Top 10 Undervalued Healthcare Stocks to Buy Now

These ten healthcare stocks are currently trading below their fair value estimates, presenting potential buying opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the growing healthcare sector. Let’s delve deeper into each company’s position and future prospects:

1. Bayer (BAYRY):

• Industry: Drug Manufacturers—General
• Discount to Fair Value: 58%
• Commentary: Despite carrying a significant debt load, Bayer boasts a healthy balance sheet and a diversified healthcare portfolio that includes popular brands like Aspirin and Aleve. The company is mulling potential divestitures in its crop science and consumer healthcare divisions, which could unlock value for shareholders. Analysts recommend keeping an eye on Bayer’s debt management strategies and the outcomes of potential asset sales.

2. Illumina (ILMN):

• Industry: Diagnostics & Research
• Discount to Fair Value: 51%
• Commentary: Illumina is a leader in the field of genomic sequencing, with a vast installed system base that creates significant entry barriers for competitors. The company is at the forefront of innovation, continuously driving down the cost of genomic sequencing and making this powerful technology more accessible. Analysts are positive on Illumina’s long-term prospects due to its dominant market position and commitment to ongoing research and development.

3. Baxter International (BAX):

• Industry: Medical Instruments & Supplies
• Discount to Fair Value: 46%
• Commentary: Baxter appears poised for growth as external pressures ease and the company renegotiates contracts. A key strategic move involves spinning off its kidney care division into a separate entity. This strategic shift is expected to improve profitability in Baxter’s remaining business segments. Investors should monitor the progress of the spin-off and its impact on Baxter’s overall financial performance.

4. Royalty Pharma (RPRX):

• Industry: Biotechnology
• Discount to Fair Value: 46%
• Commentary: Royalty Pharma is a major player in the acquisition of biopharmaceutical royalties, offering investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of established drugs across various therapeutic areas. The biopharmaceutical industry’s increasing demand for capital positions Royalty Pharma to benefit from this trend through continued acquisitions and royalty stream growth. Analysts recommend Royalty Pharma for investors seeking a more passive investment approach within the healthcare sector.

5. Roche Holding (RHHBY):

• Industry: Drug Manufacturers—General
• Discount to Fair Value: 45%
• Commentary: Roche Holding stands out for its wide economic moat rating, a testament to its leadership position in oncology therapeutics and in vitro diagnostics. The company boasts a robust drug portfolio with established treatments and a strong diagnostics business. Analysts recommend Roche Holding for investors seeking a large-cap, established player in the healthcare sector with a history of innovation and consistent growth.

6. Grifols (GRFS):

• Industry: Drug Manufacturers—General
• Discount to Fair Value: 42%
• Commentary: Grifols holds a strong position in the global plasma protein oligopoly, specializing in plasma-derived therapies for immune disorders. The company is actively expanding its drug pipeline and geographic reach to solidify its market share. Analysts are positive on Grifols’ long-term prospects due to the growing demand for plasma-derived therapies and the company’s strategic expansion plans.

7. CVS Health (CVS):

• Industry: Healthcare Plans
• Discount to Fair Value: 40%
• Commentary: CVS presents a unique combination of services—pharmacy benefit management, pharmacy retail, and top-tier medical insurance. The company’s integrated approach aims to improve healthcare outcomes and potentially reduce costs. Analysts are interested in how CVS leverages its combined strengths to improve efficiency and create a more patient-centric healthcare experience.

8. Incyte (INCY):

• Industry: Biotechnology
• Discount to Fair Value: 38%
• Commentary: Incyte is rapidly expanding its drug portfolio beyond its core Jakafi franchise for myelofibrosis. The company’s focus lies in developing new combination therapies and building a strong presence in oncology and dermatology. Analysts recommend Incyte for investors seeking a high-growth, mid-cap player in the biotech sector with a promising pipeline of new drugs.

9. Fresenius Medical Care (FMS):

• Industry: Medical Care Facilities
• Discount to Fair Value: 37%
• Commentary: Beyond its leading position in dialysis services and equipment, Fresenius Medical Care (FMS) is innovating for the future by prioritizing at-home dialysis solutions. This strategic shift, exemplified by the acquisition of NxStage Medical, aims to improve patient experience and potentially reduce healthcare costs. However, analysts acknowledge challenges in implementing this approach, such as patient training and adapting healthcare infrastructure. Nevertheless, they see this focus on home dialysis as a positive step for Fresenius Medical Care’s long-term growth.

10. AMN Healthcare Services (AMN):

• Industry: Medical Care Facilities
• Discount to Fair Value: 37%
• Commentary: AMN Healthcare, a leading healthcare staffing company, capitalizes on the growing demand for healthcare workers in the U.S. The company leverages its extensive network of healthcare professionals to provide temporary and permanent staffing solutions to healthcare providers. Analysts suggest AMN is well-positioned to benefit from the projected long-term shortage of healthcare workers. However, investors should be aware of potential fluctuations in the labor market and economic downturns that could impact the company’s growth.