02:05 PM EDT, 07/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Health care stocks were advancing Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index adding 0.4% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) up 0.5%.

The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) shed 0.2%.

In corporate news, Augmedix ( AUGX ) shares surged nearly 147% after the company said it had agreed to be acquired by Commure in an all-cash deal valued at about $139 million.

Intuitive Surgical ( ISRG ) shares jumped 8.6% in recent trading Friday, a day after it reported better-than-expected results for Q2.

Surgery Partners ( SGRY ) is considering strategic options, including a potential sale, and is working with a financial adviser to evaluate buyer interest, Bloomberg reported late Thursday. Surgery Partners ( SGRY ) shares rose 0.4%.