Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Poised for Breakout After Strategic M&A and Pipeline Expansion

Group 1 - Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is recognized as a leading oncology company, primarily driven by its immunotherapy drug Keytruda, and has a diversified cancer portfolio that includes immuno-oncology, targeted therapies, and combination regimens [4] - Wolfe Research analyst Alexandria Hammond upgraded MRK to Outperform from Peer Perform with a price target of $135, citing an attractive five-year revenue outlook and the stock's potential for a breakout due to strategic M&A and a rich pipeline of catalysts [2] - MRK is reportedly in active discussions to acquire Revolution Medicines for approximately $30 billion, which could further enhance its market position and growth prospects [3] Group 2 - The company is supported by an expanding clinical pipeline and strategic acquisitions aimed at sustaining long-term growth in the oncology sector [4]