Sir Winston Churchill once characterized private enterprise as a "healthy
horse, pulling a sturdy wagon." In these challenging times, health care might
well be the strongest horse in a sluggish economy. After all, the sector escaped
the wrath of Standard & Poor's this week, which decided to keep the credit
ratings of many health systems the same even though it downgraded their biggest
benefactor: the federal government. Medical device and supply companies might be
even better positioned for growth: At $105.8 billion, the U.S. is the largest
medical device market in the world, Espicom Business Intelligence says. While
there are many companies in this sector that boast growth opportunities, here
are three stocks to consider for a healthy portfolio: Mako Surgical Corp. Mako
Surgical Corp.'s (NASDAQ: MAKO ) second-quarter revenue soared to $18.6
million an 81% jump over the $10.3 million it reported same quarter in 2010
thanks to an increase in robotic knee replacement surgeries. The stock price
tanked, however, on news that MAKO's net loss grew to $9.9 million from $8.5
million last year. But if we take a look at the big picture, MAKO's
opportunity is significant. Worldwide robotics are projected to be a $14 billion
market by 2014. And MAKO has acquired exclusive rights to Immersion's (NASDAQ:
IMMR ) touch feedback patents for use in its orthopedic robotic products, giving
surgeons a hands-on feel during procedures. MAKO set a new 52-week high of
$35.90 on May 27 and, at $26.61, is trading nearly 187% above its 52-week low of
$9.28 last October. With a market cap of $1.09 billion, has a
price/earnings-to-growth ratio of -1.49, which indicates earnings will decline
at least in the short term. The company has total cash of $69.13 million and
virtually no debt. Covidien Plc. Covidien Plc. s
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