10 Health Care Stocks Warren Buffett Owns That Offer Safety and Dependable Dividends

Quest Diagnostics

With an aging population, this may be an even safer way for investors to play health care. Quest Diagnostics Inc. (NYSE: DGX) is the largest provider of clinical diagnostic testing and related services in the United States, delivered through a national network of full-service clinical laboratories and over 2,200 patient service centers.

The company looks to be on track for at least 1% of incremental sales growth from mergers and acquisitions this year, and some on Wall Street feel there is a potential for additional acquisitions that could boost the second-half outlook. Quest has indicated the first tranche of the anticipated United Healthcare share gain will happen quickly, but that a significant part of the volume build will span going forward.

Investors receive a 1.99% dividend. Over the past year, the shares have traded between $113.36 and $174.16. Quest Diagnostics stock has a $157.33 consensus price target. The shares were last seen Friday at $132.37.

Stryker

This leading medical devices company is a big beneficiary in the aging of America thesis. Stryker Corp. (NYSE: SYK) operates through three segments, including its Orthopedics segment, which provides implants for use in hip and knee joint replacements and in trauma and extremities surgeries.

The MedSurg segment offers surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems, endoscopic and communications systems, patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products, reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices, and other medical device products that are used in various medical specialties.

The Neurotechnology and Spine segment provides neurotechnology products, including those used for minimally invasive endovascular techniques; products for brain and open skull based surgical procedures; orthobiologic and biosurgery products, such as synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products; and minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Shareholders receive a 1.10% dividend. Over the past year, the stock has traded between $227.84 and $281.16 a share. It has a consensus price objective of $283.64. Stryker stock Friday’s final trade came in at $251.65.

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