MRK Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

MRK - Merck & Co., Inc.

PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
$110.27
1.93 (1.78%) ▲
HOLD
MODERATE Confidence
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Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Earnings: Feb 03, 2026 2d

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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)

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💡
Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: MRK trades at premium valuation expecting 12.3% growth. Hold existing positions but don't chase. Wait for better entry.

Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)

Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation

0% (Stagnation) 50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$29.12
Based on -16.3% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$18.08
Trading above fair value

How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 13.5x Exit PE.

In-depth Analysis How we analyze

Valuation Analysis: MRK is currently trading at $110.27, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $106.32 to $110.05. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a premium (Forward PE: 19.1) compared to its historical average (13.5). At these levels, the market is pricing in 12.3% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.

Technical Outlook: Technically, MRK is in a strong uptrend. The price is approaching resistance at $111.97. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation.

Market Sentiment: The stock shows a mixed technical setup (40/100), with neutral trendline and momentum signals. The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.

Quick Decision Summary

Current Position EXTENDED
Fair Price Range $106.32 - $110.05
Company Quality Score 60/100 (HOLD)
Volume Confirmation HIGH
Confidence Score 45.2%

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All Signals

  • BEARISH: Price extended above range
  • NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (40/100)
  • BULLISH: High volume confirmation
  • NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($117.48)
  • NEUTRAL: Trading at premium valuation - market expects 12.3% growth which is achievable

Fair Price Analysis

30-Day Fair Range $106.32 - $110.05
Current vs Fair Value EXTENDED

Support & Resistance Levels

Support Level $106.03
Resistance Level $111.97
Current Trend Strong Uptrend

Fundamental Context

Forward P/E (Next Year Est.) 19.13
Wall Street Target $117.48 (+8.4%)
Revenue Growth (YoY) 3.7%
Earnings Growth (YoY) 87.0%
Profit Margin 29.6%
Valuation Premium vs History +12.3% premium
PE vs Historical 19.1 vs 13.5 STRETCHED
Market-Implied Price Targets If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY): +12.3% (market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target $121.67 (+12%)
2-Year Target $136.63 (+26%)
3-Year Target $153.44 (+42%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes) (PE: 19→14) PE COMPRESSION $108.27 (0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull: (PE: 22.3, Growth: -36.6%) $92.06 (+-15%)
Base: (SPY PE: 19.1, Growth: -36.6%) $78.98 (-27%)
Bear: (PE: 13.5, Growth: -36.6%) $55.73 (-49%)
📈 Valuation based on Current Earnings
Trailing PE: 14.14 | Current EPS (TTM): $7.56
Bull Case $88.08 (-20%)
Analyst growth -25.1%, PE expands to 15.6
Base Case $80.08 (-27%)
Market implied -25.1%, PE stable at 14.1
Bear Case $72.69 (-34%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 12.0
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Last updated: January 30, 2026 10:06 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 11:06 PM
🔥 Top Stocks Breaking Out Now
Ticker Score Recommendation Change %
Insider Activity (6 Months)
3
Buys
5
Sells
Net
INSIDERS SELLING
Recent Transactions
Ro Khanna SELL 2025-09-29
Val T. Hoyle SELL 2025-09-23
Marjorie Taylor Greene BUY 2025-08-28

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Advanced MRK Option Strategies

Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's MRK price and gamma walls.

Iron Condor Bull Call Bear Put Collar

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