Abbott-These Are The Top Health Stocks to Own for Buy-and-Hold Investing

Group 1: Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Laboratories is identified as the top health stock for long-term investment, with a dividend yield of 1.94% and an annual dividend of $2.20, supported by a 53-year track record of dividend increases [1][3] - The company has an annualized compound return of 13.85%, making it the number one healthcare stock since the Great Depression, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment [1] - Abbott's growth is driven by a healthy portfolio, with Medical Devices being the leading segment, which grew by 11.7% in Q3 [2] - The dividend payout ratio is 68.54%, with ample coverage below 50%, and earnings are forecasted to grow, indicating a strong financial position [3] Group 2: Intuitive Surgical - Intuitive Surgical is recognized as a leading player in MedTech, with a 17% increase in revenue in Q3, driven by the success of its da Vinci surgical robots [4] - The company focuses on reinvesting in the business rather than returning capital to shareholders, resulting in a healthy balance sheet with increasing cash and assets [5] - Analysts have a positive outlook for Intuitive Surgical, with a projected earnings growth of 15.65% and a price target increase of 50% YoY [5] Group 3: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group has a dividend yield of 1.49% and an annual dividend of$ 8.40, with a 15-year track record of dividend increases [6] - Despite facing headwinds such as a cyber attack and rising medical costs, the company continues to grow, supported by an increasing client base [6] - The dividend payout ratio is 54.72%, and the company is expected to maintain robust cash flow and healthy capital returns [7]