Healthcare Dividend Stocks Poised for Growth as Sector Endures Through 2027
The healthcare sector is expected to persist as a growth area through 2027, according to analysts. As a result, investors are looking for stocks that combine income and growth opportunities. Three large-cap companies in this sector, AbbVie (ABBV), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Merck & Co. (MRK), offer attractive dividends as well as exposure to the healthcare market.
AbbVie has recently gained momentum after lagging behind for a few months at the start of 2026. The company's once-daily pill, Juvmo (tavapadon), was approved by the FDA on September 28 for adults with Parkinson's disease. This approval opens up a potential multi-billion-dollar market in the United States and gives AbbVie a catalyst beyond its leadership in immunology.
Johnson & Johnson has also seen significant regulatory wins in 2026, including the FDA's approval of Imaavy (nipocalimab) for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The company's pipeline includes several growth drivers, such as Icotyde and Tremfya. JNJ is another Dividend King that has raised its payout for 64 consecutive years.
Merck & Co. has a broad pipeline with approximately 80 Phase 3 studies underway. Oncology remains the anchor of the company's strategy, including Keytruda Qlex, which generated $463 million in second-quarter sales. Merck is also buying growth through its acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals and exclusive global license agreement with SciBrunch Therapeutics.