Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is included among the 14 Best Low Volatility Dividend Stocks to Invest in. Barclays Highlights Merck’s (MRK) Pipeline Catalysts in Coverage Initiation On February 20, Barclays started coverage of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) with an Overweight rating. It set a $140 price target on the stock. The firm said the company’s 2026 will bring “first-in-class” launches and important data readouts that could shape its next phase of growth. The analyst added that Merck shares offer pote ...

Merck creates separate oncology arm ahead of Keytruda patent loss - Invezz# Merck creates separate oncology arm ahead of Keytruda patent loss[Health & pharma]Author[Vatsala Gaur]Feb 23, 2026, 14:11 PM- Company banks on pipeline growth and recent acquisitions to offset pressure.- Leadership changes aim to prepare for Keytruda's 2028 patent expiry.- Merck splits its human-health business into oncology and specialty divisions.Merck said on Monday that it will split its human-health operations into two separate ...

Core Viewpoint - Merck's shares have increased by 46% over the past year despite facing challenges, indicating resilience in the company's performance and potential for long-term investment [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company experienced weak financial results last year, particularly due to declining revenue from its HPV vaccine franchise, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 [1]. - Merck's market capitalization stands at $303 billion, with a current stock price of $121.99 and a gross margin of 81.5% [8]. Key Products and Competition - Keytruda, Merck's leading cancer drug, is the best-selling in the world but will lose patent exclusivity by 2028, facing potential competition from new entrants like Summit Therapeutics' ivonescimab [4][6]. - Despite anticipated competition, Keytruda is expected to maintain a strong market presence due to its wide range of approved indications and proven efficacy [6]. Product Development and Pipeline - Merck has diversified its product lineup with successful approvals such as Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension and Capvaxive, a pneumonia vaccine, both contributing to solid sales [8][9]. - The company is expanding its pipeline with promising candidates, including a revolutionary influenza vaccine, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and overcoming competitive pressures [9]. Dividend and Investment Outlook - Merck's dividend has increased by 93.8% over the past decade, with a payout ratio of 45.1%, indicating strong potential for future dividend increases [10]. - The stock offers a forward yield of 2.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2%, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors [10].

Key Takeaways Bristol Myers emerges as the stronger near-term pick over Merck.BMY's new drugs, label expansions and $2B cost-savings plan support 2026 margins.MRK faces Gardasil weakness, Keytruda exclusivity loss and a $2.5B generic headwind.Merck & Co. (MRK) and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) are major global drugmakers with expansive, diversified portfolios.Merck stands out for its leadership in oncology, complemented by strong positions in infectious diseases and vaccines.Bristol Myers, meanwhile, concentra ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights Merck's financial performance for the fiscal year 2025, with total sales of $65 billion, a 1% year-over-year increase, and a non-GAAP EPS of $8.98, reflecting a 17% growth [1] - In Q4 2025, Merck reported revenues of $16.4 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, slightly exceeding market expectations [1] - The company projects 2026 sales between $65.5 billion and $67 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be between $5.00 and $5.15, which is below Wall Street expectations due to one-time costs from the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics [1] Group 2 - Merck is in discussions to acquire cancer drug developer Revolution Medicines for an estimated $28 billion to $32 billion, which would enhance its oncology pipeline with the experimental drug Daraxonrasib [2] - The subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, Keytruda Qlex, has been submitted for approval in the U.S., EU, and China to address the patent expiration challenge in 2028 [2] - The pulmonary arterial hypertension drug Winrevair is expected to receive FDA approval for new indications in 2026, with projected sales of $1.443 billion in 2025 [2] - The oral PCSK9 inhibitor Enlicitide has successfully completed Phase III clinical trials, potentially becoming a new growth point in the cardiovascular sector [2] Group 3 - As of February 13, 2026, Merck's stock price was $121.79, up 2.14% for the day and showing a year-to-date increase of 15.70% [3] - The stock experienced significant volatility, with a 3.51% drop on February 9, followed by a rebound, resulting in a trading range fluctuation of 5.92% [3] - On February 13, trading volume was approximately $238 million, with a volume ratio of 1.32, indicating active short-term trading [3] Group 4 - In January 2026, Wolfe Research upgraded Merck's rating to "Outperform" with a target price of $135, citing the company's active phase of mergers and product innovation [4] - It is anticipated that by 2029, approximately 41% of Keytruda's intravenous revenue may transition to the subcutaneous version [4]

Core Insights - Merck's stock has increased by 7.4% over the past month, driven by better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a positive outlook for future growth [1][10] - The company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $2.04 per share, a 19% year-over-year increase, and sales of $16.40 billion, up 5% [1] - Merck's 2026 revenue outlook is projected between $65.5 billion and $67.0 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 1% to 3%, but adjusted EPS is expected to decline significantly due to higher business development charges [2] Financial Performance - In Q4, Merck's earnings and sales exceeded estimates, contributing to the stock's rise [1][10] - The company anticipates a decline in adjusted EPS from $8.98 in 2025 to between $5.00 and $5.15 in 2026 [2] - Merck's stock has outperformed the industry, rising 43.6% in the past year compared to the industry's 19.1% increase [24][25] Product Portfolio and Pipeline - Keytruda remains a significant driver for Merck, accounting for approximately 55% of pharmaceutical sales, with sales of $31.7 billion in 2025, a 7% increase year-over-year [5][6] - The company expects Keytruda to achieve peak sales of $35 billion by 2028, despite the impending loss of patent exclusivity [8] - Merck's pipeline has expanded significantly, with new products like Capvaxive and Winrevair showing potential for substantial revenue generation [11][12] Strategic Initiatives - Merck is pursuing innovative strategies to enhance Keytruda's long-term growth, including new immuno-oncology combinations and partnerships for personalized cancer vaccines [7] - The company has been active in acquisitions to bolster its pipeline, including the purchase of Verona and Cidara Therapeutics, which added promising candidates to its portfolio [14][15] - Merck's Animal Health business is projected to contribute significantly to revenue growth, with expectations of doubling sales by the mid-2030s [32] Challenges and Market Dynamics - Sales of Gardasil, Merck's HPV vaccine, have declined due to weak demand in China, with a 39% drop in 2025 [16] - The company faces increasing competition for Keytruda from new dual PD-1/VEGF inhibitors, which may impact its market position [19][20] - Merck anticipates a revenue hit of approximately $2.5 billion in 2026 due to generic competition affecting several of its products [22][23]

据报道，默沙东正在洽谈收购生物技术公司Revolution Medicines，交易价格可能达280亿至320亿美元， 若达成将成为近年制药行业大型交易之一。此举旨在获得实验性药物Daraxonrasib，强化肿瘤管线。 产品研发进展 经济观察网基于最新公开信息，默沙东(MRK.US)在2026年有以下值得关注的事件： 业绩经营情况 根据2026年2月初发布的2025年财报，默沙东预计2026年销售额为655亿至670亿美元，调整后每股收益 为5.00至5.15美元，这一指引低于华尔街普遍预期，主要受收购Cidara Therapeutics产生的一次性费用拖 累。 公司状况 Keytruda(K药)的关键专利预计从2028年起逐步到期，其增长已显放缓(2025年销售额317亿美元，同比增 长7%)。默沙东正通过推广皮下注射剂型Qlex(2025年第四季度在美国实现销售额3500万美元)和战略并 购来延长产品生命周期。投行Wolfe Research在2026年1月报告中预计，到2029年，41%的Keytruda静脉 注射收入将转化为皮下注射版本。 公司状况 肺动脉高压药物Winrevair(索特西普)20 ...

Core Insights - Merck has lowered its fourth-quarter expectations despite a strong performance from its Keytruda drug, indicating potential challenges ahead for the company [1] - The company has provided a disappointing earnings guidance for 2026, which may negatively impact its stock performance [1] Financial Performance - For the upcoming year, Merck anticipates adjusted earnings between $5 to $5.15 per share, falling short of analysts' expectations of $5.27 per share [1] Product Challenges - The guidance reflects ongoing difficulties with the Gardasil vaccine, which is affecting the company's overall outlook [1]

Core Insights - Merck's financial performance for 2025 shows steady growth driven by Keytruda, new products like Winrevair and Capvaxive, and stable animal health business, with total sales reaching $65 billion, a 1% year-over-year increase [1] - The company projects 2026 sales between $65.5 billion and $67 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be between $5.00 and $5.15, both below Wall Street expectations [1][6] - A significant one-time expense from the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics is expected to impact 2026 adjusted EPS, which includes approximately $3.65 per share related to this acquisition [1][6] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, sales were $16.4 billion, a 4% increase from Q4 2024, while total sales for the year were $65.011 billion, up 1% [2] - Non-GAAP EPS for 2025 was $8.98, reflecting a 17% increase year-over-year, while GAAP EPS was $7.28, an 8% increase [2] Product Performance - Gardasil sales faced significant challenges, with Q4 sales at $1.031 billion, a 35% decline year-over-year, and annual sales down 39% to $5.233 billion [3] - Keytruda sales reached $8.4 billion in Q4, a 7% increase, with annual sales surpassing $30 billion for the first time, totaling $31.68 billion [4] - New products like Winrevair and Capvaxive showed strong performance, with Winrevair achieving $1.443 billion in annual sales, and Capvaxive reaching $759 million [5] Strategic Outlook - Merck is focusing on product portfolio transformation to mitigate the impact of patent expirations and competition, with strategic acquisitions being a key part of this strategy [5] - The company has identified potential acquisition opportunities valued in the billions to drive future growth [4] 2026 Guidance - The 2026 guidance includes significant one-time costs from the Cidara acquisition, with adjusted EPS expected to be impacted by these costs [6][7] - The company anticipates a gross margin of approximately 82% for 2026, with adjusted operating expenses projected between $35.9 billion and $36.9 billion [7]

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) reported Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.04, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.03, with a 19% year-over-year increase [1] - Q4 revenues rose 5% year-over-year to $16.40 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.19 billion [1][10] Sales Performance - Keytruda generated $8.37 billion in Q4 sales, a 5% increase, driven by strong uptake in earlier-stage indications and metastatic indications, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.31 billion [3] - Alliance revenues from Lynparza and Lenvima contributed to oncology sales, with Lynparza revenues increasing 4% to $389 million and Lenvima revenues totaling $272 million, up 6% [4] - Welireg recorded sales of $220 million, up 37%, benefiting from higher demand in the U.S. and launch uptake in Europe [5] - HPV vaccine sales (Gardasil and Gardasil 9) fell 35% to $1.03 billion due to lower demand in China and Japan, narrowly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 billion [6] - Capvaxive, a newly launched pneumococcal vaccine, generated $279 million in sales, while Bridion injection sales reached $499 million, up 11% [7] - Januvia/Janumet franchise sales rose 3% to $501 million, driven by higher net pricing in the U.S. [8] Full-Year Results - Full-year 2025 sales increased 1% to $65.01 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $64.80 billion, with pharmaceutical sales also growing 1% to $58.10 billion [12] - Adjusted earnings for 2025 were $8.98 per share, a 17% year-over-year increase, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.95 per share [12] 2026 Guidance - Merck's 2026 revenue guidance is projected between $65.5 billion and $67.0 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $67.36 billion [13] - Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $5.00 and $5.15, significantly lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.20 per share, including a one-time charge of $9 billion related to the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics [14] - The adjusted gross margin is anticipated to be around 82% [14] Market Reaction - Despite strong Q4 results, investor sentiment was dampened by the weak 2026 guidance, leading to a decline in stock price during pre-market trading [17] - Over the past six months, Merck's shares have increased by 42.4%, outperforming the industry average increase of 26.4% [17] Pipeline and Future Outlook - Merck's late-stage pipeline has nearly tripled in the past three years, positioning the company for several new product launches over the next five years [19] - The company is also pursuing external growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions to diversify its product lineup [19]