15 Best Stocks to Invest In According to Billionaire D.E. Shaw

8. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Stock Performance (end of Q2 to October 28): 7.43%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92

D .E. Shaw Equity Stake: $820.71 Million

Merck & Co Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the best stocks to invest in, according to billionaire D.E. Shaw. On October 30, Merck & Co Inc. (NYSE:MRK) posted third-quarter 2025 sales of $17.3 billion, up 4% from last year.

KEYTRUDA led the way with $8.1 billion in sales, rising 10%. WINREVAIR saw a sharp jump to $360 million, while CAPVAXIVE brought in $244 million. GARDASIL sales dropped 24% to $1.7 billion, and Animal Health grew 9% to $1.6 billion.

Earnings per share were $2.32 (GAAP) and $2.58 (non-GAAP), both including a $0.10 charge related to a tech transfer deal. Merck also received FDA approval for a new KEYTRUDA injection, shared promising cancer trial data, and completed its acquisition of Verona Pharma. The company now expects full-year sales between $64.5–$65 billion and raised its non-GAAP EPS forecast to $8.93–$8.98.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a global healthcare company that uses scientific innovation to develop and provide health solutions, including prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. Its primary focus is on creating treatments for various diseases, with specific efforts in oncology, vaccines, and infectious diseases.