Originally published on Best Stocks Category: best stocks to buy now Source: Getty ImagesThe healthcare sector is one of the most stable and recession-proof industries. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, no other major industry has grown as consistently as healthcare services. In fact, combined revenues from hospital, nursing home, and diagnostic laboratory services in the U.S. are projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2022. The number of aging boomers has risen sharply in recent years; this leads to a growing demand for healthcare services from older people. Furthermore, the implementation of new healthcare regulations has also accelerated adoption of new technologies that improve efficiency and patient outcomes at lower costs for providers. As a result there is an increasing demand for products and services related to managing healthcare delivery systems.Healthcare Stocks to Buy: Overview of Top 3 PlayersJohnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., and Merck & Co. Inc. are the top three healthcare stocks to buy in 2022. All the three companies are expected to have strong growth rates over the next eight years owing to new product launches, acquisitions, and rising demand for existing products. A majority of Johnson & Johnson’s revenue comes from its Pharmaceuticals division, which sells prescription drugs and over-the-counter health products. In 2022, the division is expected to contribute nearly 57% of the company’s total revenues. Pfizer Inc. is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company’s portfolio of products includes human and animal health, vaccines, and biologics. In 2022, the company’s Human health segment is expected to account for about 45% of its total revenues. Merck & Co. Inc.’s revenues are mainly derived from Human health and Animal health divisions. The Human health segment is expected to account for nearly 60% of the company’s total revenues in 2022.Healthcare Stocks to Buy: Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. The company has a dominant presence across all major healthcare segments, including health care services, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. In 2022, J&J’s Pharmaceuticals & Biologics division is expected to generate nearly 57% of the company’s total revenues. The company’s top-line has been growing at a consistent rate in recent years, driven by robust demand for its core products. J&J has one of the strongest product portfolios in the healthcare industry. The company has a significant presence in all major therapeutic areas, including dermatology, oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, and neurology. The company’s product line-up includes a lot of blockbuster drugs, including Remicade (Infectious Diseases), Taltiaz (Dermatology), Stelara (Rheumatoid arthritis), Invega (Schizophrenia), Xtandi (Androgen-dependent prostate cancer), Natpara (Parathyroid disorder), and a host of vaccines.Healthcare Stocks to Buy: Pfizer Inc.Pfizer Inc is one of the leading players in the Pharmaceuticals industry. The company has a strong presence in all major therapeutic areas, including cardiology, diabetes, gastroenterology, oncology, neurology, and rare diseases. The company’s product portfolio includes approximately 400 molecules in its various stages of R&D. In 2022, the company’s Human Health segment is expected to contribute nearly 45% of its total revenues.Healthcare Stocks to Buy: Merck & Co. Inc.Merck & Co. Inc. is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company’s product portfolio includes a wide range of prescription medicines, vaccines, and biopharmaceutical therapies for treating a variety of infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and other conditions. In 2022, the company’s Human Health segment is expected to contribute nearly 60% of its total revenues.VerdictHealthcare stocks are expected to generate strong returns in the next few years owing to the rising need for healthcare services. Rising costs of care are expected to drive demand for healthcare services, leading to higher revenues for healthcare service providers. The stocks in the healthcare sector trade at a high P/E ratio compared to other sectors. However, healthcare stocks are also known for their high dividend yields, making them attractive investments. Thus, investors who are looking to buy healthcare stocks in 2022 can consider investing in Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., and Merck & Co. Inc. These companies are expected to witness strong revenue growth owing to new product launches and rising demand for their existing products.