I think these are the best shares to buy now

These could be some of the best shares to buy now to invest in the growth of the healthcare sector over the next few years.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Every investor has a view on how to invest. As such, an investment solution for one person may not be suitable for anyone else. It’s always important to keep this in mind when buying stocks and shares.

I believe the best shares to buy now can be found in the pharmaceutical sector. I think that no matter what happens to the global economy over the next five to 10 years, there’ll always be a growing need for healthcare and treatments. Not just for humans, but animals as well. That’s why my money’s on the three companies listed below.

The best shares to buy now

The top company on my list is Dechra Pharmaceuticals (LSE: DPH). The business is one of the world’s largest producers of veterinary products, including food. 

Its growth over the past few years has been nothing short of outstanding as this market has ballooned. Earnings per share have grown at a compound annual rate of 24% since 2015.

Of course, there’s no guarantee this performance will continue indefinitely. The company faces multiple challenges, such as competition and regulatory headwinds. If it’s not investing enough every year, competitors could steal a march on the business, costing it market share and compressing profit margins.

Even after taking these challenges into account, I think this is one of the best shares to buy now to invest in the animal healthcare sector. That’s why I’d buy the stock for my portfolio today. 

Undervalued

Another company I’d buy for my portfolio is Indivior (LSE: INDV). However, this company is an incredibly risky proposition, so it’s probably not suitable for every investor.

Indivior is a specialist pharmaceuticals business treating opioid addiction. During the past few years, legal battles regarding the misselling of these treatments have swamped the company. In the middle of last year, it drew a line under these issues by agreeing a final $600m settlement with the Department of Justice (DoJ). Unfortunately, the group was then sued by its former parent Reckitt for $1.4bn to cover the latter’s own settlement with the DoJ. 

Despite these challenges, the company is profitable. This is why I’ve highlighted Indivior as one of the best shares to buy now despite the risks and challenges above. Based on current estimates, the stock trades at a forward P/E of 8.7 for 2022, compared to the sector average of 18.

While these are just estimates, I think they illustrate Indivior’s potential. That’s why I’d buy the stock today. 

Income investment 

The final healthcare stock I’d buy is GlaxoSmithKline (LSE: GSK). One of the UK’s top income stocks, shares in this pharma giant currently offer a dividend yield of around 6%. This level of income looks incredibly attractive in the current interest rate environment. However, it’s by no means guaranteed. 

The pandemic has impacted the company’s outlook as routine vaccination programmes around the world have been postponed. As a result, there’s been talk of a dividend cut. The stock has also dropped on the organisation’s deteriorating outlook. 

Nevertheless, as one of the largest pharmaceutical businesses in the UK, I think GlaxoSmithKline is a great way to invest in the healthcare sector. Therefore, I’d buy the stock for my portfolio today, despite current headwinds. 

Rupert Hargreaves owns no shares in Reckitt Benckiser. The Motley Fool UK has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Two female adult friends walking through the city streets at Christmas. They are talking and smiling as they do some Christmas shopping.
Investing Articles

Next impresses again, but could its shares be about to crash?

Next shares have leapt after the retailer raised its full-year profits guidance. But could the FTSE 100 retailer be running…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Time to buy, after Next shares are lifted by storming FY results?

Retail sector weakness is holding back Next shares, is it? Tell that to the fashion shoppers who've driven up full-year…

Read more »

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Growth Shares

Why the Barclays share price is currently its most undervalued in months

Jon Smith talks through why the Barclays share price has struggled in recent weeks, and flags up reasons why it…

Read more »

DIVIDEND YIELD text written on a notebook with chart
Investing Articles

10.7% yield! Should investors snap up Taylor Wimpey shares before they go ex-dividend on 2 April?

Harvey Jones is stunned by the double-digit yield available from Taylor Wimpey shares. But the FTSE 250 stock comes with…

Read more »

White female supervisor working at an oil rig
Investing For Beginners

Are investors taking a massive gamble with the Shell share price?

Jon Smith mulls the current state of play in the oil market and explains why he thinks further gains for…

Read more »

Young brown woman delighted with what she sees on her screen
Investing Articles

Stock market correction 2026: a rare chance to scoop up cheap UK shares?

The UK stock market's officially in a correction after a sharp drop in UK share prices, but our writer sees…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA to aim for a £750 monthly second income?

Harvey Jones crunches the numbers to show how investors could aim for a high-and-rising second income from dividend-paying FTSE 100…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£20,000 invested in a Stocks and Shares ISA over the last year is now worth…

With tax season coming to an end, investors will soon have a fresh £20k allowance for their Stocks and Shares…

Read more »