Merck & CompanyMRKPAST TOP PICKJun 11, 2014Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jul 31, 2026. Market Open.
Keytruda makes up half of sales, which makes the market nervous, because the drug faces a patent cliff in a few years. Their pipeline is deep, and the acquisitions they made will replenish that pipeline. Even when it goes off-patent, Keytruda will remain a preferred drug by doctors.
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.
(A Top Pick June 11/13. Up 28.38%.) Acquiring Idenix (IDIX-Q), which is a good deal for them as it supplies another avenue of growth. At the same time, it was a relatively expensive deal. Valuation is still not too daunting. His one-year target is roughly $64. Still a good Hold.