The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF (XLV) has declined 4.6% so far in 2023 compared with the S&P 500 Index’s (SPX) gain of 10.4%. This decrease in share prices has made healthcare stocks more appealing in terms of valuation, presenting a favorable entry point for investors. It is noteworthy that healthcare is typically viewed as a defensive sector, as its spending patterns are largely independent of the broader economy.
Pick the best stocks and maximize your portfolio:
- Discover top-rated stocks from highly ranked analysts with Analyst Top Stocks!
- Easily identify outperforming stocks and invest smarter with Top Smart Score Stocks
Using the TipRanks Stock Screener tool, we have shortlisted five stocks with the potential to beat the market averages. These stocks have received a Strong Buy rating from Wall Street analysts and have an Outperform Smart Score (i.e., 8, 9, or 10) on TipRanks. Moreover, the analysts’ price targets reflect an upside potential of over 20%.
Here are the five key healthcare stocks that investors can consider.
- CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) – The company’s price forecast of $96.28 implies a nearly 38% upside from the current levels. Moreover, it has an outperforming Smart Score of nine.
- Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) – ELV stock has an analyst consensus upside of 23.3% and a Smart Score of nine.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) – The stock’s average price target implies a consensus upside of 24.2%. Also, it has a top-notch Smart Score of ten.
- Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) – The stock has an average price target of $222.17, which implies a 33.8% upside potential from current levels. ZTS stock has a Smart Score of eight.
- Resmed (NYSE:RMD) – RMD stock’s price forecast of $265.40 implies a nearly 21% upside. Also, its Smart Score of eight is encouraging.
