Every corporation will face challenges and setbacks -- which will sometimes sink its stock price. That's not a good reason for long-term investors to jump ship unless, of course, there's a fundamental shift in the company's prospects.

Stocks that can perform reasonably well while maintaining a positive long-term outlook may well be worth holding onto for good. Corporations in this category are common, but they do exist; two examples are Merck (NYSE: MRK) and (NYSE: MDT). Here's why these healthcare leaders are worth investing in.

Drug-making companies have an important advantage: The products they sell are always in demand. Patients don't stop taking medicines when the economy is in the dumps, nor do doctors stop prescribing them. Furthermore, there is always a need for newer, more effective therapies.

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Source Fool.com