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Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?
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Have you been paying attention to shares of Merck (MRK - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 11.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $101.97 in the previous session. Merck has gained 32.4% since the start of the year compared to the -18.1% move for the Zacks Medical sector and the 6.5% return for the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on October 27, 2022, Merck reported EPS of $1.85 versus consensus estimate of $1.67.
For the current fiscal year, Merck is expected to post earnings of $7.38 per share on $59.04 billion in revenues. This represents a 22.59% change in EPS on a 17.71% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $7.34 per share on $58.34 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -0.5% and -1.19%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
Merck may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Merck has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and F, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 13.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 13.7X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 13.9X versus its peer group's average of 10.5X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.35. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Merck currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Merck fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Merck shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.
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Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?
Have you been paying attention to shares of Merck (MRK - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 11.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $101.97 in the previous session. Merck has gained 32.4% since the start of the year compared to the -18.1% move for the Zacks Medical sector and the 6.5% return for the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?
The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on October 27, 2022, Merck reported EPS of $1.85 versus consensus estimate of $1.67.
For the current fiscal year, Merck is expected to post earnings of $7.38 per share on $59.04 billion in revenues. This represents a 22.59% change in EPS on a 17.71% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $7.34 per share on $58.34 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -0.5% and -1.19%, respectively.
Valuation Metrics
Merck may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Merck has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and F, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 13.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 13.7X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 13.9X versus its peer group's average of 10.5X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.35. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks Rank
We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Merck currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Merck fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Merck shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.