Analyst Terence Flynn from Morgan Stanley maintained a Hold rating on Merck & Company and keeping the price target at $99.00.
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Terence Flynn has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors related to Merck & Company’s recent acquisition of Verona Pharma. The acquisition, valued at approximately $10 billion, is primarily driven by the potential of Verona’s respiratory drug, Ohtuvayre, which is expected to generate significant sales in the US COPD market. While the drug presents a multi-billion dollar opportunity, its financial impact on Merck’s earnings is initially negative, with non-GAAP EPS expected to be adversely affected in the first year post-acquisition.
Despite the anticipated negative impact on earnings, Merck’s financial position remains strong, allowing flexibility for future business development opportunities. The company expects the acquisition to become accretive to earnings by 2027, and fully accretive by 2028. The strategic fit of Ohtuvayre within Merck’s existing cardio-pulmonary portfolio and the potential for synergies further support the Hold rating, as the long-term benefits are balanced by the short-term financial adjustments required.
In another report released yesterday, BMO Capital also maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a $82.00 price target.
Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 24 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is negative on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders selling their shares of MRK in relation to earlier this year.