S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare shares have largely performed well in 2021.
Of the 13 companies categorised as ASX 200 healthcare shares, 10 are in the black for the calendar year while only 3 are showing losses.
Additionally, 7 of the 13 ASX 200 healthcare shares are beating the performance of the index, which has gained just under 13% year-to-date.
Below we take a look at the best and worst performer so far this year.
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At the bottom of the 2021 list
The worst ASX 200 healthcare share performer so far in 2021 is Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV).
Year-to-date, Polynovo's share price is down 44%. The medical device company is currently trading for $2.21 per share.
Polynovo hit turbulence early in the year when its half year financial results for the 6 months ending 31 December 2020, while showing sales growth, came in below guidance. Shares fell by 31% in January
COVID-19, a boon for some healthcare companies, has worked against this one.
The company depends on its access to surgeons and ongoing elective surgeries for growth. In May, shares suffered another sharp fall after the company reported a slowdown on both fronts due to the pandemic.
Top ASX 200 healthcare share performer in 2021
Coming in at the top of the list for ASX 200 healthcare shares in 2021 is Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME).
The healthcare imaging software and services provider's share price is up 59% year-to-date, currently trading for $55.76.
Pro Medicus kicked off the New Year well, with the announcement of a major new contract win on 13 January for its Visage Imaging business.
The 7-year contract was signed with Intermountain Healthcare, the largest medical services provider in the US state of Utah. The company estimated the value of the contract at $40 million.
Pro Medicus shares gained 22% in January.
Shares enjoyed another boost in May with the announcement of another new contract win on 13 May. The 8-year deal with The University of Vermont Health Network in the US state of Vermont was valued at $14 million.
The company's share's price has gained 37% since it released that announcement.
