Merck's Cancer Pipeline Boosts Stock 77% This Year

Merck's stock has been on a tear this year, up 77% over the past 52 weeks and 37% so far in 2026.

The company's biggest product is Keytruda, a leading cancer treatment that remains the main driver of its oncology business.

Merck is also paying investors to wait for the longer-term potential of its cancer pipeline. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share, payable on Oct. 7 to shareholders of record on Sept. 15.

This works out to about $3.40 per share annually and gives the stock a yield of about 2.36%.