Merck: A Buy For 2026, But The Clock Is Still Ticking

Merck is rated Buy after extending Keytruda's patent protection to late-2029, delaying the anticipated patent cliff, and unlocking significant near-term value. The extended exclusivity creates a one-time cash windfall and enables deeper penetration of Keytruda QLEX, potentially adding $10/share in 'hidden alpha.' MRK's 40:30:30 strategy—QLEX migration, pipeline execution, and business development—offers a realistic path to offset Keytruda's eventual decline.

Seeking Alpha • 6 hours ago

Merck: The Spike Doesn't Make It Overvalued

Merck has surged more than 50% in six months, underpinned by a robust asset portfolio and strong shareholder return strategy. Keytruda, MRK's top-selling drug, faces a 2028 patent cliff, but ongoing innovation and new approvals like Qlex aim to mitigate revenue risk. Despite Gardasil's recent sales decline, MRK's vaccine portfolio remains resilient, with Capvaxive sales up 460% to more than $1 billion annualized.

Seeking Alpha • 2 hours ago

3 Top Dow Jones Dividend Stocks to Buy for Passive Income in 2026

A saturated wireless market may limit Verizon's net growth potential, but the telecom business is perfect for recurring dividend payments. Merck's been positioning for renewed revenue growth -- for investors that can look a decade down the road.

The Motley Fool • Feb 8, 2026

Merck: Pipeline Building Despite The Light FY26 Guide, Major Momentum

Merck delivered a strong Q4 double beat, with robust pipeline momentum and a healthy new launch cycle supporting a continued buy rating. MRK raised its price target to $130, reflecting normalized $10 EPS and a 13x P/E multiple, still below peers despite Keytruda LOE risks. Keytruda, Ohtuvayre, and Winrevair drive growth, while 80+ Phase 3 studies and recent acquisitions strengthen the pipeline and long-term outlook.

Seeking Alpha • 18 hours ago

From Bargain To Balancing Act: Merck's Next Test Begins (Rating Downgrade)

Merck & Co. is no longer a deep-value patent cliff trade but a fairly valued defensive compounder. Future returns now depend on execution and pipeline delivery, not multiple expansion. Keytruda erosion may be slower than feared for MRK, but LOE still creates a major revenue hole. Extended growth helps, yet replacement needs to accelerate meaningfully. New products and the Prometheus Biosciences pipeline show promise but remain early-stage revenue streams. Several more quarters of scaling are needed before confidence in gap-filling is justified.

Seeking Alpha • 17 hours ago

Merck's Subdued 2026 Outlook: What it Means After Q4 Results?

MRK posts conservative 2026 sales and EPS outlook, given acquisition charges. Keytruda, Animal Health and new drug launches are expected to drive 2026 growth.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 6, 2026

CANCER BREAKTHROUGH: Moderna, Merck report cancer discovery

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel discusses positive cancer vaccine trial results and the impact GLP-1 drugs on 'Mornings with Maria.' #foxbiusiness #morningswithmaria

Fox Business • Feb 4, 2026

Merck tops quarterly estimates, posts modest 2026 guidance as generic competition looms

Merck reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that topped estimates on strong demand for its cancer immunotherapy Keytruda and some newer products.  But Merck posted a modest 2026 outlook that fell short of Wall Street's expectations, as the company prepares for a few drugs to lose patent protection later this year and face generic competition.

CNBC • Feb 3, 2026

Merck forecasts 2026 sales below estimates on patent losses

Merck & Co on Tuesday forecast 2026 sales and profits below Wall Street estimates as the loss of patent exclusivity on diabetes drug Januvia and other medicines will hit harder than analysts are projecting.

Reuters • Feb 3, 2026

Merck's Annual Outlook Falls Short But Keytruda, Animal Health Segments Grow

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) on Tuesday reported its fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.04, surpassing consensus estimates of $2.01, a jump from $1.72 a year ago.

Benzinga • Feb 3, 2026