Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the best medical research stocks to buy according to hedge funds. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) announced on February 11 the FDA approval of KEYTRUDA® and KEYTRUDA QLEX™ plus paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adults with PD-L1+, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma, who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens. Management stated that ...

Core Insights - Merck & Co., Inc. is recognized as one of the 13 best Fortune 500 dividend stocks to invest in, highlighting its appeal to income-focused investors [1] - The company received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA QLEX™ injection, which is expected to enhance its market position and attract further investor interest [3][4] Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, Merck reported an Adjusted EPS of $2.13, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.03, indicating strong operational efficiency [2] - Worldwide sales reached $15.8 billion, reflecting a slight decline of 2% year-over-year, primarily due to decreased Gardasil sales in China [2] - Sales of KEYTRUDA increased by 9% to $8.0 billion, showcasing the drug's continued strong performance in the oncology market [2] Regulatory Developments - The FDA approval for KEYTRUDA QLEX™ allows for subcutaneous administration in adults for most solid tumor indications, marking a significant advancement in treatment options [3] - The approval is viewed positively by healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of immunotherapies in cancer treatment [4] Dividend Appeal - Merck offers a dividend yield of 4%, which is attractive to investors seeking income-generating stocks [4]