Medical Care Ratio, profitability pressures, mixed market sentiment, and external challenges contribute to its classification as one of the worst-performing healthcare stocks in the eyes of some investors and analysts.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 37 hedge fund holders held shares in the company in Q3 2024, with Durable Capital Partners being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $361.4 million.

7. Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN)

Total YTD Return: -21.16% 

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) is a medical device company that specializes in orthodontic and dental solutions, primarily known for its Invisalign system—a series of clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The company also produces intraoral scanners, like the iTero line, used by dentists and orthodontists to create 3D digital impressions of patients’ teeth.

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) has invested significantly in research and development, recently launching the Palatal Expander system—a 3D-printed orthodontic device designed to widen the upper arch in growing patients. This system has received positive feedback from doctors and patients and is expected to drive significant growth for the company.

In the third quarter of 2024, Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) reported total revenues of $977.9 million, a modest increase of 1.8% year-over-year. However, this growth was overshadowed by a 5.4% sequential decline in Clear Aligner revenues, which totaled $786.8 million. The company’s diluted net income per share was $1.55, down from $1.59 in the same quarter last year. Notably, foreign exchange fluctuations negatively impacted revenues by approximately $14.6 million year-over-year.

Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN)’s operating income for Q3 2024 was $162.3 million, translating to an operating margin of 16.6% (non-GAAP operating margin of 22.1%). The decline in profitability is concerning, especially given that operating expenses rose significantly, with selling, general, and administrative costs increasing to $434.1 million compared to $408 million in Q3 2023. This increase in costs, coupled with declining revenues from their core product line, has raised alarms about the company’s ability to maintain profitability. Moreover, ALGN has declined by more than 21% since the start of 2024, which makes it one of the worst performing healthcare stocks.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 50 hedge fund holders held shares in Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) in Q3 2024, with Citadel Investment Group being the largest stakeholder owning shares worth $394.5 million.

6. Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB)

Total YTD Return: -26.75% 

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) is a biotechnology company that develops therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal muscular atrophy. Its main products are prescription medications targeting these disorders.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB)’s Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, has seen a slower-than-expected launch, struggling against competition from treatments like Eli Lilly’s Kisunla. Analysts question its market penetration and effectiveness, raising concerns about future revenues. Biogen’s pipeline is viewed as uninspiring, with limited innovative therapies, though promising developments like felzartamab for kidney transplant patients offer some hope.

In Q3 2024, Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) reported revenue of $2.5 billion, reflecting a 3% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023. This decline was attributed to underperformance in its core pharmaceutical revenue streams, which also fell by 3%. Despite a 66% increase in global revenue from its Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, compared to Q2 2024, this growth was insufficient to offset losses from other products and overall market expectations.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) non-GAAP diluted EPS for Q3 was $4.08, down 6% year-over-year. While non-GAAP operating income increased by 4%, this was largely due to cost-cutting measures rather than significant revenue growth. The company’s focus on R&D prioritization and efficiency improvements has not translated into sustainable profitability or revenue growth, raising concerns among investors about the long-term viability of its financial strategies

Analysts have recently downgraded their outlook on Biogen, projecting limited catalysts for growth over the next year and suggesting that the stock may remain flat until at least 2026. Although some analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” rating, the overall sentiment reflects caution due to ongoing challenges within the company and its competitive landscape.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 49 hedge fund holders held shares in the company in Q3 2024, with RA Capital Management being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $229.5 million.

5. Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB)

Total YTD Return: -27.89% 

Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB) is a Danish biotech company focused on developing antibody therapies for cancer and severe diseases, using advanced platforms like bispecific T-cell engagers, immune modulators, and antibody-drug conjugates.

Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB)’s TEPKINLY, the first subcutaneous bispecific antibody targeting cancerous B-cells, was approved by the European Commission and aims to revolutionize cancer treatment by 2030. In July, the FDA approved EPKINLY (epcoritamab-bysp) for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more systemic therapies. The approval, based on an 82% overall response rate in clinical trials, makes EPKINLY the first subcutaneously administered T-cell engaging bispecific antibody for FL in the U.S. It’s also approved for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB)’s stock hit a new 52-week low of $20.47, reflecting a significant drop from its previous highs, placing it among the worst performing healthcare stocks. The stock has shown a downward trend, with a 31.15% decrease over the past year which indicates ongoing challenges in maintaining investor confidence.  In its latest earnings report, the company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.29, which fell short of analysts’ expectations of $0.32. This miss contributed to negative perceptions about the company’s financial health and future growth prospects. It also reported revenue of $816.10 million, which was below the consensus estimate of $838.20 million. Such performance raises concerns about Genmab’s ability to generate sufficient revenue, especially in light of its ambitious goals in cancer treatment.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 14 hedge fund holders held shares in Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB) in Q3 2024, with Renaissance Technologies being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $43.5 million.

4. BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)

Total YTD Return: -27.95% 

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is a global biotechnology company founded in 1997 that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative therapies for rare genetic diseases, primarily affecting small patient populations, often children. The company focuses on enzyme replacement therapies and targeted treatments that address the underlying genetic causes of these disorders.

A potential catalyst for BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is the progress of ROCTAVIAN, its gene therapy for hemophilia A, which the company is preparing to launch in various markets. Success could significantly boost revenue and market position. Additionally, the rapid global adoption of Voxzogo, particularly among families with young children—approximately 3,500 children were receiving treatment by the end of Q2 2024—presents another growth opportunity that could drive future revenue.

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) stock has hit a 52-week low of $68.80, reflecting a 20.38% decrease over the past year and a 23.21% decline in the last month. Key factors behind this underperformance include competitive pressures from emerging rivals, particularly Ascendis Pharma’s promising trial results for achondroplasia treatment, and disappointing first-quarter performance of ROCTAVIAN, BioMarin’s gene therapy, which places the company among the worst performing healthcare stocks in 2024. Broader market trends and economic challenges have further dampened investor sentiment, leading several analysts to lower their price targets for the company. However, the company has already initiated a strategy to reduce annual expenses to approximately $60 million, aiming for profitability by the end of 2025.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 54 hedge fund holders held shares in the company in Q3 2024, with Viking Global being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $685.5 million.

3. Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM)

Total YTD Return: -41.37%’ 

Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) is a key player in the health insurance industry, offering health and wellness services to millions of Americans. The company provides various insurance products, including Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage, and commercial health insurance, primarily serving individuals, especially seniors, and employers seeking group health coverage.

Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) focuses on leveraging its healthcare delivery and services infrastructure to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Its consistently high Star ratings in Medicare Advantage plans provide a competitive advantage, attracting beneficiaries and strengthening its market position. Wall Street believes that enhancing this infrastructure is crucial for Humana to differentiate itself in a competitive market and tackle ongoing challenges.

In Q3 2024, Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) reported earnings per share (EPS) of $4.16, surpassing expectations of $3.40. Despite this positive earnings surprise, the underlying revenue growth has been modest. The company anticipates a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 5% in individual Medicare Advantage (MA) membership, which reflects disciplined pricing strategies and increased marketing investments. However, the overall profitability remains under scrutiny due to escalating medical costs and operational inefficiencies, placing the company among the worst performing stocks.

The medical loss ratio (MLR) has remained stable but is influenced by higher specialty drug costs and other non-inpatient utilization trends. Analysts have noted that while Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM)’s claims development aligns with expectations, the company faces significant headwinds from rising healthcare costs that could pressure margins moving forward.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 60 hedge fund holders held shares in Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) in Q3 2024, with Eagle Capital Management being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $1.28 billion.

2. DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM)

Total YTD Return: -43.95% 

DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) is a medical device company that specializes in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for diabetes management. It develops, manufactures, and sells CGM devices that provide real-time glucose readings, enabling patients to monitor their blood sugar levels without frequent finger pricks. The primary product is a small sensor inserted under the skin, which transmits glucose data to a smartphone or other display device.

In Q3 2024, DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) reported total revenue of $994 million, a modest increase from $975 million in Q3 2023, translating to a 2% growth on a reported basis and 3% organic growth. However, this growth was primarily driven by international markets, where revenue increased by 12% to $292 million, while U.S. revenue declined by 2%, totaling $702 million. The decline in U.S. sales was attributed to slower new customer starts and a reduction in revenue per customer due to increased rebate eligibility, which negatively impacted growth by approximately 6 percentage points.

Despite the slight revenue growth, the company’s profitability metrics reflected challenges. The gross profit margin decreased to 63% from 64.7%, and operating income fell to $212 million, representing 21.3% of revenue, down from 24.5% the previous year. This decline was exacerbated by a $24.6 million non-cash charge related to inventory issues, which further strained profitability.

Although not officially confirmed by DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM), some analysts speculate that the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs may impact the demand for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. These drugs help patients manage diabetes and lose weight, potentially decreasing the need for CGM systems.

As tracked by the Insider Monkey database, 55 hedge fund holders held shares in DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM) in Q3 2024, with D E Shaw being the largest stakeholder with shares worth $162.8 million.

1. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)

Total YTD Return: -44.88% 

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) is a biotechnology company specializing in messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. It develops synthetic mRNA that instructs cells to produce proteins to prevent or treat diseases. The company’s primary focus has been on vaccines, notably its COVID-19 vaccine, which is its first commercially approved product.

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) has faced significant challenges recently, leading to a decline in its stock price, which makes Moderna, inc. stand among the worst performing healthcare stocks. The company announced plans to cut its Research and Development (R&D) budget by approximately 20% over the next three years due to low sales projections and disappointing vaccine sales. This includes discontinuing five R&D programs to save $1.1 billion annually by 2027. Additionally, Moderna provided cautious sales guidance for 2025 and aims to achieve break-even by 2028.

Short-term headwinds include declining COVID-19 vaccination rates and a slow ramp-up for its RSV vaccine. Of the ten new products expected by 2027, Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) plans to file for approval for three this year: a new COVID/flu vaccine, a next-gen COVID vaccine, and an RSV vaccine for high-risk adults aged 18 to 59.

Despite these challenges, Wall Street remains optimistic about Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)’s future, particularly regarding the rollout of its RSV vaccine, mRESVIA, in the US, and positive feedback from the European Medicines Agency. The company’s pipeline is also showing progress, with encouraging Phase III results for its flu and COVID-19 combo vaccine, supported by recent partnerships with BARDA and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma.

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) anticipates a 40%–50% sales increase in Q3 2024 and aims to end the year with approximately $9 billion in cash, expecting to return to growth in 2025. The company is optimistic about sales contributions from the EU market in 2025 and 2026. Moderna continues to adapt to the evolving vaccine market through new product rollouts and partnerships.

Overall, MRNA ranks first among the 10 worst performing healthcare stocks in 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of healthcare companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MRNA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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