8-Day Rally Sends Merck Stock Up 13%
Merck (MRK) stock hit day 8 of a continuous streak of days with gains, with cumulative gains over this period amounting to a 13% return. The company has gained about $26 Bil in value over the last 8 days, with its current market capitalization at about $232 Bil. The stock remains 3.9% below its value at the end of 2024. This compares with year-to-date returns of 14.6% for the S&P 500.
Merck’s recent ascent reflects a potent blend of factors: robust Q3 earnings topping estimates, Keytruda’s sustained oncology momentum and expanded indications, promising Phase 3 data for its new cholesterol drug, enlicitide, and the strategic move to acquire Cidara Therapeutics, enhancing its infectious disease portfolio.
What is the point? Momentum often precedes conviction. A multi-day win streak can signal growing investor confidence or spark follow-on buying. Tracking such trends can help you ride the strength, or prepare for a well-timed entry if momentum fades. Our take: There are only a couple of things to fear in MRK stock given its overall Moderate operating performance and financial condition. This is aligned with the stock’s Moderate valuation because of which we think it is Fairly Priced (see Buy or Sell MRK). Nevertheless, individual stocks can soar or tank but one thing matters: staying invested. High Quality Portfolio helps you do that.
For quick background, MRK provides pharmaceutical products for human health across multiple therapeutic areas and develops veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions for animal health.
Comparing MRK Stock Returns With The S&P 500
The following table summarizes the return for MRK stock vs. the S&P 500 index over different periods, including the current streak:
| Return Period | MRK | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | 1.6% | -1.7% |
| 8D (Current Streak) | 12.7% | -1.7% |
| 1M (21D) | 10.5% | 1.0% |
| 3M (63D) | 11.4% | 4.5% |
| YTD 2025 | -3.9% | 14.6% |
| 2024 | -6.3% | 23.3% |
| 2023 | 1.0% | 24.2% |
| 2022 | 49.4% | -19.4% |
Gains and Losses Streaks: S&P 500 Constituents
There are currently 62 S&P constituents with 3 days or more of consecutive gains and 40 constituents with 3 days or more of consecutive losses.
| Consecutive Days | # of Gainers | # of Losers |
|---|---|---|
| 3D | 27 | 28 |
| 4D | 8 | 12 |
| 5D | 15 | 0 |
| 6D | 6 | 0 |
| 7D or more | 6 | 0 |
| Total >=3 D | 62 | 40 |
Key Financials for Merck (MRK)
Last 2 Fiscal Years:
| Metric | FY2023 | FY2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $60.1 Bil | $64.2 Bil |
| Operating Income | $3.0 Bil | $20.2 Bil |
| Net Income | $365.0 Mil | $17.1 Bil |
Last 2 Fiscal Quarters:
| Metric | 2025 FQ2 | 2025 FQ3 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $15.8 Bil | $17.3 Bil |
| Operating Income | $5.6 Bil | $6.6 Bil |
| Net Income | $4.4 Bil | $5.8 Bil |
While MRK stock looks attractive given its winning streak, investing in a single stock without detailed, thorough analysis can be risky. The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 — the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.