Got $500? 2 Pharma Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever.

Group 1: Healthcare Industry Overview - Healthcare industry stocks serve as effective hedges against technology and growth stocks, performing well when larger stock markets do not [1] - The performance of stocks varies by sub-industry, with some pharmaceutical and biotech stocks behaving more like growth stocks [1] Group 2: Novo Nordisk - Novo Nordisk is a leading global pharmaceutical company specializing in GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes management, alongside Eli Lilly [6] - In fiscal 2025, sales for diabetes and obesity care drugs increased by 7%, with obesity care drugs seeing a 26% gain; sales growth for 2026 is projected between 5% to 13% [7] - The GLP-1 market is expected to grow to $254 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 17%, positioning Novo Nordisk for long-term benefits [7] - The stock is currently trading at a low valuation of 13 times earnings, priced at $49 per share, making it an attractive investment option [8] Group 3: AbbVie - AbbVie, a spinoff from Abbott Labs, has demonstrated strong defensive characteristics, rising 24% during the 2022 bear market while the S&P 500 fell by 18% [9] - AbbVie has consistently increased its dividend for 13 years since its separation from Abbott, currently offering a high yield of 3.1% [9]