Across the recent three months, 8 analysts have shared their insights on Merck & Co MRK, expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $144.12, a high estimate of $155.00, and a low estimate of $125.00. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 2.29% lower than the prior average price target of $147.50.
Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis
The perception of Merck & Co by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louise Chen | Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintains | Overweight | $155.00 | $155.00 |
| Louise Chen | Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintains | Overweight | $155.00 | $155.00 |
| Louise Chen | Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintains | Overweight | $155.00 | $155.00 |
| Carter Gould | Barclays | Lowers | Overweight | $142.00 | $145.00 |
| Geoff Meacham | B of A Securities | Lowers | Buy | $145.00 | $150.00 |
| Mohit Bansal | Wells Fargo | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $125.00 | $140.00 |
| Colin Bristow | UBS | Lowers | Buy | $142.00 | $148.00 |
| Terence Flynn | Morgan Stanley | Raises | Equal-Weight | $134.00 | $132.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Merck & Co. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Merck & Co compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Merck & Co's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Merck & Co analyst ratings.
About Merck & Co
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.
Financial Milestones: Merck & Co's Journey
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Merck & Co's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 7.16%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Health Care sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 33.86%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Merck & Co's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 13.0%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Merck & Co's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 4.99%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Merck & Co's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.87, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Analyst Ratings: What Are They?
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
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