Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

US — Healthcare Sector
Peers: NVO  NVS  ABT  GILD  PFE  AMGN  AZN  TMO  SNY  GSK 

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Key Metrics & Ratings

  • symbol MRK
  • Rev/Share 25.7146
  • Book/Share 20.7566
  • PB 5.3472
  • Debt/Equity 0.798
  • CurrentRatio 1.6612
  • ROIC 0.2431

 

  • MktCap 278940593427.0
  • FreeCF/Share 5.2238
  • PFCF 21.3764
  • PE 14.5662
  • Debt/Assets 0.372
  • DivYield 0.0296
  • ROE 0.3895

 

  • Rating A-
  • Score 4
  • Recommendation Buy
  • P/E Score 3
  • DCF Score 5
  • P/B Score 2
  • D/E Score 1

Recent Analyst Ratings

Type Ticker Analyst Firm Previous Rating Current Rating Previous Price Target Current Price Target Date
Upgrade MRK Wolfe Research Peer Perform Outperform -- $135 Jan. 8, 2026
Upgrade MRK BMO Capital Markets Market Perform Outperform -- $130 Dec. 18, 2025
Upgrade MRK Wells Fargo Equal Weight Overweight -- $125 Nov. 24, 2025
Initiation MRK Scotiabank -- Sector Outperform -- $105 Nov. 13, 2025
Resumed MRK Citigroup -- Neutral -- $95 Oct. 13, 2025
Downgrade MRK Berenberg Buy Hold -- $90 Sept. 17, 2025
Downgrade MRK Citigroup Buy Neutral -- $84 May 14, 2025
Initiation MRK Cantor Fitzgerald -- Neutral -- $85 April 22, 2025
Downgrade MRK Deutsche Bank Buy Hold $128 $105 Feb. 18, 2025
Downgrade MRK TD Cowen Buy Hold $121 $100 Feb. 10, 2025

News

Merck is in talks to acquire Revolution Medicines in a deal that could value the cancer-drug biotech at around $30 billion
MRK, RVMD
Published: January 09, 2026 by: WSJ
Sentiment: Positive

Revolution is developing drugs that target a molecular driver of cancers.

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image for news Merck is in talks to acquire Revolution Medicines in a deal that could value the cancer-drug biotech at around $30 billion
Trade Tracker: Kevin Simpson buys FedEx, SLB and sells a covered call on Merck
FDX, MRK, SLB
Published: January 09, 2026 by: CNBC Television
Sentiment: Neutral

Kevin Simpson, founder and chief investment officer at Capital Wealth Planning , joins CNBC's "Halftime Report" to detail his latest portfolio moves.

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image for news Trade Tracker: Kevin Simpson buys FedEx, SLB and sells a covered call on Merck
Merck in Talks to Buy Revolution Medicines Per Financial Times Report
MRK, RVMD
Published: January 09, 2026 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Merck is in talks to acquire RVMD, which could bolster its oncology pipeline, according to a Financial Times report.

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image for news Merck in Talks to Buy Revolution Medicines Per Financial Times Report
Healthy Returns: What to expect from pharma at the JPM conference
AMGN, AZN, BMY, LLY, MRK, NVO, PFE
Published: January 09, 2026 by: CNBC
Sentiment: Positive

At the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, drugmakers are expected to roll out key business and drug pipeline updates and splashy M&A deals.

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image for news Healthy Returns: What to expect from pharma at the JPM conference
Why Merck (MRK) is a Top Growth Stock for the Long-Term
MRK
Published: January 08, 2026 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

The Zacks Style Scores offers investors a way to easily find top-rated stocks based on their investing style. Here's why you should take advantage.

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image for news Why Merck (MRK) is a Top Growth Stock for the Long-Term
The Big 3: XRT, MRK, CAT
MRK, XRT
Published: January 07, 2026 by: Schwab Network
Sentiment: Positive

@Theotrade's Don Kaufman is bullish on the SPDR E&P Retail ETF (XRT) and Caterpillar (CAT) but tilts bearish on Merck (MRK). He explains his stance on today's Big 3 and offers example options trades for each.

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image for news The Big 3: XRT, MRK, CAT
Merck could lose up to $630 million in revenue after CDC changes HPV vaccine recommendation
MRK
Published: January 07, 2026 by: Market Watch
Sentiment: Negative

Merck could lose up to $630 million in Gardasil revenue this year now that the U.S. no longer recommends three doses of the HPV shot in the childhood vaccine schedule, according to Jefferies analysts.

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image for news Merck could lose up to $630 million in revenue after CDC changes HPV vaccine recommendation
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Named One of ‘100 Most Influential Africans 2025' Alongside Presidents of Angola, South Africa, and Ghana by New African Magazine, UK
MRK
Published: January 07, 2026 by: Business Wire
Sentiment: Neutral

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #100MostInfluentialAfricans--Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine (UK).

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image for news Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Named One of ‘100 Most Influential Africans 2025' Alongside Presidents of Angola, South Africa, and Ghana by New African Magazine, UK
Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Medical Stocks Now
MRK, MRNA
Published: January 07, 2026 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

The Zacks Earnings ESP is a great way to find potential earnings surprises. Why investors should take advantage now.

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image for news Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Medical Stocks Now
Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Medical Stocks Now
MRK, REGN
Published: January 06, 2026 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Finding stocks expected to beat quarterly earnings estimates becomes an easier task with our Zacks Earnings ESP.

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image for news Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Medical Stocks Now
Merck: A Pharma Giant Trading At A Decade-Low Valuation While Executing Its Post-Keytruda Playbook
MRK
Published: January 01, 2026 by: Seeking Alpha
Sentiment: Positive

Merck & Co. trades at a deep discount, reflecting market fears over the 2028 Keytruda patent cliff despite robust Q3 2025 results and pipeline momentum. MRK's diversification strategy is gaining traction: Winrevair's rapid ramp to nearly $1B, Capvaxive's $2B+ potential, and subcutaneous Keytruda QLEX extending exclusivity beyond 2028. Financial strength underpins the transition: $17.1B TTM operating cash flow, $18.2B cash, 15-year dividend growth streak, and sector-leading profitability metrics.

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image for news Merck: A Pharma Giant Trading At A Decade-Low Valuation While Executing Its Post-Keytruda Playbook
Merck: Framework For Success
MRK
Published: January 01, 2026 by: Seeking Alpha
Sentiment: Positive

Merck is rated a buy, with strong earnings growth, rising cash flow, and balance sheet strength supporting a bullish outlook. Keytruda's double-digit growth and margin expansion drive MRK's profits, but future exclusivity loss in 2028 is a material risk. The company trades at a significant discount—13.8x forward PE, the lowest among peers—while showing the best YoY EBITDA growth and a PEG of 1.23.

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image for news Merck: Framework For Success
Merck: A Post-2028 Slowdown Doesn't Kill The Long-Term Thesis
MRK
Published: December 30, 2025 by: Seeking Alpha
Sentiment: Neutral

Merck earns a cautious "Buy" rating due to an intriguing valuation and clear, somewhat manageable uncertainties, especially post-Keytruda expiry in 2028. MRK's heavy reliance on Keytruda poses risk, but Animal Health growth, pipeline depth, and margin strength offer diversification and optionality. Even in conservative scenarios, MRK could deliver ~7% annualized returns, with potential for double-digit upside if new drugs succeed and margins improve.

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image for news Merck: A Post-2028 Slowdown Doesn't Kill The Long-Term Thesis
Why Merck (MRK) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term
MRK
Published: December 30, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

The Zacks Style Scores offers investors a way to easily find top-rated stocks based on their investing style. Here's why you should take advantage.

Read More
image for news Why Merck (MRK) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term
3 Dividend-Paying Pharma Stocks Worth Watching for Steady 2026 Gains
ABBV, JNJ, MRK
Published: December 30, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Three dividend-paying pharma stocks stand out for steady 2026 gains as innovation, pricing deals and resilient drug demand support returns.

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image for news 3 Dividend-Paying Pharma Stocks Worth Watching for Steady 2026 Gains
Wall Street Analysts Think Merck (MRK) Is a Good Investment: Is It?
MRK
Published: December 23, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?

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image for news Wall Street Analysts Think Merck (MRK) Is a Good Investment: Is It?
Drug Sector on a High as 9 Drugmakers Strike Drug Pricing Deals
AMGN, BMY, GILD, GSK, MRK
Published: December 22, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Amgen and eight other pharma giants struck deals with the Trump administration to cut U.S. drug prices while gaining tariff relief and manufacturing incentives.

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image for news Drug Sector on a High as 9 Drugmakers Strike Drug Pricing Deals
Merck Reaches Agreement With U.S. Government to Expand Access to Medicines and Lower Costs for Americans
MRK
Published: December 19, 2025 by: Business Wire
Sentiment: Neutral

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck Reaches Agreement With U.S. Government to Expand Access to Medicines and Lower Costs for Americans.

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image for news Merck Reaches Agreement With U.S. Government to Expand Access to Medicines and Lower Costs for Americans
Evaxion Seeks New Partner For Gonorrhea Vaccine After Merck Opts Out
MRK
Published: December 19, 2025 by: Benzinga
Sentiment: Negative

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) will not exercise its option for Evaxion A/S (NASDAQ: EVAX) Gonorrhea vaccine candidate EVX-B2.

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image for news Evaxion Seeks New Partner For Gonorrhea Vaccine After Merck Opts Out
Can Merck Successfully Steer Through the Upcoming Headwinds?
MRK
Published: December 19, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Neutral

MRK faces looming Keytruda LOE, falling Gardasil sales and pricing pressure, but new products, pipeline and planned cost savings aim to offset the headwinds.

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image for news Can Merck Successfully Steer Through the Upcoming Headwinds?
Here's Why Merck (MRK) is a Strong Growth Stock
MRK
Published: December 19, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Whether you're a value, growth, or momentum investor, finding strong stocks becomes easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a top feature of the Zacks Premium research service.

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image for news Here's Why Merck (MRK) is a Strong Growth Stock
Trump to announce new drug-pricing deals later today
ABBV, AMGN, AZN, BMY, GILD, LLY, MRK, NVO, PFE
Published: December 19, 2025 by: Market Watch
Sentiment: Positive

The White House is getting ready to announce more deals with drugmakers aimed at lowering drug prices.

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image for news Trump to announce new drug-pricing deals later today
Eli Lilly or Merck: Where Should Investors Put Their Money?
LLY, MRK
Published: December 16, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

LLY's explosive GLP-1 growth, deep obesity pipeline and strong estimate momentum give it the edge over MRK despite a richer valuation.

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image for news Eli Lilly or Merck: Where Should Investors Put Their Money?
MRK Gets Positive CHMP Opinion for Expanded Use of Winrevair in PAH
MRK
Published: December 15, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Merck secures a positive CHMP opinion to expand Winrevair's PAH use, potentially broadening treatment to adult patients across WHO FC II-IV.

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image for news MRK Gets Positive CHMP Opinion for Expanded Use of Winrevair in PAH
Can MRK's New Drugs & Pipeline Help Navigate the Looming Keytruda LOE?
MRK
Published: December 12, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Merck leans on a fast-growing pipeline and new product launches to aid long-term growth as Keytruda's 2028 LOE nears.

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image for news Can MRK's New Drugs & Pipeline Help Navigate the Looming Keytruda LOE?
Dividend Stocks for 2026: Where to Invest as the Market Cools
KO, MPLX, MRK
Published: December 10, 2025 by: MarketBeat
Sentiment: Positive

As we enter the final stretch of 2025, it's clear that this has been a strong year for equities. However, with valuations across the tech sector stretched and talk of an AI-fueled bubble growing louder, many investors are beginning to look for more stable, income-generating opportunities.

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image for news Dividend Stocks for 2026: Where to Invest as the Market Cools
MRK Stock Trading Above 200- & 50-Day SMA for 2 Months: Time to Buy?
MRK
Published: December 09, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Neutral

Merck holds bullish momentum as pipeline advances and major deals offset vaccine weakness and Keytruda risks.

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image for news MRK Stock Trading Above 200- & 50-Day SMA for 2 Months: Time to Buy?
FDA approves Merck drug for decimated U.S. cattle herds to stop screwworm
MRK
Published: December 09, 2025 by: CNBC
Sentiment: Positive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted conditional approval for a Merck Animal Health pour-on treatment for the prevention and treatment of New World Screwworm, with farmers able to receive doses by December 20. U.S. cattle herds are at historic lows, pressuring beef prices, with the parasite from Mexico among multiple reasons for the decline in ranchers' livestock.

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image for news FDA approves Merck drug for decimated U.S. cattle herds to stop screwworm
Watch 5 Bigwigs in December After Double-Digit Returns Past Month
AMAT, CVNA, FCX, MRK, WMT
Published: December 08, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

Five market giants, CVNA, WMT, AMAT, FCX and MRK, delivered double-digit returns last month with more room to run in December.

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image for news Watch 5 Bigwigs in December After Double-Digit Returns Past Month
Can Merck's New Products Aid Growth as Keytruda LOE Test Looms?
MRK
Published: December 04, 2025 by: Zacks Investment Research
Sentiment: Positive

MRK banks on Capvaxive, Winrevair and other new launches to counter Keytruda's looming 2028 LOE and record long-term growth.

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image for news Can Merck's New Products Aid Growth as Keytruda LOE Test Looms?

About Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • IPO Date 1978-01-13
  • Website https://www.merck.com
  • Industry Drug Manufacturers - General
  • CEO Robert Davis
  • Employees 73000

Merck & Co., Inc. operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services, as well as digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. It serves drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, and government agencies; managed health care providers, such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, and other institutions; and physicians and physician distributors, veterinarians, and animal producers. The company has collaborations with AstraZeneca PLC; Bayer AG; Eisai Co., Ltd.; Ridgeback Biotherapeutics; and Gilead Sciences, Inc. to jointly develop and commercialize long-acting treatments in HIV. Merck & Co., Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey.