Wolfe Research analyst Alexandria Hammond upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to Outperform from Peer Perform on January 8, setting a price target of $135. The firm described the company's five-year revenue outlook as "attractive." It stated the stock is "poised for a breakout" following accretive mergers and acquisitions and ahead of what it called a catalyst-rich era.
This assessment incorporates Merck's late-stage pipeline, potential label expansions, and prescriber feedback into its models.
Separately, on January 9, reports indicated that Merck is engaged in active discussions to acquire Revolution Medicines. The potential deal is valued at approximately $30 billion.
Merck is a leading oncology company. Its business is driven by the blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda. The company maintains a diversified cancer portfolio that includes immuno-oncology, targeted therapies, and combination regimens. This is supported by an expanding clinical pipeline and strategic acquisitions aimed at sustaining long-term growth.