Top Health Care Stocks

JNJ -0.20%

PZE +0.91%

MRK +0.54%

ABT +0.52%

AMGN +0.14%

Health care stocks were slightly higher, with the NYSE Health Care Sector Index climbing about 0.2% and shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 advancing about 0.3% as a group.

In company news, Healthways ( HWAY ) rose to a nearly seven-year Monday after the health care services company said it was exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

The company also said it recently retained J.P.Morgan Securities to assist with the review, adding it does not expect to make additional announcements unless there is a material event approved by the its board of directors.

HWAY shares were up more than 11% at $21.90 each, earlier reaching their best share price since May 2008 at $22.25 a share. The stock already had risen more than 20% over the past 12 month prior to Monday's advance.

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Health Care Sector Update for 01/26/2015: HWAY,ATNM,MSTX