Three Healthcare Stocks to Consider with $1,000

Investors often find the healthcare sector appealing, especially in times of stock market volatility. This interest is well-founded, as the need for healthcare services and products remains consistent, regardless of economic fluctuations.

However, not all healthcare stocks are created equal. Some are more promising than others, and you don’t need a lot of money to invest in solid options. Here are three healthcare stocks that are worth your attention right now if you have $1,000 to invest.

1. AbbVie

During the turbulent early months of 2025, many stocks have seen significant declines due to concerns about trade policies. However, AbbVie (www.abbvie.com) has managed to gain around 20% year to date.

AbbVie offers a range of successful drugs, particularly in autoimmune disease treatment, with Rinvoq and Skyrizi showing impressive sales growth. Additionally, its cancer treatments, Imbruvica and Venclexta, are performing well. AbbVie’s acquisition of Allergan in 2020 positioned it as a leader in the aesthetics market, featuring top products like Botox and Juvederm.

Currently, you can buy one share of AbbVie for approximately $212. This price is appealing given the company's strong future growth potential. AbbVie has a low price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of just 0.45 based on projected earnings growth over the next five years, according to financial data. Plus, AbbVie provides an attractive forward dividend yield of 3.09% and is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years.

2. Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (www.vertex.com) has seen an even higher stock price increase in 2025, with shares rising more than 20% amid a declining market. One major reason for this success is Vertex's near monopoly in treating cystic fibrosis (CF).

Vertex has also recently celebrated two crucial approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new CF drug, Alyftrek, won approval on December 20, 2024, and its non-opioid pain treatment, Journavx, was greenlit on January 30, 2025.

Both of these drugs are expected to be significant growth contributors for Vertex. Alyftrek offers more convenient daily dosing compared to Trikafta, Vertex’s leading CF therapy, and will incur lower royalty costs. Journavx targets a large market, especially given the stigma and negative effects traditionally associated with opioid medications.

You can obtain a share of Vertex for under $500. This small investment could yield substantial returns as the company’s innovative pipeline includes four advanced programs, including a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes.

3. Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals

In contrast to AbbVie and Vertex, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals (www.kiniksa.com) is not profitable yet. Despite this, Kiniksa has outperformed the market this year with impressive gains.

Kiniksa has a remarkable product in Arcalyst, which was approved by the FDA in March 2021 to treat recurrent pericarditis, a painful heart condition. In 2024, sales for Arcalyst surged by 79% year-over-year to reach $417 million. The company anticipates that sales could climb to as much as $580 million this year.

That said, Kiniksa has only captured approximately 13% of its market, leaving ample room for growth. Notably, Arcalyst is the only FDA-approved treatment for recurrent pericarditis, which means there’s significant potential for expansion.

The current share price of Kiniksa is around $22, allowing you to invest in this stock while still having funds available after purchasing shares of AbbVie and Vertex. With increasing market share and advancing pipeline projects, investing in Kiniksa could lead to promising returns.

Investment decisions should always be made carefully, and it's wise to consider a range of factors before committing your capital.

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