Merck Stock Stays Firm After Strong Q2 Earnings and Pipeline Progress

Merck's stock remained steady after its second-quarter earnings report showed better-than-expected results. The company's revenue increased 5.1% year over year, and net margin stood at 4.77%. The stock is still trading with a high absolute valuation despite the recent move.

The positive Phase 3 melanoma data for Merck's personalized mRNA cancer vaccine with Moderna helped boost the share price to within striking distance of its 52-week high. Keytruda remains central to the company's oncology franchise, and any progress in the pipeline is closely watched by investors.

Merck's stock traded at $153.21 on August 27, 2026, with a market cap of $378.00 billion. The company's FY 2026 guidance stands at $2.66 to $2.76 in EPS, putting the latest quarter in a broader full-year context.