Here's What to Expect From Merck & Co.'s Next Earnings Report

Rahway, New Jersey-based Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is an international healthcare company that offers human health pharmaceuticals across various areas, including Keytruda, Keytruda Qlex, Welireg, Gardasil, ProQuad, M-M-R II, Varivax, Vaxneuvance, and other brands. Valued at a market cap of $358.9 billion, the company also provides veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions and services.

MRK is expected to release its Q3 2026 earnings on Thursday, Oct. 29, before the market opens. Ahead of the event, analysts expect the company’s EPS to be $2.12 on a diluted basis, down 17.8% from $2.58 in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Street’s EPS estimates in each of its last four quarters, which is impressive.  

For fiscal 2026, analysts project the company’s EPS to be $2.66, down 70.4% from $8.98 in fiscal 2025. However, its EPS is expected to rise by roughly 248.5% year over year (YoY) to $9.27 in fiscal 2027. 

MRK stock has surged 69.9% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 19.2% rise and the State Street Healthcare Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLV) 21% rise during the same time frame.   

MRK stock rose marginally following the release of its Q2 2026 earnings on Aug. 4. The company’s revenue for the quarter rose 5.1% from the previous year’s quarter to $16.6 billion and surpassed the Street’s estimates. Moreover, its loss per share for the period amounted to $0.13, also surpassing the consensus estimates. MRK also slightly lifted its revenue guidance for the full year to $66.8 billion at the midpoint from $66.4 billion, with its EPS estimates being in the range of $2.66 to $2.76. 

Analysts are somewhat optimistic about MRK, with the stock having a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Among the 28 analysts covering the stock, 17 are recommending a “Strong Buy,” two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and nine suggest a “Hold.” MRK’s average analyst price target is $159.26, indicating an upside of 10.5% from the current levels. 

On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.