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Valued at $209.8 billion by market cap, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is a global pharmaceutical powerhouse headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, Merck is known for its deep focus on innovative medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. The company’s portfolio includes blockbuster drugs like Keytruda, its top-selling immunotherapy for various cancers, and Gardasil, a vaccine for HPV.
Shares of Merck have significantly lagged behind the broader market over the past year. While the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has climbed 10.2%, MRK has tumbled 35% during the same period. The trend has continued into 2025, with MRK down 16.7% year-to-date, compared to a 3.9% dip in the S&P 500.