Merck & Company (MRK) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Merck & Company (MRK)

130.42

-0.50 (0.38%)

as of Aug 11, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

311 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 11, 2026, 12:00 am

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

Merck & Company (MRK) is a well-regarded player in the pharmaceutical sector, with a strong focus on its cancer treatment drug, Keytruda, which significantly contributes to its revenue. However, concerns arise due to an impending patent cliff that may impact its financial performance in the coming years. Analysts praise Merck's deep pipeline of new drugs and strategic acquisitions aimed at replenishing its offerings, suggesting that even post-Keytruda, the company has the potential to maintain its market position. Although current valuations are considered inexpensive, there are mixed feelings regarding the stock's growth prospects due to risks associated with its major revenue driver. Investors are advised to monitor the stock closely, with recommendations around setting trailing stops to mitigate risks associated with market volatility.

Consensus

Bullish

Valuation

Undervalued

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PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jun 11/26, Up 22.9%)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 $110) to $121 at this time.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Feb 10/26, Up 9%)

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.

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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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Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

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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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, 23 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on MRK (previously MRK-N on Stockchase). 17 analysts recommended to BUY and 3 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is PAST TOP PICK. 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 The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research) on 2026-07-23. 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 2026-08-11, Merck & Company (MRK) stock closed at a price of $130.42.

4.2(23)

Based on 23 expert opinions: 17 buy 3 hold 3 sell

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Merck & Company (MRK)

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