I've just noticed that more people are talking about hospital stocks lately, so I want to share my thoughts on this group.

Actually, hospital stocks are a fairly interesting category for investors seeking stability because healthcare is a business that people always need. Whether the economy is good or bad, people still have to go to the hospital. This is what gives this group the reputation of being Defensive Stocks.

Let's see which ones are worth watching in 2026. I think BDMS (Bangkok Dusit Medical Services) is a key player to follow. It has a market cap of 319,430 million baht, a stock price of 20 baht, and a P/E ratio of 19.5 times. This company has a network of hospitals both domestically and internationally, along with continuous expansion into foreign markets.

Similarly, BH (Bumrungrad Hospital) is not much different. It has a market cap of 135,060 million baht, a price of 167.50 baht, and an ROE of 31.9%, indicating highly efficient use of capital. The majority of its revenue comes from international clients.

For companies primarily serving domestic customers, I find VIBHA (Vibhavadi Hospital) interesting. Although its P/E is high at 47.6 times, analysts expect net profit in 2025 to grow significantly. Its stock price is 1.88 baht, with a market cap of 18,470 million baht. This company focuses on growth through increasing bed capacity and new business ventures.

Another promising stock is BCH (Bangkok Chain Hospital). It operates 15 hospitals and 2 polyclinics, with a stock price of 10.20 baht and a P/E of 19.7 times. Krungsri analysts recently upgraded their recommendation to "Buy," expecting profit growth of 23%.

Other stocks like RAM (Ramkhamhaeng Hospital), CHG (Chularat Hospital), and PR9 (Praram 9 Hospital) also have specialized expertise and growth potential, but some have high P/E ratios, so further research is needed before making decisions.

When choosing hospital stocks, several factors should be considered: the type of patients the company targets (foreign or Thai), financial ratios like P/E and ROE, and the growth strategy—whether expanding branches, merging, or focusing on specialized services.

What I like about this group is that their income tends to be quite stable, with low risk, making them suitable for long-term holding. During volatile market periods, good hospital stocks often don't fall as much as the overall market.

If you're looking to add stability to your investment portfolio, hospital stocks are a good option. Study each company's information carefully, compare financial ratios, and choose based on your investment goals. Personally, I often follow the top players on Gate.