Should I Buy MRK Stock in 2026?
Data-driven analysis and honest assessment for Merck & Co Inc
Current Price: $123.82P/E: 16.4
Decision Score
Hold
Based on 6 fundamental factors
Score Breakdown:
Reasonable P/E of 16.4
Declining -0%
Thin margins (0% net)
Financial health data limited
Strong FCF yield of 6.8%
Balanced insider activity
Key Investment Metrics
Current Price
$123.82
P/E Ratio
16.39
Revenue Growth
0.1%
Profit Margin
0.3%
Market Cap
$298.0B
Dividend Yield
0.03%
How MRK Compares to Competitors
Understanding how MRK stacks up against peers helps inform your investment decision.
How MRK Compares to Peers
Upcoming Events for MRK
+5 Reasons TO Buy MRK
1. High gross margins of 77%
strongGross margins above 50% typically indicate strong brand value or intellectual property moats.
2. High free cash flow yield of 6.8%
moderateFCF yield above 5% means substantial cash generation for dividends, buybacks, or reinvestment.
3. Large-cap stability and market leadership
moderateWith market cap over $100B, this company has established leadership and resources to weather cycles.
-5 Reasons NOT to Buy MRK
1. Thin profit margins of 0.3%
high riskLow margins provide little cushion against cost increases or pricing pressure.
2. High PEG ratio of 2.8
medium riskPEG above 2 suggests expensive relative to growth rate.
3. Minimal revenue growth
low riskGrowth of 0.1% barely keeps pace with inflation.
Who Should Buy MRK?
Investment Profile
Risk Level
Medium
Recommended Holding Period
3-5 years
Best For:
- ✓
Value Investors
P/E of 16.4 offers margin of safety
Not Suitable For:
- ✗
Growth Investors
Limited 0% growth may disappoint
- ✗
Income-Focused Retirees
Low 0.0% yield
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is MRK stock price today?
MRK (Merck & Co Inc) stock is trading at $123.82 as of the latest market data. Stock prices update in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET).
Is MRK stock going up or down today?
MRK stock price movements are influenced by market conditions, news, earnings reports, and investor sentiment. Check our live dashboard for real-time price changes and technical indicators.
Should I buy MRK stock now?
The decision to buy MRK depends on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Our AI analysis evaluates fundamentals, valuation metrics, growth prospects, and market conditions to help inform your decision.
Is MRK a buy, hold, or sell right now?
Our AI-powered analysis provides buy/hold/sell recommendations for MRK based on multiple factors including valuation, growth metrics, technical indicators, and analyst consensus. Visit our dashboard for the latest recommendation.
Is MRK stock overvalued or undervalued?
MRK currently trades at a P/E ratio of 16.39 relative to earnings. Our DCF calculator provides intrinsic value estimates to help determine if MRK is fairly priced.
What is MRK's P/E ratio?
MRK has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.39, which measures how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. Compare this to industry peers and historical averages for context.
What is MRK's market cap?
MRK (Merck & Co Inc) has a market capitalization of $297.99 billion, making it a large-cap stock.
What is MRK's price to book ratio?
MRK trades at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 5.71, which compares the stock price to the company's book value per share. A P/B below 1.0 may indicate undervaluation, while above 3.0 may suggest premium pricing.
Deep Dive Analysis
Explore comprehensive analysis tools to make an informed decision about Merck & Co Inc
Full Stock Analysis
Complete MRK overview with charts and data
Is MRK Undervalued?
DCF valuation and intrinsic value analysis
Dividend Analysis
Yield, payout ratio, and dividend history
Growth Analysis
Revenue, earnings, and expansion metrics
Financial Health
Debt, liquidity, and balance sheet strength
Price Prediction
2026 forecast and price targets
Stock Forecast
12-month price forecast and analyst targets
Earnings Date
Next earnings date and historical results
Compare Before You Buy
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Disclaimer
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The decision score and recommendations are based on quantitative factors and do not account for all risks, your personal financial situation, or qualitative factors. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.