5 Best Immunotherapy Stocks To Buy Now

2. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a global healthcare company operating through two primary segments – Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. In its Pharmaceutical segment, the company offers a wide range of human health pharmaceutical products, encompassing oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, diabetes, and vaccines. Notably, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is among the top-performing stocks in the field of cancer. On September 22, the company reported promising results from a Phase 3 clinical trial for its anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda, used in combination with Seagen Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN)’s antibody-drug conjugate, Padcev. This combination treatment delivered positive outcomes for patients with bladder cancer.

With an ongoing streak of dividend growth spanning 11 years, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) provides a quarterly dividend of $0.73 per share, presenting a dividend yield of 2.84% as of October 26.

According to Insider Monkey’s second quarter database, 78 hedge funds were bullish on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), an increase from 75 funds in the last quarter. Cliff Asness’ AQR Capital Management held the largest position in the company, with approximately 2.91 million shares valued at $331.84 million.

Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund made the following comment about Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) in its Q2 2023 investor letter:

“Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) presented positive clinical data for a new drug in its oncology pipeline, announced an acquisition that was viewed favorably by investors, and reported strong first-quarter financial results while also increasing its earnings guidance for 2023.”