Here Are the Big Pharma Stocks to Own Based on R&D Spending

Just because a big pharma company is successful today doesn't mean it will be successful in a few years. Even the biggest blockbuster drugs eventually lose patent exclusivity or face new and improved competition. That's why continued research and development (R&D) is a must. 

Throwing money at R&D doesn't guarantee success -- but not making smart investments in developing pipeline candidates will almost certainly ensure failure. The odds for success are better for drugmakers that can invest in plenty of experimental drugs. 

Which big pharma stocks should investors own based on R&D spending levels? Here's why Roche (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY), Novartis (NYSE: NVS), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Merck (NYSE: MRK) rank at the top of the list. 

Continue reading

Source: Fool.com