NYSE:MRK

Merck & Company (MRK)

130.20
+0.41 (0.32%)
as of Jul 31, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
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Investor Insights
star iconAug 2, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 23 opinions in the last 12 months.

Merck & Company (MRK) is recognized for its strong performance, particularly bolstered by its cancer treatment drug, Keytruda, which is a significant revenue driver but faces a looming patent cliff. Despite concerns regarding the future of Keytruda, many experts are optimistic about the company's robust drug pipeline and strategic acquisitions that should help mitigate the risks associated with the loss of this key drug. The consensus among analysts suggests solid revenue growth potential, with expectations that the company will release a considerable number of new drugs by 2030. Additionally, Merck is committed to returning capital to shareholders, which includes stock buybacks and steady dividends, positioning the company as a quality investment in the healthcare sector.

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Consensus
Positive
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
Pfizer, PFE
STRONG BUY

He's been recommending this for 15 minutes. Has the most confidence in this name. They reported positive results on their cholesterol pill this morning. Strong technicals, too.

HOLD
Reasonable multiple. Has one of the great oncology drugs of all time, Keytruda.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 15/22, Up 19%) Defensive. Great pipeline. Best in class in pharma/healthcare.
HOLD
Sell PFE to buy MRK? Likes and owns them both. MRK is more in the immuno oncology and cancer space, whereas PFE is more diversified. Defensive and growth characteristics. MRK hit a new high today. PFE hasn't done as well, but has performed over the last 2 years. Own both for different reasons. May want to trim in early part of next cycle. Yield is 2.6%.
BUY
Allan Tong’s Discover Picks Merck is definitely on an uptrend, breaking past $100 as October ends to establish new 52-week highs. The stock’s catalyst was its sterling Q3 report last week where it beat earnings and revenues and upgraded its forecast. Year-over-year, earnings were up 4% (7% if you exclude the impact of the strong USD) and revenues rose 14% (18% considering currency). Drivers were strong sales of Merck’s cancer drugs and many vaccines. The pharmaceutical side boasted a 13% hike in sales YOY. Merck’s key drug, Keytruda, saw sales jump 20%. One of the new weaknesses in Merck was its animal health business where the strong greenback depressed sales by 3%. Read 3 Must Have Safe Stocks to Play Defensive for our full analysis.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Oct 21/21, Up 25%) Broken out to new highs. Yield is 2.8%, which should grow 8-9% over next few years. Well-positioned in immune oncology. Strong drug pipeline.
BUY
Their report won't disrupt their momentum. The stock is breaking out now to $100. He's maintaining his position. One of his favourite names.
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Curated by Allan Tong since 2019.
99+ opinions with 4.15 rating.

TOP PICK

Some concrete good news: Recently, Merck won a patent infringement suit against Viatris that will prevent the drugs Januvia and Janumet from seeing generic versions until May 2026.
As you watch the trial results of these various drugs, you will collect a 3.18% dividend yield and sleep well at a 0.34 beta. The street has 10 buys, two holds and a $100.64 price target.

BUY
Has owned this since the mid-$80s. It offers the perfect blend of offence and defence perfectly. Investors have ignored this, but boasts a 20% a valuation discount to the S&P. You must be defensive, and Merck is a leader in healthcare.
HOLD
When you're looking at pharma companies, you want to see the breadth of drugs that are in the pipeline, and any blockbuster drugs in there. You're also looking for dividends. Yield is 3.17%.
HOLD
Company is on watch list. Does not own shares. Current share price target on the street is ~$100. Is cheaper valued than rest of the market (12x earnings). Has lower patent rate than competitors.
TOP PICK
Acquisition from last year has expanded product offering. Covid-19 pandemic was hard on company, but is recovering now. Company is a defensive name as drug prices are inelastic (medications are hard to give up). Strong cash flow and dividend.
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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 Mar 24/22, Up 5.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with MRK has triggered its stop at $855. To remain disciplined we recommend covering the position at this time. This will result in a net investment gain of 8%, when combined with previous buy recommendations.
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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 Mar 24/22, Up 13.7%)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 $80) to $85.
BUY
Reasonable and sustainable multiple of 12x and very good dividend. Major drug is patent-protected until at least 2026, plus great drugs in pipeline.
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