“Merck (MRK) is an Inexpensive Stock,” Says Jim Cramer

Company Overview - Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has seen its shares increase by 1.9% year-to-date, following a strong performance since early November [2] - Prior to this increase, the stock was down 16.8% year-to-date due to various challenges, including issues in China affecting the Gardasil HPV vaccine shipments and a $3 billion restructuring program [2] Recent Developments - On November 18th, Merck announced a successful phase two trial for its Winrevair drug, which targets patients with combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension, allowing progression to a phase three study [3] - Bank of America raised Merck's share price target to $120 from $105 on December 15th, adjusting its FY27 EPS estimates [3] Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer believes that Merck may be undervalued, describing it as an inexpensive stock amidst a market recovery [3] - Despite the potential of Merck as an investment, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer higher returns with limited downside risk [3]