NYSE:MRK

Merck & Company (MRK)

124.03
+0.49 (0.40%)
as of Jul 13, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
311 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 13, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 22 opinions in the last 12 months.

Merck & Company (MRK) is regarded as a strong investment opportunity, primarily due to its robust drug pipeline and significant growth potential despite challenges with its blockbuster drug, Keytruda, which is set to go off-patent in 2028. Analysts highlight the company's anticipated increase in sales, particularly from Keytruda and other new drugs in development. While some concerns exist regarding market fluctuations and pricing clarity, a substantial number of experts maintain an optimistic outlook on the stock's performance. With a promising array of drugs poised for release by 2030 and solid financial metrics, including rising cash reserves and share buybacks, MRK is projected to see continued growth, making it a compelling choice for healthcare investors. Expert recommendations suggest a prudent approach to stop-loss levels and target price adjustments.

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Consensus
Bullish
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate MRK as a TOP PICK.  Sales of its top cancer treatment drug, which accounts for the marjority of its revenues, is expected to more than triple its current $8 billion sales by 2028 and it has a long pipeline of new drugs, with plans to release over 20 by 2030.  It trades at 23x earnings and supports a ROE of 27%.  Cash reserves are growing, while shares are bought back, albeit with an increase in debt.  We continue to recommend a stop at $110, looking to achieve $143 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 2.7%

(Analysts’ price target is $131.56)
HOLD

Many drugs in the pipeline, and this compensates for older drugs going off patent. For example, it's blockbuster Keytruda is going off. You want companies that deliver double-digit revenue growth on offerings.

DON'T BUY

Today's downward move isn't all that outsized. There's been more clarity on US drug pricing. Seeing a bit of market exhaustion, as US pharma is trading at huge premiums relative to their own history.

Rerating from pricing clarity has already been baked in. R&D pipeline in the sector is a mixed bag, doesn't trust it.

BUY

He bought it for their strong drug pipeline and is happy to stay here.

HOLD

One of her holdings in the space. This higher-quality name has both growth and less execution risk.

WEAK BUY

Erratic and bumpy name. Concerns about Keytruda falling off. Pipeline (looking pretty good), execution, and valuation story. Trades at 12x PE. Just beat Q4, revenue beat. All things considered, you can own this.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 02/25, Up 42.2%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with MRK is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $100) to $110 at this time.  

TOP PICK

Pharmas are coming back. Political policy is improving. Keytruda makes up a lot of revenues but faces a patent cliff in 2028. But MRK has invested a lot in new drugs and been buying companies strategically.

(Analysts’ price target is $123.89)
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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 02/25, Up 36%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with MRK is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $87) to $100 at this time.  

BUY

Pays a really nice dividend. Really nice drug pipeline. Inexpensive. Reasonably wide moat.

BUY

A good drug pipeline with many promising drugs in phase 2 trials, though they have to overcome the patent cliff of Keytruda.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 09/25, Up 11%)

They have a good pipeline that will help offset the loss of their major Keytruda drug when it goes off-patent. MRK is good at buying and tucking in companies. Their 2025 chart wasn't that great until the end of the year when the sector caught a bid.

BUY

Is bullish healthcare for 2026 because of its growing customer base (baby boomers) who will need health services. He's been adding to Merck, post-Keytruda.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 02/25, Up 19.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with MRK has triggered its stop at $173.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering half the position at this time and trailing up the stop (from $79) to $87.  

BUY

He made a mistake in selling this. It's now back to $94 and wants to hit $102.97, a 52-week high.

Showing 1 to 15 of 305 entries

Merck & Company (MRK) Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merck & Company stock symbol?

Merck & Company is a American stock, trading under the symbol MRK (previously MRK-N on Stockchase) on the New York Stock Exchange (MRK). It is usually referred to as NYSE:MRK or MRK

Is Merck & Company a buy or a sell?

In the last year, 22 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on MRK (previously MRK-N on Stockchase). 16 analysts recommended to BUY and 3 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is BUY. Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Merck & Company.

Is Merck & Company a good investment or a top pick?

Merck & Company was recommended as a Top Pick by Joe Terranova on 2025-11-17. Read the latest stock experts ratings for Merck & Company.

Why is Merck & Company stock dropping?

Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts' recommendations for Merck & Company.

Is Merck & Company worth watching?

Merck & Company is followed by 311 investors on Stockchase and is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Merck & Company stock price?

On 2026-07-13, Merck & Company (MRK) stock closed at a price of $124.03.

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4.2(22)
Based on 22 expert opinions: 16 buy 3 hold 3 sell