Merck & Co. maintains a Strong Buy rating due to its expanding oncology pipeline and the launch of LIPFENDRA, the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor aimed at patients needing additional LDL cholesterol reduction beyond statins. The company’s oncology progress includes FDA acceptance of four regulatory filings and strategic acquisitions like Terns to offset the 2028 patent expiry of KEYTRUDA. LIPFENDRA has a peak sales potential estimated at $5 billion by 2034, enhancing Merck’s cardiometabolic portfolio. Q1 2026 revenues rose 5% to $16.3 billion, driven by Oncology and Animal Health, though risks remain from patent losses and regulatory outcomes.
The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is recommended as a Buy due to its mix of high-quality dividend-paying stocks like ABT, UNH, and MRK, which offer strong dividend growth and underappreciated catalysts. The fund's defensive sector focus and ...
Health stocks Eli Lilly (LLY), United Health Group (UNH), and Merck (MRK) have recently seen positive developments, including drug approvals and strong earnings. These gains have boosted their stock prices, with LLY up over 8% YTD, UNH up 25.8% YTD, ...
Merck & Co. reported a 4.9% revenue increase to $16.29 billion in Q1 2026, driven by strong sales of its cancer drug Keytruda, which rose 8% to $8 billion. The company also raised its full-year revenue and earnings per share guidance to $67 billion a...
The FDA has approved Merck's LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor designed to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). This once-daily pill s...
The US FDA has approved Merck's Lipfendra, the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor pill designed to lower LDL cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia, including hereditary cases. This pill offers a new alternative to injectable drugs, potentially in...
