Cantor Fitzgerald raises Merck stock price target on 2027 outlook

Guggenheim maintained a Buy rating and $170 price target for Merck (NYSE:MRK) ahead of Q3 2026 earnings. The firm adjusted estimates, lowering Q3 sales to $17.44B and EPS to $2.08, citing R&D charges. Full-year estimates were also reduced. Merck's earnings call may focus on pipeline progress and recent data releases. The company faces a patent infringement ruling in Europe and has entered a licensing agreement for an oral KRASG12D inhibitor.

A Dutch court ruled in favor of Halozyme Therapeutics, ordering Merck & Co. to halt sales of injectable Keytruda in eight European markets. The court found Merck infringed Halozyme's patent for a rapid drug delivery technology. Merck disputes the ruling and is reviewing its options. Keytruda SC is crucial for Merck's growth as patents on its original version expire later this decade.

Halozyme won a Dutch court order against Merck, halting the sale and production of Keytruda SC in eight European markets. The ruling found Merck infringed Halozyme's patent for under-the-skin drug delivery. Merck plans to evaluate next steps and disputes the decision. Halozyme has also sued Merck in the U.S. and Germany.

Tempus Inc. (TEM) expanded its collaboration with Moderna (MRNA) and Merck (MRK) to support the development of a cancer vaccine. Tempus will manage sample collection and provide NGS services. The company also partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) to improve clinical trial design. Additionally, Tempus acquired Personalis (PSNL) for $1.5 billion to enhance cancer monitoring. TEM shares were down 1.94% to $70.58 at the time of publication.

Halozyme Therapeutics won a court order blocking Merck from manufacturing and distributing a formulation of its cancer drug, Keytruda SC, in several European markets. The Dutch patent court ruled Merck infringed Halozyme's patent, following a similar injunction in Germany. Merck disputes the ruling and plans to appeal.

Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO) announced a Dutch court ruled Merck (MRK) infringed its patent and barred sales of Keytruda SC in eight European markets. The injunction prohibits Merck from manufacturing, selling, or distributing the drug in those countries.