In this article, we will list the 5 Best Diagnostics and Research Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Please visit 10 Best Diagnostics and Research Stocks to Buy According to Analysts if you’d like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV) is one of the 10 best diagnostics and research stocks to buy according to analysts.
On March 9, 2026, TD Cowen upgraded its rating on IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV) from Hold to Buy. Along with the rating upgrade, the firm also raised its price target on the stock from $174 to $213. The company is anticipated to remain resilient against AI-driven revenue headwinds, according to TD Cowen analysts. It further noted that AI could potentially reduce drug trial costs by 10% to 15%, but these savings are expected to be further reinvested into research activity. Following a 24% share price decline since February, TD Cowen sees an attractive risk-reward opportunity.
Prior to this, in an unrelated event, Barclays also upgraded IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV)’s rating from Equal Weight to Overweight, while maintaining a price target of $210. The firm’s analyst anticipates an upside for the stock, projecting higher valuations and financial estimates. It added in a research note that the consistency in its execution justifies a premium market valuation for IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV).
Founded in 1982, IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV) is a global leader in clinical research and health data, headquartered in North Carolina.
4. Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) is one of the 10 best diagnostics and research stocks to buy according to analysts.
On March 9, 2026, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) announced entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Biocare Medical for $950 million. The all-cash deal combines Biocare’s high-growth portfolio of immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibodies and reagents with Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A)’s existing pathology division. Biocare has consistently generated double-digit revenue growth since 2021. In 2025, it generated over $90 million in revenue. Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) anticipates the acquisition to be immediately accretive to its revenue mix and margins, adding strength to the company’s competitive position in cancer diagnostics and clinical research. The transaction is anticipated to close by late 2026.
In another development, the company announced the launch of Agilent Advanced Therapeutics on March 11, 2026. This unified Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) integrates the company’s Canadian BIOVECTRA with Colorado’s Nucleic Acid Solutions and offers end-to-end services for oligonucleotides and APIs in addition to cell line development. Padraig McDonnell, President and CEO of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) stated that the launch supports the company’s long-term commitment to growth in the sector.
Founded in 1999, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets with headquarters in California.
3. Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 74
Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA) is one of the 10 best diagnostics and research stocks to buy according to analysts.
On March 12, 2026, Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA) announced the commercial launch of Zenith, a whole-genome sequencing assay engineered to significantly improve the diagnosis of rare genetic conditions. Zenith, with its genomic analysis, aims to shorten the diagnostic odyssey for the 30 million Americans affected by rare diseases. In its announcement, the company pointed out the huge unmet need in the sector and noted that the cumulative economic burden of rare diseases in the U.S. reached nearly $997 billion in 2019 alone. Using the new clinical tool will provide access to timely and accurate results that could significantly assist in providing definitive answers to families of rare disease patients.
In an unrelated event, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA) from $265 to $250 on March 3, 2026, after updating its model following the fourth-quarter results. The firm kept an Overweight rating on the company’s stock.
Founded in 2004, Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA) is a leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing for oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Its headquarters is in Texas.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 113
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is one of the 10 best diagnostics and research stocks to buy according to analysts.
On March 2, 2026, AIM ImmunoTech announced entering into an agreement with the PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) to design a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for Ampligen. The study will evaluate the drug as a treatment for late-stage pancreatic cancer. It will utilize the Phase 2 results from the ongoing DURIPANC trial conducted with AstraZeneca. As pancreatic cancer remains a high-priority unmet medical need, AIM believes this strategic collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) offers the greatest growth potential for its stockholders.
Separately, on March 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a visit to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) in Ohio. Trump highlighted the company’s $2 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and credited it to his “America First” trade and tariff policies. The investment will potentially repatriate high-paying jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains.
As of March 21, 2026, CNN recorded a consensus Buy rating on Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), with a 1-year average upside potential of 40.71%, based on 29 analysts following the stock.
Founded in 2006, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is a life sciences and clinical research company. The company supplies analytical instruments, clinical development solutions, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology services. Its headquarters is in Massachusetts.
1. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 125
Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is one of the 10 best diagnostics and research stocks to buy according to analysts.
On March 3, 2026, Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) presented its 2026 strategic vision at the TD Cowen 46th Annual Health Care Conference. CEO Rainer Blair projected revenue growth of 3%-6% for 2026, driven by the bioprocessing segment. Also, the company anticipates a 100-basis-point operating margin expansion. Additionally, the Masimo acquisition is expected to expand the margins and provide high single-digit returns by year five. The management further projects a revenue impact of $75 million to $100 million from market shifts in China. However, the company expressed optimism, citing long-term opportunities in AI-based drug development and domestic reshoring initiatives.
Separately, on February 24, 2026, Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) announced the approval from its Board of Directors to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of its common stock. The company’s shareholders of record on March 27, 2026, will be eligible to receive the dividend that will be paid on April 24, 2026.
Founded in 1984, Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is a leading global innovator in life sciences and diagnostics. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
While we acknowledge the potential of DHR to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than DHR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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