Merck (MRK) Builds Post-Keytruda Growth Plan, BMO Upgrades to Outperform

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) ranks among the most active blue chip stocks to buy now. With a raised price target of $130 per share, BMO Capital Markets upgraded Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to Outperform on December 18, stating that the pharmaceutical company is working on a portfolio that can continue growth beyond the loss of exclusivity for the widely used cancer medication Keytruda later in the decade.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) reported a Gardasil sales beat in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, its first in over a year, easing a major stock overhang. Gardasil sales estimates for fiscal 2026 have already been drastically reduced during the last two years, according to BMO, thus resetting expectations and potentially allowing for upside.

BMO also predicts higher commercial performance from emerging products like Enflonsia, Reblozyl, and Welireg. The firm cited a significant difference between its own 2026 sales expectation for Enflonsia and current consensus forecasts, stating that previous success with similar medications warrants an improved revenue outlook.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare company that offers human health pharmaceuticals, veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines & health management solutions and services.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.