5 Best Low Risk Stocks to Buy in 2026

4. Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 100

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the best low risk stocks to buy in 2026. On May 18, Merck announced that its pivotal Phase 3 TroFuse-005 trial evaluating sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) met its dual primary endpoints of overall survival/OS and progression-free survival/PFS in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. The investigational TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugate, developed in collaboration with Kelun-Biotech, is the first global Phase 3 trial to show statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS compared to standard chemotherapy in this patient population.

The pre-specified interim analysis demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy against the physician’s choice of treatment (doxorubicin or paclitaxel) for individuals whose disease progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy. The trial also achieved its key secondary endpoint of objective response rate, maintaining a safety profile consistent with prior sac-TMT studies with no new safety signals.

This milestone represents the first positive Phase 3 data from Merck & Co. Inc.’s (NYSE:MRK)  expansive TroFuse clinical development program. The ongoing program encompasses 17 global Phase 3 trials across multiple tumor types (including bladder, breast, cervical, and non-small cell lung cancers) and aims to establish the therapy as a cornerstone treatment in both early and late-stage disease settings.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare firm that provides health solutions, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and more. It operates in pharmaceuticals, animal health, and other segments.