Merck Stock Reaches Record High Amid Heavy Valuation

Merck stock has reached a record high on August 18, 2026. The company's shares were trading at $135.77 in one live quote snapshot and had a market capitalization of $334.89 billion. This move keeps the shares within $1.39 of the session high of $137.17 and close to the 52-week range top of $137.17.

The latest intraday reading showed MRK down $0.085, or 0.06%, from the prior close of $135.85, while another market snapshot put the shares at $137.54, up 1.16%, with a market capitalization of $339.34 billion. This shows how tightly the stock is trading around the high end of its range on August 18, 2026.

The valuation backdrop is heavy, with Merck trading at 38.12 to 110.10 times trailing earnings, depending on the venue and timing. The 52-week range stretches from $77.58 to $137.32.

Merck's latest reported quarter in March 2026 showed revenue of $15.8 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.22, a year-over-year revenue increase. This gives the stock a current earnings base that supports the market's focus on profit growth.