The article argues healthcare is rebounding in 2026, with Merck (MRK) shares up 39% and AbbVie (ABBV) up 24% year to date, versus about 12% for the S&P 500. Merck's second-quarter revenue rose 5% to $16.6 billion, beating estimates, with Keytruda sales of $8.4 billion, though Keytruda may lose patent exclusivity by 2028. AbbVie's second-quarter revenue grew 10.2% to nearly $17 billion and adjusted EPS rose 22.9% to $3.65, driven by Skyrizi and Rinvoq sales growing about 24%. AbbVie is on a streak of 54 consecutive annual dividend increases, including its time as part of Abbott Laboratories, qualifying it as a Dividend King. The author concludes both are attractive long-term holdings based on financial results, pipelines, and dividends.
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