Merck Stock Soars 50% in 6 Months: Buy, Hold, or Take Profits?

Key Takeaways Merck's (MRK) stock has risen 51.4% in the past six months. A key driver of the increase is Merck's improved outlook for long-term growth once its blockbuster drug, Keytruda, loses patent exclusivity. Keytruda, approved for several types of cancer, alone accounts for around 55% of the company's pharmaceutical sales. The drug has played an instrumental role in driving Merck's steady revenue growth over the past few years. However, there were rising concerns about the firm's ability to grow its ...