5 Best Blue Chip Stocks That Outperformed in 2022

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

Year to Date Return as of December 13: 44.28%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 82

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is the second best performing Dow Jones Industrial Average stock this year given its 44.28% surge in 2022. Investors like Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) given its potential for helping make cancer vaccines in the future which could unlock a huge market.

Investors also like Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) given analysts expect the company’s earnings to increase. In terms of consensus estimates, analysts expect Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to earn $7.39 per share in 2022, $7.54 per share in 2023 and $8.74 per share in 2024.