Here Are 2 Affordable Healthcare Stocks to Buy Heading Into 2026

Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector presents affordable investment opportunities despite broader market performance, with AbbVie and Merck identified as attractive stocks for 2026 [1][2]. AbbVie - AbbVie has diversified its product lineup following the loss of patent exclusivity for Humira in 2023, reducing dependency on a single product for sales growth [4][5]. - The company is now less risky, with no major patent cliffs until at least 2030, allowing for strategic planning and growth [6]. - AbbVie is focusing on expanding into oncology with pipeline candidates like ABBV-969 for metastatic prostate cancer and ABBV-514 for lung and neck cancers [7]. - The company is also entering the weight loss market through a licensing deal for GUB014295, which could enhance its revenue and earnings over the next five years [8]. - AbbVie is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its dividends annually for over 50 years, indicating strong business resilience [10].