Merck & Company (MRK) Buy, Sell or Hold

Merck & Company (MRK)

114.20

+0.33 (0.29%)

as of Jun 18, 2026, 11:15:03 pm Market Open.

161 watching

WAIT

Recently dropped because they dropped trials of a blood thinner, one of the biggest products in their pipeline. He doesn’t know if this means there will be no sales from this product. He would look seriously at it if it based out at this level. He likes this one and it is reasonable at these levels. He has a small position and is looking to accumulate.

DON'T BUY

Trades at a good multiple but prefers Abbott Labs (ABT-N) because of their pipeline. Growth estimates are only 6%-7% a year.

DON'T BUY

Fine company and reasonably valued but not as cheap as others that he owns. Decent dividend but not anything he would rush into. Still a little uncertainty over the healthcare sector and particularly with this one's pipeline area. Consider Abbott Labs (ABT-N), which has more growth potential.

COMMENT

Took over Schering-Plough in 2009, which expanded their pipeline of pharmaceuticals, drugs, etc. Pays about 4% yield so likes it from an income standpoint. With a 40% payout ratio dividend is relatively safe. Might not give you growth that you would like. If you think economy is going to grind higher, health care is not a sector to be in.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 19/09. Up 15.9%.) Merged with Schering-Plough and the combination produced a pipeline that is incomparable in the Pharma sector. Will have sustainable growth for many years to come.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick May 15/09. Up 46.13%.) (Think this should be Aug 19 and up 12.2%, not May 15 as BNN shows. Bill) Starting to trim out of this one.

DON'T BUY

3rd largest pharmaceutical behind Johnson & Johnson (JNJ-N) and Pfizer (PFE-N). We are in an economic recovery and if this continues and there is no double dip, health-care stocks and consumer staples won't necessarily be your best performers.

DON'T BUY

Pfizer (PFE-N) and Merck (MRK-N) are pretty fully priced at current levels. Growth prospects are not that great, especially with a lot of drugs coming off patent. Multiple looks attractive and dividend looks okay but there are better places to go in pharmaceuticals. Prefers Abbott Labs (ABT-N).

BUY

Large-cap pharmaceuticals are probably the best valuation out there. Their recent merger is all done. An excellent buy at this level.

DON'T BUY

Patent expirations is a problem with all Pharma plays and pure pharmaceuticals are in a difficult position.

COMMENT

Dividend of around 5%. Cash rich so not concerned about a short-term cash burn. The rate of drugs that big pharma can bring to market is slowing down. Could be $36 in 12 months but if you're not happy with that you should look elsewhere.

SELL

Finalizing the merger with Schering-Plough (SGP-N). Good dividend yield and low PE ratio, which is a value trap because of huge headwinds ahead of them as drugs go off patent protection. Growth will be difficult. Prefers Johnson & Johnson (JNJ-N) because of the medical devices and consumer healthcare. Also Abbott Labs (ABT-N) would be another consideration.

COMMENT

Pharmaceutical. More disciplined approach so they've been generating very strong free cash flow. A couple of their strong drugs will be coming off patent in a couple of years. In the process of merging with Schering-Plough (SGP-N). If you were going to pick a name, he would prefer Abbott (ABT-N). 5% dividend yield.

TOP PICK

Merging with Schering-Plough (SGP-N). Combination will create a very strong pipeline of products, which for many years will have a good growth profile. It will merge short to mid cycle products with longer-term type products and thinks there are significant synergy type benefits. You could also own Schering-Plough, which is a discounted way of playing this. (See also SGP-N.)

DON'T BUY

Has opportunities as a defensive stock. There is significant government regulation coming. There will likely be price controls. There is some risk. Might buy for the dividend.

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