Kevin O’Leary’s Stock Portfolio: 5 Stock Picks for 2023

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

One of the biggest healthcare organizations in the world is Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). Merck produces pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biological treatments, and items for animal health. Merck has 67,000 employees worldwide and makes about $59 billion in revenue each year.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) released its fourth quarter and annual results for the period ending December 31, 2022, on February 2nd, 2023. Revenue increased by 2.1% to $13.8 billion for the quarter, surpassing estimates by $140 million. Adjusted net income of $4.1 billion, or $1.62 per share, was $0.08 higher than anticipated but was down from adjusted net income of $4.6 billion, or $1.81 per share, in the preceding year. Revenue for the year increased by 22% to $59.3 billion. The adjusted earnings-per-share came to $7.48, exceeding the company’s highest-end forecast.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) also gave some operating guidelines for 2023. The company anticipates sales in the $57.2 billion to $58.7 billion range and adjusted earnings-per-share in the $6.80 to $6.95 range. This would represent a reduction of 8% from 2022 at the midpoint.