The Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy With $5,000 in 2026 and Hold Forever
The Motley Fool·2026-01-19 15:47

Group 1: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly became the first healthcare company to join the trillion-dollar club, driven by its leadership in the weight-loss market and the success of its drug tirzepatide, which became the world's best-selling compound last year [3][6] - The company is expected to receive approval for Orforglipron, an oral medication for diabetes and weight loss, which will further enhance its market position [4] - Eli Lilly's innovative culture and strong financial results make it an excellent buy-and-hold option, with potential for significant revenue growth from its weight-loss portfolio [7] Group 2: AbbVie - AbbVie has a diverse product portfolio with key growth drivers in its immunology segment, particularly with drugs like Skyrizi and Rinvoq, and has successfully managed the loss of patent exclusivity for Humira [8][10] - The company is recognized as a dividend growth powerhouse, being part of the Dividend Kings group, which has raised payouts for at least 50 consecutive years, making it a strong long-term investment [11] - AbbVie is actively working on a vast pipeline to address upcoming patent expirations, ensuring a steady flow of new products [10] Group 3: Intuitive Surgical - Intuitive Surgical is a leader in robotic-assisted surgery systems, particularly known for its da Vinci system, which has a competitive advantage due to high switching costs for hospitals [12][13] - The company continues to expand its installed base and benefits from increasing procedure volumes, which are crucial for revenue growth [15] - Long-term growth is supported by demographic trends such as the aging population, positioning Intuitive Surgical for competitive returns [16]