Pharmaceutical stocks can be excellent defensive investments during times of economic uncertainty, and many pharma stocks are also great sources of passive income thanks to their sizable dividend yields. Here are seven of the best pharmaceutical stocks to buy for income today, according to Argus Research analysts:

Companies see a commercial opportunity in creating new ways to administer drugs to patients – in space.

Italian healthcare vials and cartridges maker Stevanato Group and U.S. generic and wholesale pharmaceutical company Cencora are two of the best healthcare buys right now.

The Nifty Pharma index rose 1.4% on 8 June, defying the broader market selloff, supported by heavyweight stocks like JB Chemicals and Alkem Laboratories. Despite some losses in others, analysts suggest pharma stocks are resilient during market instability due to consistent healthcare demand.

Pharmaceutical stocks have recently separated themselves from the broader market, and the group has become a source of leadership within healthcare.

After years of lagging the market, healthcare may be taking on a new role in investor portfolios. Speaking on CNBC, Mizuho healthcare strategist Jared Holz reframed the sector, arguing that years of underperformance have turned drug stocks from a defensive holding into something more interesting for growth-heavy portfolios.

Biotech stocks are considered extremely high-risk, high-reward investments. Many biotech companies are developing one or more therapies or technologies that, if effective, could improve treatments for common diseases and potentially be worth billions of dollars globally.

Pharmaceutical stocks are widely regarded for their huge potential, but they come with risks. We cover how to find the best stocks in the pharma industry.

A clinical-stage innovator faces off against an established biotech powerhouse, each with distinct financials and risk profiles shaping their 2026 outlook.