Investors focused on the Medical space have likely heard of GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK Quick QuoteGSK - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of GSK and the rest of the Medical group's stocks.

GlaxoSmithKline plc is one of 756 individual stocks in the Medical sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #7 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. GSK is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GSK's full-year earnings has moved 4.48% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Based on the most recent data, GSK has returned 13.34% so far this year. At the same time, Medical stocks have gained an average of 10.94%. This shows that GlaxoSmithKline plc is outperforming its peers so far this year.

To break things down more, GSK belongs to the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry, a group that includes 14 individual companies and currently sits at #34 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 9.34% so far this year, so GSK is performing better in this area.

Investors with an interest in Medical stocks should continue to track GSK. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.