The 3 Healthiest Healthcare Stocks to Buy for a Huge Dose of Profits

Core Insights - The healthcare sector is experiencing a positive trend, with the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) gaining 7% year to date, indicating strong investor interest in U.S. healthcare stocks [1] Company Summaries Elevance Health (ELV) - Elevance Health has made strategic acquisitions and partnerships, including the acquisition of Paragon Healthcare and a partnership with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to enhance health outcomes [2] - The company reported a 0.9% year-over-year increase in operating revenue to $42.3 billion for Q1 2024, with adjusted diluted EPS growing 12.5% to $10.64 [16] - Wall Street projects a 12-month median price target of $604.50 for ELV stock, suggesting a 13% upside potential [10] HCA Healthcare (HCA) - HCA Healthcare's Q1 2024 financials showed revenues of $17.34 billion, an 11.2% increase from the previous year, with adjusted net income rising 3.8% to $1.44 billion [3] - The stock has surged over 24% this year, trading at 16.50x forward earnings, with analysts setting a 12-month price target of $357, indicating a 6% potential upside [6][17] - HCA is involved in a collaborative study funded by the CDC, which has led to advancements in outbreak detection and antibiotic targeting [11] McKesson Corporation (MCK) - McKesson reported total revenues of $76.4 billion for Q4 fiscal 2024, an 11% increase driven by strong U.S. pharmaceutical sales [7] - The stock has increased by 30% year to date, trading at 19.01x forward earnings, with a recommendation for potential entry below $600 [4] - McKesson is expanding its service offerings through strategic partnerships, including a 5-year contract with UnitedHealth Group and collaborations with AstraZeneca for oncology clinical trials [19]