August 13, 2021 – As the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to spread rapidly, investors are looking to the healthcare sector for areas of potential growth in the next few months. According to Yahoo! Finance, the DOW Jones Industrial Average recently closed at a “record high” after a strong jobs report. For those looking to invest, here are the top four healthcare stocks analysts said to consider.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Johnson & Johnson specializes in the research, development, production, and sale of healthcare products that are meant to improve the lives of their consumers. At the moment, Johnson & Johnson is most known for being a prominent name in the vaccine market.
They recently released data showing that the single-shot COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the Delta variant, as well as other variants, of COVID-19. Additionally, worldwide sales increased 27.1% year-over-year to $23.31 billion in the second quarter. Johnson & Johnson has a promising outlook, graded “A for Stability and Growth” and “B for Value.”
Merck & Co. (MRK)
Merck & Co. is a global healthcare corporation, focusing on pharmaceuticals and animal healthcare. Additionally, they recently collaborated with Gilead Sciences, Inc. to help develop and commercialize HIV treatments.
In the second quarter, Merck’s sales increased 21.9% year-on-year to $11.4 billion, with a net income at $1.55 billion. The stock has an overall B rating as well as a “B rating for Quality, Stability, and Value.”
UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
A diversified healthcare company, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated recently introduced predictive analytics that will reduce costs and improve engagement in clinical intervention programs for people in some employer-sponsored benefit plans. This will provide greater access to affordable healthcare services.
Revenue increased to 14.8% year-over-year to $71.31 billion in the second quarter, with $4.27 billion in net income. The stock has an overall A rating, with an “A in Stability” and a “B for Sentiment and Quality.”
Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)
Amgen, Inc. is responsible for researching, developing, producing, and distributing human medicines worldwide. Recently, Amgen made a deal to acquire Teneobio, a privately held biotechnology firm.
During the second quarter, Amgen increased revenue by 5.2% year-over-year to $6.53 billion, with a net income of $2.52 billion. With an overall B rating, Amgen also has an “A for Quality” and a “B for Value and Stability.”