01:48 PM EST, 02/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were higher Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) adding 0.8%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.9%.

In corporate news, Hims & Hers Health ( HIMS ) shares jumped past 21% after the company said it has bought at-home lab testing facility, Sigmund NJ LLC marketed as Trybe Labs, to allow the company to offer at-home blood testing through its platform.

UnitedHealth Group's ( UNH ) UnitedHealthcare has offered buyouts under a voluntary resignation program to some employees in its benefits operations unit, CNBC reported Wednesday. UnitedHealth Group's ( UNH ) shares added 0.2%.

Philips (PHG) shares fell nearly 11% after it reported Q4 adjusted income from continuing operations below analyst estimates while sales declined.