Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

Merck's stock price has increased, rising by 7.98% over the past 30 days and 7.21% over the past 12 months as of January 13, 2026. The stock has surged nearly 30% in the last few months, reflecting strong share price momentum. Analysts have shown confidence in the company, with several firms reaffirming "Buy" or "Outperform" ratings and raising price targets in December 2025 and January 2026. Merck was in talks to acquire Revolution Medicines in a deal potentially valued between $28 billion and $32 billion. Merck also acquired Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion, strengthening its cardio-pulmonary portfolio.

Merck & Co., Inc. exhibits a strong seasonal pattern in its stock performance, with an average return of nearly 5% and an 85% winning trade percentage between April 1st and June 30th. Historically, January and February are not the best months for MRK stock.

Merck & Co., Inc. is a multinational biopharmaceutical company that operates within the pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector. It focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. Its primary revenue streams are derived from cancer treatments, vaccines, and animal health products. Major products include Keytruda and Gardasil, along with treatments for various diseases and an Animal Health division.

Merck & Co., Inc. has a global operational footprint, serving customers in approximately 150 locations and regions across all continents. The company operates in seven key regions: the United States; Europe, Middle East and Africa; China; Latin America; Japan; Asia Pacific (excluding China and Japan); and Other regions. Manufacturing facilities are located in North America, South America, Western Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2024, the United States accounted for $32.3 billion in revenue, followed by Europe, Middle East and Africa ($14.0 billion), China ($5.5 billion), Latin America ($3.5 billion), Japan ($3.3 billion), and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan and China) ($3.1 billion).

Merck's brand reputation reflects its standing as a global healthcare leader. The company was recognized on several Forbes lists for 2025 and 2026, including America's Best Companies, Most Trusted Companies in America, World's Best Employers, and Global 2000. In the 2022 Nature Benchmark, Merck & Co. performed above average, ranking 95th out of all companies and 9th among its peers in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industry. The company scored particularly high in "governance and strategy," demonstrating leading practices in stakeholder engagement and lobbying. While it shows leading practices in water, solid and air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, its performance lagged in "social inclusion and community impact."

Merck & Co., Inc. is heavily dominated by institutional owners, who hold approximately 78% of the shares. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. The general public holds a 22% stake in the company, while insiders own less than 1%.