The three most prominent themes in stock investing this year have been artificial intelligence (AI), weight-loss care, and profitability. Companies with strong profitability and/or ties to AI and obesity have, on balance, outperformed the broader markets in 2023. Not all of these high-flying equities are ripe for profit-taking, however. A handful of these top-performing stocks still have ample room to run over the long term. 

Healthcare stocks Regeneron Pharmaceuticals(NASDAQ: REGN) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX) are prime examples. Even though both stocks bumped up against their 52-week high in recent trading, each company still screens as a compelling buy-and-hold for investors with an extended horizon. Read on to find out more about these two innovation-oriented healthcare stocks.

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Source Fool.com