10 Best Healthcare Stocks For Long-Term Investment

1. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81 

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) owns and operates a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities across the US and tops the list for being one of the best healthcare stocks.  This network offers specialist treatments in fields like behavioral health, acute care, and outpatient operations. Serving a range of patient requirements is the goal of each of them.

In 2024, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA)’s hospital network experienced a 2.4% increase in emergency room visits, a 2.8% increase in inpatient procedures, and a 3% increase in inpatient admissions. Net revenue per equivalent admission increased by 2.9%, while overall revenue increased by 6%. With $5 to $5.2 billion set up for capital expenditures in 2025, the corporation is making investments in network development. Its main goals are shareholder profits and staff development. It just approved a new share repurchase program for $10 billion. Additionally, the business said that the 2024 hurricanes had a $250 million effect on the 2024 fiscal year.

HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) anticipates $72.8 to $75.8 billion in sales and $24.05 to $25.85 in earnings per share in 2025. The company anticipates a 3-4% increase in equivalent admissions and a 2-3% increase in revenue per equivalent admission.

Delaware Ivy Core Equity Fund stated the following regarding HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) in its Q3 2024 investor letter:

“HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) – While long-term growth trends favor the healthcare sector, HCA is also benefiting from a short-term surge in healthcare utilization, likely the consequence of consumers catching up on care that was deferred during the pandemic. Growth in the insured population through healthcare exchanges also appears to be a more secular driver of increased demand.”

Overall, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) ranks first among the 10 best healthcare stocks for long-term investment. While we acknowledge the potential of healthcare companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HCA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.

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