Healthcare stocks are back in focus this month as investors look for strong pipelines and steady growth in a market still driven by AI and biotech innovation. Analysts say three names stand out in May 2026 for their long-term upside: Legend Biotech (LEGN), Crinetics Pharmaceuticals (CRNX), and Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR).
Claim 55% Off TipRanks
- Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions
- Discover top-performing stock ideas and upgrade to a portfolio of market leaders with Smart Investor Picks
1. Legend Biotech (LEGN)
Legend Biotech is one of Wall Street’s top cell therapy picks. Demand for its CAR‑T cancer therapy remains strong, with revenue growing faster-than-expected. The company is also expanding into earlier‑line treatments, which could open the door to a much larger patient base.
Further, LEGN keeps expanding its manufacturing capacity and has a deep pipeline in both blood cancers and solid tumors. With cell therapy use rising around the world, analysts see Legend as one of the best‑positioned players in the field.
Turning to Wall Street, Legend Biotech stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 10 Buys and one Hold assigned in the last three months. At $55.90, the average LEGN stock price target implies a 102.91% upside potential.
2. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals (CRNX)
Crinetics has become a top pick among mid-cap biotech analysts thanks to strong data for its endocrine‑focused drugs. The company’s lead program for acromegaly keeps showing good results. Further, analysts believe the company could see key regulatory steps later this year, which adds to the upbeat view on the stock.
Moreover, the company has strong Phase 3 data in rare endocrine disorders, giving its lead programs real momentum. Lastly, Crinetics has a strong cash position, which allows it to keep investing in drug development over the long term.
Wall Street’s consensus rating for CRNX stock is Strong Buy based on 10 Buys. The average analyst price target of $86.00 implies an upside potential of 133.89% from current levels.
3. Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR)
Nektar is gaining attention as the company works through a turnaround with support from partnerships and updated clinical programs. Recent clinical results in both immunology and oncology have come in better-than-expected, and analysts say Nektar now has a clearer path forward after several years of cuts and restructuring.
On TipRanks, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on NKTR stock based on eight Buys and one Hold assigned in the past three months. Further, the average Nektar price target of $153.71 per share implies 117.66% upside potential.
