The Best and Worst Dow Stocks

Page 13 of 29

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

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 91

Short Interest as of Apr 30, 2025: 1.67%

Merck & Co., Inc. is a healthcare company. It generates its revenues through the Animal Health and Pharmaceutical segments. It provides human health pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular, oncology, neuroscience, diabetes, and other areas.

The company’s new product launches and sustained growth of major therapies like KEYTRUDA continue to drive sales growth. Its favorable product mix and operational efficiency played a significant role in driving profitable growth and margin expansion in the last year.

Heading into 2025, MRK expects full-year revenue to be in the range of $64.1 billion to $65.6 billion. It revised its EPS guidance downward to between $8.82 and $8.97. However, aided by demand recovery and new product launches, management is confident in achieving stronger growth in the latter half of the year.

The company is investing $1 billion in a new biologics facility in Wilmington, Delaware. This facility aims to produce advanced therapies, including Keytruda, MRK’s blockbuster cancer treatment. It will also create approximately 500 full-time jobs and 4,000 construction jobs.

Page 13 of 29