In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 best healthcare stocks to buy and hold for 3 years. If you wish to see the full list, visit 10 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy and Hold for 3 Years.
5. Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ZBH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ZBH) is one of the best healthcare stocks on this list.
TheFly reported on April 13 that Leerink Partners began coverage of ZBH with a Market Perform rating and a $10 price target. The initiation noted that although the stock trades at a discount compared with large-cap medical technology peers and its own historical valuation range, the overall risk and reward profile is considered balanced. The firm highlighted limited near-term upside potential ahead of more significant catalysts expected in 2027. It also pointed to near-term growth as being sensitive to shifts in market share and pricing dynamics, which could constrain performance relative to expectations in the short term.
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ZBH) also announced on April 7 that it has appointed Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, M.D., as Chief Science, Technology, and Medical Affairs Officer, effective April 14, 2026. In this expanded leadership role, he will guide the company’s global technology strategy across artificial intelligence, robotics, smart implant systems, and data-driven solutions.
He will also oversee medical education initiatives and the company’s global advisory board, supporting stronger clinical engagement and innovation development. Dr. Vigdorchik, an orthopedic surgeon with prior experience at ZBH, brings clinical and research expertise aimed at advancing orthopedic care. His appointment is intended to strengthen the company’s innovation pipeline and accelerate the development of advanced surgical technologies.
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ZBH) is a global medical device company specializing in orthopedic products, including joint replacement, sports medicine, and spine solutions. It develops advanced implants and surgical technologies designed to improve mobility and quality of life for patients.
4. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is one of the best healthcare stocks.
TheFly reported on April 10 that Morgan Stanley increased its price target for GILD to $175 from $171 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The adjustment reflects updated financial models across the firm’s biopharmaceutical coverage universe. The revision incorporates recent industry data trends from IQVIA as well as intra-quarter performance updates ahead of first-quarter earnings across the sector.
More recently, on April 14, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) announced expanded global support for its long-acting HIV prevention therapy lenacapavir through collaboration with the U.S. State Department, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and The Global Fund. The initiative increases planned access to the injectable treatment for up to 1 million additional individuals, raising the total commitment to approximately 3 million people in high-incidence, resource-limited regions through 2028. The program combines funding and distribution capabilities from international public health partners to improve delivery in areas with the greatest need.
These organizations will leverage established healthcare infrastructure to accelerate access and expand reach across multiple countries. Lenacapavir, administered twice yearly, has already begun reaching communities in sub-Saharan Africa shortly after regulatory approval in the United States, with initial shipments beginning in late 2025. The effort is part of a broader strategy to scale HIV prevention globally through coordinated partnerships and improved treatment accessibility.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing antiviral drugs, including treatments for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and COVID-19. It also has expanding programs in oncology and inflammation, leveraging research in virology and immunology.
3. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 109
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is among the best healthcare stocks to buy and hold for 3 years.
TheFly reported on April 13 that BTIG analyst Ryan Zimmerman lowered the price target for ISRG to $574 from $616 while maintaining a Buy rating. The revision was part of a broader medical technology research update as the firm adjusted its financial models. The changes reflect the impact of CMS’s proposed FY27 inpatient payment rule, which includes early guidance and decisions related to new technology add-on payments.
Last month, on March 18, the FDA reported that Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) had issued a safety communication to customers instructing them to identify and stop using certain curved-tip stapler products, including specific SureForm 30 configurations, and to quarantine affected inventory. The agency advised that users should remove impacted devices from clinical use, notify relevant personnel if products had been distributed, and return all identified units. The FDA is actively evaluating the issue, which involves reports of incomplete staple lines when using the da Vinci Surgical System with certain reloads during vascular procedures.
These malfunctions can result in vessel exposure and bleeding, potentially requiring conversion to open surgery. As of late February 2026, the agency noted multiple serious injuries and at least one death associated with the device issue. The FDA stated it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is a medical robotics company best known for its da Vinci surgical systems. It develops robotic-assisted technologies that enable minimally invasive surgeries, improving precision, control, and patient recovery outcomes across a range of surgical procedures.
2. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 110
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is one of the best healthcare stocks.
TheFly reported on April 13 that Mizuho reduced its price target on BSX to $90 from $115 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The adjustment was part of a broader update across the firm’s medical devices and diagnostics coverage ahead of upcoming first-quarter earnings. The revisions reflect updated estimates and outlook changes applied across multiple companies within the same sector review.
According to a regulatory filing, on March 30, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) and Penumbra, Inc. each received a “Second Request” from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission as part of its antitrust review of their proposed merger. The request requires both companies to provide additional information, extending the Hart-Scott-Rodino review timeline until 30 days after full compliance, unless modified or concluded earlier by the agency.
The filing follows earlier submissions made by both firms in mid-February under standard regulatory procedures. Both companies stated they intend to respond promptly and continue cooperating with the FTC throughout the review process. The extended review period indicates ongoing regulatory scrutiny before any final approval decision is reached. The process is part of the FTC’s standard evaluation of large transactions to assess potential competitive impacts within the healthcare and medical technology sector.
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is a global medical device company that develops and manufactures minimally invasive medical technologies. It specializes in interventional cardiology, rhythm management, endoscopy, and urology solutions designed to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
1. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 137
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is among the best healthcare stocks.
TheFly reported on April 10 that Morgan Stanley increased its price target on LLY to $1,327 from $1,313 while maintaining an Overweight rating. The update reflects revised financial models across the firm’s biopharmaceutical coverage. The adjustments incorporate recent IQVIA industry data trends along with intra-quarter performance updates ahead of upcoming first-quarter earnings across the sector.
Additionally, on April 13, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) reported positive topline results from its Phase 3 BRUIN CLL-322 study evaluating Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) in combination with venetoclax and rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL. The trial met its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival compared with the control regimen of venetoclax plus rituximab. Benefits were observed consistently across key patient subgroups, regardless of prior exposure to covalent BTK inhibitors.
Overall survival data remained immature but showed an early, favorable trend for the combination therapy. Safety findings were generally consistent with known profiles of the individual drugs, with similar adverse event rates and low discontinuation levels across both study arms. The results support potential future regulatory submissions and further evaluation of Jaypirca in earlier-line combination treatment settings.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company that develops and markets medicines for diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. It is known for innovative drug development and treatments such as insulin therapies, obesity, and cancer medications.
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