Merck Stock Hits 52-Week High Following Daiwa Securities Upgrade

Key Facts

1Merck & Co. stock reached a new 52-week high after Daiwa Securities upgraded it to 'outperform' with a $143 price target.

2The company reported strong Q2 revenue of $16.61 billion, driven by sales of Keytruda and other oncology products.

In a move reflecting institutional optimism toward the healthcare sector, Merck & Co. stock reached a new 12-month high. This surge followed an upgrade by Daiwa Securities to 'outperform' with a price target of $143. According to reports, the company's strong Q2 financial performance, which saw revenues reach $16.61 billion, bolstered investor confidence despite ongoing concerns regarding future patent expirations.

The robust revenue growth was primarily driven by the success of oncology products, led by the drug Keytruda. Per market data, related instruments showed positive momentum, with 0QAH.L closing at $134.59 and 6MK.DE closing at 116.84 EUR on August 13, 2026. These price movements reflect the market's immediate response to the institutional upgrade and revenue figures that exceeded initial estimates.

Regarding current price levels, MRK stood at $132.93 (close August 12, 2026), having reached a daily high of $134.06. Traders are now watching the stock's ability to approach the new $143 target under current momentum. In a broader context, the market awaits Chinese inflation data on August 9 to gauge global demand, though the immediate economic calendar lacks direct catalysts for the pharmaceutical sector.

Sources:

MarketBeat