In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy for the Long Term.
On May 7, Haig Bathgate, CEO of Callanish Capital, appeared on CNCB to talk about his bullish view on the global markets amid the Iran war, and how its impact would be short-lived, especially when compared to the bigger and long-term worries for the market, such as concerns over capex spend and the AI boom.
He was of the view that we should always look back into history, as it is very easy to get swayed by and caught up in the emotions of what is happening in the short term. The reality, he stated, is that wars have a very limited long-term impact on stock markets. While we will see some effects, with some sectors affected more than others, the long-term impact is usually relatively short-lived, which is why he is trying to look through that.
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Bathgate further stated that before we entered into this war, the US stock markets had been accelerating into the tail end of last year. Therefore, he is trying to assess the long-term nature of what happens with AI, energy supply, and long-term drivers of underlying profitability in the markets, which is driven by things that are very different from what we are seeing in the Middle East at the moment.
With these broader market trends in view, let’s narrow down and look at the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz stock screener to identify the best high-growth healthcare stocks with a forward P/E below 15 and selected the top 10 stocks most popular among hedge funds as of Q4 2025, using the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The stocks are arranged in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.
Note: All data was recorded on May 8.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy for the Long Term
10. AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ:AHCO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ:AHCO) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Canaccord lifted the price target on AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ:AHCO) to $16 from $14 on May 7, reiterating a Buy rating on the shares. The firm updated its model after the company released its fiscal Q1 results, where EBITDA missed estimates and caused a pullback in the shares. It added that AdaptHealth Corp. appears to be uniquely positioned in the DME market to gain share, especially if the demand environment for capitated agreements becomes the preferred method to better serve patients with chronic conditions.
AdaptHealth Corp. released its fiscal Q1 2026 results on May 5, with net revenue for the quarter coming up to $819.8 million compared to $777.9 million, reflecting an increase of 5.4%. The company also reported organic revenue growth of 9.1%, with growth across each of the reportable segments. Net loss attributable to the company was $16.0 million.
AdaptHealth Corp. provides home healthcare equipment, supplies, and related services. The company’s focus is on sleep therapy equipment for obstructive sleep apnea, oxygen, and related chronic therapy services, HME medical devices and supplies for wound care, diabetes, urological, and more.
9. Phibro Animal Health Corporation (NASDAQ:PAHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
Phibro Animal Health Corporation (NASDAQ:PAHC) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Phibro Animal Health Corporation (NASDAQ:PAHC) announced on May 6 financial results for its third quarter ended March 31, 2026, along with updated financial guidance for the year ending June 30, 2026. The company reported net sales of $383.5 million for the quarter, reflecting an increase of $35.7 million, or 10%, from the prior year period. Net income reached $24.0 million, an increase of $3.1 million, or 15%, with diluted earnings per share of $0.59, an increase of $0.08, or 16% from the prior year period.
Phibro Animal Health Corporation attributed the positive results to continued strength in the company’s Animal Health business, where sales rose 13%, backed by strong demand across MFAs, vaccines, and nutritional specialties. The company also updated its fiscal year 2026 guidance, which includes net sales of $1.46 billion to $1.50 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $247 million to $255 million.
Phibro Animal Health Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets animal health and mineral nutrition products. Its operations are divided into the following segments: Animal Health, Mineral Nutrition, and Performance Products.
8. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HALO) announced on May 7 that the company entered into a global collaboration and license agreement with GSK, under which GSK has licensed Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology for the development and potential commercialization of subcutaneous administration of multiple oncology targets. This includes antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), as well as an option for additional future drug targets.
Eric Richards, SVP Head of Medicine Development Leaders Oncology, GSK, said that they “see significant potential for subcutaneous formulations of several promising cancer targets, including ADCs, with ENHANZE and look forward to progressing the first clinical program”.
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. further reported that GSK will make an upfront payment to Halozyme and potential future milestone payments, and Halozyme will also be entitled to royalties on net sales of products that incorporate ENHANZE®. In a separate development, H.C. Wainwright lifted the price target on Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. to $95 from $90 on April 29, maintaining a Buy rating on the shares.
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical technology platform company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes drug-device combination products through advanced auto-injector technology. They offer commercial or functional benefits, including increased patient comfort and adherence, and enhanced tolerability and convenience.
7. Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRMY) announced financial results for fiscal Q1 2026 on May 7, reporting net product revenue of $215.4 million for the quarter, delivering 17% year‑over‑year growth, and on track for full year 2026 net revenues of over $1 billion. Management stated that performance in the quarter highlighted continued strong demand, offset by market access headwinds that are observed every Q1 and were especially “pronounced” this year. In addition, the cost of product sold was $44.5 million, or 20.7% as a percentage of net product revenue, as compared to $32.0 million, or 17.3%, for the prior year period, reflecting a 39% increase.
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. further stated that it is continuing to vigorously protect WAKIX IP into 2030 and filed a suit against AET Pharma/Sandoz regarding the infringement of the amorphous pitolisant patent. The company also received FDA approval of pediatric cataplexy indication on February 13th, and the commercial team initiated full promotional efforts immediately upon approval.
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes therapies to treat neurological disorders. Its product, WAKIX, is a molecule that increases histamine signaling in the brain by binding to H3 receptors.
6. ADMA Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
ADMA Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Canaccord cut the price target on ADMA Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ:ADMA) to $18 from $21 on May 7, reiterating a Buy rating on the shares. The firm told investors that fiscal Q1 2026 was a reset quarter for the company, with results falling short and guidance lowered primarily because of pressure on Bivigam within the standard IG market. It added that it is important to note that the key product and value driver, Asceniv, held up pretty well in fiscal Q1.
The rating update came after ADMA Biologics Inc. reported its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings on May 6, with total revenue of $114.5 million, flat year-over-year. ASCENIV revenue for the quarter rose 28% year-over-year, while BIVIGAM revenue dropped 54% year-over-year. Management further reported that adjusted net income for fiscal Q1 2026 was $40.7 million, up 22% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA reached $59.7 million, reflecting a 24% year-over-year growth.
ADMA Biologics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that manufactures, markets, and develops specialty plasma-derived biologics. Its operations are divided into the following business segments: ADMA BioManufacturing and Plasma Collection Center.
5. Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATEC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATEC) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATEC) received several rating updates following the release of its fiscal Q1 2026 results on May 5, with surgical revenue growing 17% and total revenue growing 14%. Canaccord cut the price target on the stock to $23 from $25 on May 7, but maintained a Buy rating on the shares, stating that the company posted an uncharacteristic miss in the quarter with its EOS business declining 18% year over year. It added that Alphatec Holdings’ surgical business was more in line with expectations, with 21% case volume growth and 23% net new surgeon growth, but another quarter of weak rev/case growth against shifting regional/procedural/biologics mix.
The same day, Piper Sandler also cut the price target on Alphatec Holdings, Inc., bringing it down to $14 from $25 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm was of the view that the company reported fiscal Q1 results below expectations, driven by a disappointing EOS quarter and softer-than-expected revenue per case on mix headwinds.
Alphatec Holdings, Inc. designs, develops, and markets spinal fusion technology products and solutions to treat spinal disorders. The company’s offerings include intra-operative information and neuromonitoring technologies, fixation systems, access systems, interbody implants, and various biologics offerings.
4. BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 63
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Evercore ISI lifted the price target on BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) to $120 from $110 on May 5, reaffirming an Outperform rating on the shares. In a separate development, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. announced on May 2 new research from studies of VOXZOGO® in children with achondroplasia exhibiting positive impacts on important health indicators, including arm span and bone density. The data, along with new data from studies of VOXZOGO in hypochondroplasia, will be presented by the company at the Pediatric Endocrine Society’s 2026 Annual Meeting (PES) in San Francisco.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. also reported that data from the three ongoing long-term extension clinical trials showed the effects of long-term treatment with VOXZOGO on measures beyond height, including bone health and arm span. In addition, management reported that children who initiated treatment with VOXZOGO after age 5 also attained a mean difference in standing height of 10.60 cm after six years of treatment and 13.59 cm after eight years of treatment, compared with untreated natural history cohorts.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. develops and commercializes therapies for serious and life-threatening medical conditions and rare diseases. The company’s product pipeline includes Valoctocogene roxaparvovec, Vosoritide, and BMN 307.
3. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ) received several rating updates following the release of financial results for fiscal Q1 2026 on May 5, where it reported strong commercial execution across franchises with total revenues of $1.1 billion, up 19% year-over-year.
Raymond James lifted the price target on Jazz Pharmaceuticals to $239 from $227 on May 7, reaffirming an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm told investors in a research note that the company is up 25% year-to-date, with investors beginning to understand that Jazz Pharmaceuticals is in the early innings of a transformation from a spec pharma story to an innovation-led biotech story. This holds especially true following Zani’s highly competitive readout in 1L GEA and priority review, according to the firm.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals also received a rating update from TD Cowen the same day, with the firm lifting the price target on the stock to $275 from $220 and maintaining a Buy rating on the shares.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals develops medicines for serious diseases. Its primary marketed products include Xywav, Xyrem oral solution, Epidiolex oral solution, Rylaze, Zepzelca, Defitelio, and Vyxeos liposome for injection. These medicines treat excess daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy patients seven years of age or older, tepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), and other ailments.
2. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78
Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. TD Cowen lifted the price target on Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) to $48 from $38 on May 4, reaffirming a Hold rating on the shares. The firm updated its model on the stock after its fiscal Q1 financial results, stating that management believes there is potential guidance upside from conservative HIX risk adjustment assumptions.
Centene Corporation reported its fiscal Q1 2026 results on April 28, with first-quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.11 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.37, approximately $0.50 better than its expectations. Centene Corporation also raised its 2026 GAAP diluted EPS guidance to greater than $2.37 and adjusted diluted EPS to greater than $3.40.
The company further reported that premium and service revenues in fiscal Q1 2026 rose 5% to $44.7 billion from $42.5 billion in the comparable period of 2025, with management attributing the growth to premium yield and membership growth in the PDP business, state-directed payments, and rate increases to address medical trends in the Medicaid business.
Centene Corporation is a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to government-sponsored healthcare programs. The company’s operations are divided into the following segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other.
1. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) received a rating update from Evercore ISI on May 4, with the firm lifting the price target on the stock to $236 from $232 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The company also announced on May 5 the presentation of new data across its gastroenterology portfolio at the 2026 Digestive Disease Week Annual Meeting, May 2-5 in Chicago, where it will present 18 abstracts. These include real-world evidence and long-term findings for SKYRIZI® and RINVOQ® in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
In a separate development, AbbVie Inc. announced on April 27 the submission of an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for SKYRIZI® for subcutaneous induction for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease. Management stated that the application is supported by the recently shared positive data from the Phase 3 AFFIRM study evaluating the efficacy and safety of risankizumab SC as an induction treatment in adult patients with moderately to severely active CD. This includes both those with and without prior advanced therapy failure.
AbbVie Inc. is a research-based pharmaceutical company that develops and sells products to treat chronic diseases in oncology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, dermatology, virology, and various other serious health conditions.
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