Health care stocks were edging higher pre-bell Thursday, with the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) up 0.1% and the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) advancing by 0.2%.

Philips (PHG) said it continues to expect "acceleration toward" mid-single-digit comparative sales growth in 2026, but Reuters reported that company executives indicated 2026 organic sales growth is unlikely to double from roughly 2% this year. Shares of Philips were down more than 5% premarket.

Axogen (AXGN) shares were up more than 8% after the company said the US Food and Drug Administration has approved its biologics license application for Avance, which is intended to treat sensory, mixed and motor peripheral nerve discontinuities.

Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) stock was up more than 2% after the company said it has completed its acquisition of Canadian digital health platform Livewell, marking its official entry into Canada.