Exploring the Strategic Moves in the Health Sciences Sector

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) recently submitted its N-PORT filing for the first quarter of 2025, shedding light on its strategic investment decisions during this period. The fund, which operates from Boston and London, focuses on companies engaged in the health sciences sector, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. With a keen eye on aging demographics, innovation, and rising global incomes, the fund aims to capitalize on the anticipated growth in healthcare spending. The portfolio managers prioritize stocks that are reasonably priced relative to their fundamental value, with a focus on long-term growth potential. This approach involves evaluating factors such as market share expansion for larger companies and the potential of research and development projects for smaller entities.

Summary of New Buy

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) added a total of 1 stock, among them:

• The most significant addition was Humana Inc (NYSE:HUM), with 47,874 shares, accounting for 1.33% of the portfolio and a total value of $12.95 million.

Key Position Increases

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) also increased stakes in a total of 5 stocks, among them:

• The most notable increase was Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), with an additional 47,907 shares, bringing the total to 321,656 shares. This adjustment represents a significant 17.5% increase in share count, a 0.68% impact on the current portfolio, and a total value of $44,391,740.
• The second largest increase was Edwards Lifesciences Corp (NYSE:EW), with an additional 50,491 shares, bringing the total to 200,470. This adjustment represents a significant 33.67% increase in share count, with a total value of $14,357,660.

Summary of Sold Out

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) completely exited 1 holding in the first quarter of 2025, as detailed below:

• Neogen Corp (NASDAQ:NEOG): Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) sold all 420,833 shares, resulting in a -0.59% impact on the portfolio.

Key Position Reduces

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio) also reduced positions in 10 stocks. The most significant changes include:

• Reduced UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) by 56,594 shares, resulting in a -39.43% decrease in shares and a -3.43% impact on the portfolio. The stock traded at an average price of $524.54 during the quarter and has returned -17.02% over the past 3 months and -13.89% year-to-date.
• Reduced Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ:ISRG) by 15,539 shares, resulting in a -20.33% reduction in shares and a -0.84% impact on the portfolio. The stock traded at an average price of $563 during the quarter and has returned -21.96% over the past 3 months and -9.67% year-to-date.

Portfolio Overview

At the first quarter of 2025, Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund (Trades, Portfolio)'s portfolio included 46 stocks. The top holdings included 11.18% in Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY), 6.38% in AbbVie Inc (NYSE:ABBV), 5.26% in Novo Nordisk AS (OCSE:NOVO B), 4.94% in AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN), and 4.55% in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT).

The holdings are mainly concentrated in 1 of all the 11 industries: Healthcare.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

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