What are the largest healthcare companies?

The largest healthcare companies by market cap in early October 2026 were Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie.

How to invest in healthcare stocks?

To invest in healthcare stocks:Open your brokerage app: Log into your brokerage account where you handle your investments.Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected, and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

Is healthcare a good investment?

Healthcare companies can be good investments. There's always demand for healthcare, and many of these companies pay high dividends.

Largest Healthcare Companies by Market Cap in October 2026

Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie are the biggest companies by market cap in the healthcare sector

By Lyle Daly – Updated Oct 4, 2026 at 10:48 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Eli Lilly tops the market cap in healthcare with $1.1 trillion as of Oct 2026.
Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie follow, stressing pharmaceutical dominance in the sector.
Investing focus in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals looks promising for high dividends.

Eli Lilly (LLY +0.43%) is the world's largest healthcare company, followed by Johnson & Johnson (JNJ +0.90%) and AbbVie (ABBV +0.71%). Pharmaceutical companies dominate this market, underscoring how valuable drug manufacturing can be. Read on to see the 10 most valuable companies as of October 2026.

Editor's note: Rankings and financial metrics are as of Oct. 2, 2026; live quote cards update automatically and are the most current data available.

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A pharmacist standing in front of medications and using a computer. — Image source: Getty Images.

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Largest companies by market cap in the healthcare sector

Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Current price	Industry
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY)	$1.2 trillion	$1,257.03	Pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)	$615.9 billion	$255.56	Pharmaceuticals
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV)	$504.4 billion	$285.42	Biotechnology
Merck (NYSE:MRK)	$360.1 billion	$145.95	Pharmaceuticals
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH)	$360.3 billion	$401.43	Healthcare Providers and Services
Novartis (NYSE:NVS)	$275.7 billion	$150.62	Pharmaceuticals
AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:AZN)	N/A	N/A	Pharmaceuticals
Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO)	$255.1 billion	$690.00	Life Sciences Tools and Services
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN)	$233.8 billion	$432.49	Biotechnology
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD)	$193.7 billion	$156.19	Biotechnology

Data as of Oct 17, 2026. Showing 10 of 10 total entries.

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1. Eli Lilly

Market cap: $1.02 trillion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $79.7 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $66.4 billion
Five-year annualized return: 37.85%
Year founded: 1876

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LLY Eli Lilly

$1,257.03+$5.42 (+0.43%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is the world's most valuable drug company. A chemist and Union Army veteran founded the company in 1876, and it later became the first to mass-produce insulin and the polio vaccine.

Some of its top products are diabetes medications, weight loss drugs, obesity treatments, and antidepressants such as Prozac. In April 2026, the FDA approved Foundayo, Eli Lilly's GLP-1 weight loss pill.

2. Johnson & Johnson

Market cap: $617.01 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $97.9 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $66.5 billion
Five-year annualized return: 9.79%
Year founded: 1886

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JNJ Johnson & Johnson

$255.56+$2.28 (+0.90%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Johnson & Johnson is one of the leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Its two primary business segments are Innovative Medicine, which develops and markets prescription drugs, and MedTech, which manufactures medical devices, including Acuvue contact lenses.

Johnson & Johnson also had a robust consumer healthcare division that produced Tylenol and many other household names. It spun off that division into a new business, Kenvue (KVUE +1.28%), in 2023.

3. AbbVie

Market cap: $464.43 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $64.4 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $46.0 billion
Five-year annualized return: 19.23%
Year founded: 2012

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ABBV AbbVie

$285.42+$2.02 (+0.71%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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AbbVie is a biotechnology company that develops treatments for serious diseases. It has produced therapies for illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, plaque psoriasis, blood cancers, and advanced Parkinson's disease. It also acquired Capstan Therapeutics, a cell and gene therapy company, for $2.1 billion in mid-2025.

AbbVie is a relatively new company that was spun off from Abbott Laboratories (ABT +0.20%) in 2013. It's now one of the better dividend stocks in the healthcare sector. It has regularly raised its dividend payout, resulting in a high dividend yield.

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4. Merck

Market cap: $356.01 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $66.6 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $48.6 billion
Five-year annualized return: 12.13%
Year founded: 1891

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MRK Merck

$145.95+$0.76 (+0.52%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Merck (MRK +0.52%) is a pharmaceutical company known for its impressive oncology portfolio. That includes its leading drug, Keytruda, which is one of the best-selling drugs worldwide. Merck also makes diabetes medications, an HPV vaccine, and a chickenpox vaccine.

In May 2026, Merck completed the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals. The $6.7 billion deal bolsters Merck's oncology portfolio.

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5. UnitedHealth Group

Market cap: $333.82 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $450.1 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $87.8 billion
Five-year annualized return: -1.07%
Year founded: 1977

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UNH UnitedHealth Group

$401.43-$5.24 (-1.29%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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UnitedHealth Group (UNH -1.29%) provides health insurance and healthcare services. It sells health insurance products through its UnitedHealthcare division and offers healthcare services through its Optum division.

Although UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest healthcare companies, it has faced several high-profile issues. A subsidiary, Change Healthcare, was responsible for the largest reported healthcare data breach in history in 2024. CEO Andrew Witty abruptly resigned in May 2025 for personal reasons, and the company also replaced its CFO in July 2025.

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6. Novartis

Market cap: $268.00 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $56.7 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $42.4 billion
Five-year annualized return: 12.68%
Year founded: 1886 (Sandoz), 1970 (Ciba-Geigy), 1996 (merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz)

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NVS Novartis

$150.62+$0.24 (+0.16%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Novartis (NVS +0.16%) is a Swiss pharmaceutical company. It manufactures prescription drugs for various diseases. Some of its bestselling products include Entresto, a medication used to treat heart failure; Cosentyx, a psoriasis treatment; and Kesimpta, a treatment for certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

This Swiss company is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its business. Novartis has partnered with Viz.ai to provide AI-powered care for cancer patients. It also acquired Avidity Biosciences in a $12 billion deal that closed in February 2026 to improve its late-stage neuroscience pipeline.

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7. AstraZeneca

Market cap: $243.34 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $61.4 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $50.3 billion
Five-year annualized return: 5.62%
Year founded: 1913 (Astra AB), Zeneca (1993), 1999 (merger of Astra AB and Zeneca)

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AZN AstraZeneca Plc

$0.00+$0.00 (+0.00%)

NASDAQ

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AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) is a multinational biotech company formed through the 1999 merger of Astra, a Swiss company, and Zeneca, a British company. Its headquarters are in Cambridge, U.K.

This company manufactures prescription medications for many major diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, renal disease, and rare diseases. It has 11 research and development (R&D) centers, 28 manufacturing sites, and a market presence in more than 130 countries.

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8. Thermo Fisher Scientific

Market cap: $242.11 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $46.3 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $18.9 billion
Five-year annualized return: 2.71%
Year founded: 1902 (Fisher Scientific), 1956 (Thermo Electron), 2006 (merged into Thermo Fisher Scientific)

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TMO Thermo Fisher Scientific

$690.00-$6.49 (-0.93%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO -0.93%) is a life science and research company. It has a large, diverse portfolio of products, including analytical equipment, diagnostic kits and instruments, and life science products used in medical research and diagnostics.

This Massachusetts-based company has operations worldwide. It also employs approximately 125,000 people. In September 2025, Thermo Fisher expanded its Life Sciences Solutions segment by acquiring the purification and filtration business of Solventum (SOLV -2.33%) for $4 billion. In October 2025, it agreed to acquire life sciences company Clario for $9 billion.

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9. Amgen

Market cap: $217.90 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $38.1 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $26.5 billion
Five-year annualized return: 13.51%
Year founded: 1980

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AMGN Amgen

$432.49-$1.54 (-0.35%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Amgen (AMGN -0.35%) is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical company with a presence in about 100 countries. It focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and on conditions with limited treatment options. The company develops treatments across general medicine, rare diseases, inflammation, and oncology.

Some of Amgen's best-selling products include Enbrel, an anti-inflammatory medicine; Prolia, an osteoporosis treatment in women after menopause; and Otezla, a medicine for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

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10. Gilead Sciences

Market cap: $179.47 billion (as of Oct. 2)
Revenue (TTM): $30.5 billion
Gross profit (TTM): $24.2 billion
Five-year annualized return: 16.12%
Year founded: 1987

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GILD Gilead Sciences

$156.19-$1.18 (-0.75%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26

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Gilead Sciences (GILD -0.75%) is a biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for serious diseases. It focuses on three therapeutic areas: virology, oncology, and inflammation. It's known for developing medications to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS and for developing a curative treatment for hepatitis C.

Drug makers and diversified giants split the top of healthcare

Many of the biggest healthcare companies are in the pharmaceutical business, which brings some unique risks, but also the potential for outsize returns. The development of new products often requires a lengthy regulatory process. If a company's product may have harmed a consumer, there's a possibility of a lawsuit.

However, companies with successful and innovative treatments often grow quickly. Eli Lilly is a good example, as it has soared on the popularity of its weight loss drugs.

Even with the risks, healthcare can be an attractive sector for investors. Some of the top healthcare companies pay high dividends, which is great for investors looking to build passive income. Healthcare stocks also tend to be resistant to market downturns. After all, no matter how the economy is doing, people always need healthcare.

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Largest healthcare companies FAQ

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About the Author

Lyle Daly is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology and cryptocurrency. Lyle has been a contributor at the financial services company since 2018. His work has been featured on USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Fox Business, and Nasdaq. Before joining The Motley Fool, he wrote for financial brands including Intuit.

TMFLyleDaly

@LyleDaly

Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Merck, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson, Solventum, and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Largest Healthcare Companies by Market Cap in October 2026

Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie are the biggest companies by market cap in the healthcare sector

Key Points

Largest companies by market cap in the healthcare sector

1. Eli Lilly

LLY - Eli Lilly

Key data points

2. Johnson & Johnson

JNJ - Johnson & Johnson

Key data points

3. AbbVie

ABBV - AbbVie

Key data points

4. Merck

MRK - Merck

Key data points

5. UnitedHealth Group

UNH - UnitedHealth Group

Key data points

6. Novartis

NVS - Novartis

Key data points

7. AstraZeneca

AZN - AstraZeneca Plc

Key data points

8. Thermo Fisher Scientific

TMO - Thermo Fisher Scientific

Key data points

9. Amgen

AMGN - Amgen

Key data points

10. Gilead Sciences

GILD - Gilead Sciences

Key data points

Drug makers and diversified giants split the top of healthcare

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Methodology

Largest healthcare companies FAQ

What are the largest healthcare companies?

What are the largest healthcare companies?

How to invest in healthcare stocks?

How to invest in healthcare stocks?

Is healthcare a good investment?

Is healthcare a good investment?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest Pick

Premium Investing Services

1. Eli Lilly

LLY - Eli Lilly

Key data points

2. Johnson & Johnson

JNJ - Johnson & Johnson

Key data points

3. AbbVie

ABBV - AbbVie

Key data points

4. Merck

MRK - Merck

Key data points

5. UnitedHealth Group

UNH - UnitedHealth Group

Key data points

6. Novartis

NVS - Novartis

Key data points

7. AstraZeneca

AZN - AstraZeneca Plc

Key data points

8. Thermo Fisher Scientific

TMO - Thermo Fisher Scientific

Key data points

9. Amgen

AMGN - Amgen

Key data points

LLY Eli Lilly

JNJ Johnson & Johnson

ABBV AbbVie

MRK Merck

UNH UnitedHealth Group

NVS Novartis

AZN AstraZeneca Plc

TMO Thermo Fisher Scientific

AMGN Amgen

GILD Gilead Sciences

LLY Eli Lilly

JNJ Johnson & Johnson

ABBV AbbVie

MRK Merck

UNH UnitedHealth Group

NVS Novartis

AZN AstraZeneca Plc

TMO Thermo Fisher Scientific

AMGN Amgen

GILD Gilead Sciences