Core Insights - Allka Research has over two decades of experience in investment, focusing on uncovering undervalued assets in ETFs, commodities, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors [1] - The company adopts a conservative investment approach, aiming to deliver substantial returns and strategic insights to clients [1] - Allka Research is committed to simplifying investment strategies, making them accessible to both seasoned and novice investors [1] Mission and Community Engagement - The company seeks to empower individuals financially by sharing its knowledge through Seeking Alpha, contributing analyses and informed perspectives [1] - Allka Research aims to demystify investing, fostering a community of informed investors capable of navigating the markets intelligently [1] - The mission includes inspiring confidence in readers and promoting wealth creation through informed investment decisions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Merck & Co., Inc. is seen as undervalued by the market due to concerns over the upcoming patent expiration of Keytruda, but analysts believe there is a clear path for the company to manage this transition and continue to grow [2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Upgrades and Price Target - Deutsche Bank analyst James Shin upgraded Merck from Hold to Buy and raised the price target from $115 to $150, indicating confidence in the company's future despite patent concerns [2]. - The analyst's note suggests that the market is not fully recognizing Merck's potential growth drivers beyond Keytruda [2]. Group 2: Financial Forecasts and Challenges - Merck expects 2026 revenue to be between $65.5 billion and $67.0 billion, which is below the average analyst estimate of $67.6 billion [3]. - The company anticipates a $2.5 billion headwind in 2023 due to generic competition, Medicare price negotiations, and reduced sales of its COVID-19 treatment, Lagevrio [3]. - CEO Rob Davis highlighted that legacy products, particularly Januvia and related treatments, may underperform compared to analyst expectations due to their impending patent expirations [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Merck operates as a global healthcare company, focusing on prescription medicines, biologic therapies, vaccines, and animal health products, with a significant emphasis on human health treatments [4].

Key Takeaways Bristol Myers emerges as the stronger near-term pick over Merck.BMY's new drugs, label expansions and $2B cost-savings plan support 2026 margins.MRK faces Gardasil weakness, Keytruda exclusivity loss and a $2.5B generic headwind.Merck & Co. (MRK) and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) are major global drugmakers with expansive, diversified portfolios.Merck stands out for its leadership in oncology, complemented by strong positions in infectious diseases and vaccines.Bristol Myers, meanwhile, concentra ...

Air Liquide - Air Liquide reported full-year revenue of €26.94 billion, slightly missing analyst estimates of €27.07 billion [10] - The company achieved recurring operating income of €5.58 billion, just below the anticipated €5.60 billion, with a recurring operating margin of 20.7% [2] - A dividend of €3.70 per share was announced, up from €3.30 the previous year, indicating management's confidence in long-term cash flow stability [3] HSBC - HSBC downgraded Walmart (WMT) from Buy to Hold due to cautious guidance for the 2026 fiscal year, citing tariff uncertainty and moderating inflation as potential headwinds [4] - The bank raised its price target for Merck & Co (MRK) to $135 from $120, highlighting the company's credible oncology strategy and management of patent cliffs [5] - HSBC also increased the price target for Occidental Petroleum (OXY) to $59 from $54, reflecting a positive outlook on the company's operations in the Permian Basin [5] MOL - MOL has been granted preferential access to Hungary's strategic crude oil reserves following the cessation of Russian crude deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline [6] - To address the supply gap, MOL is transitioning to maritime imports via the Adriatic port of Omišalj in Croatia, with the release of approximately 250,000 tons of strategic reserves deemed essential for refinery operations in Hungary and Slovakia [7] APAC Markets - The Hang Seng index experienced a sharp decline after the Lunar New Year holidays, influenced by a negative sentiment from Wall Street and concerns regarding private credit funds [8] - Big tech companies led the decline in Hong Kong, with investors adjusting expectations post-holiday [9] - Market participants are monitoring for potential support measures from Beijing to address ongoing producer deflation and weak consumer sentiment [9]

汇丰将默沙东目标价从120美元上调至135美元。 来源：滚动播报 ...

Core Insights - Merck & Co., Inc. is recognized as a strong immunotherapy investment by hedge funds, with Deutsche Bank upgrading its rating to Buy and increasing the price target to $150 from $115, citing undervaluation due to Keytruda's patent concerns [1] Group 1: Company Developments - On February 11, Merck announced FDA approval for KEYTRUDA® and KEYTRUDA QLEX™ in combination with paclitaxel, for treating adults with PD-L1+ platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma [2] - KEYTRUDA QLEX's effectiveness is supported by well-controlled studies and additional data comparing its pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety profiles with KEYTRUDA [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Merck is a biopharmaceutical company focused on health solutions for disease treatment and prevention in both humans and animals, with its Pharmaceutical segment offering vaccines and therapeutic products [4]

Core Insights - Merck announced positive new data for ENFLONSIA™ (clesrovimab), indicating its effectiveness for infants and children under 2 years old at increased risk for severe RSV over two RSV seasons [1] Group 1 - The data highlights the potential of ENFLONSIA™ to significantly reduce the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vulnerable pediatric populations [1] - The announcement is expected to enhance Merck's position in the pediatric infectious disease market, particularly in the context of RSV treatment [1] - This development may lead to increased interest from healthcare providers and potential partnerships for further research and distribution [1]

Core Insights - Merck & Co. Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with Mayo Clinic to utilize artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in drug discovery, aiming to enhance the development of tailored therapies [1][2] - This partnership is significant as it marks Mayo Clinic's first strategic partnership of this scale with a global biopharmaceutical company, indicating a major step in integrating clinical data with AI capabilities [2] Drug Development Focus - The collaboration will initially target high-need therapeutic areas, including inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, and multiple sclerosis, where advanced analytics can facilitate the development of more effective therapies [3] Technical Analysis - Merck's stock is currently trading 6.1% above its 20-day simple moving average and 11.4% above its 100-day simple moving average, indicating longer-term strength [4] - The stock has increased by 45.96% over the past 12 months and is closer to its 52-week highs than lows, with an RSI of 69.33 and a bullish MACD [4] Sector Performance - Merck is underperforming its sector, with shares down 0.30% while the healthcare sector remained flat on the previous trading day, although the sector has shown a 1.27% increase over the past 30 days [5][6] Analyst Consensus - The stock carries a Buy Rating with an average price target of $119.95, with recent analyst actions including upgrades from Guggenheim to a target of $140.00 and Citigroup to $120.00 [6][8] - The Benzinga Edge scorecard indicates that while Merck has strong momentum, it is trading at a steep premium relative to peers, suggesting a need for caution [9] Price Action - At the time of publication, Merck shares were down 0.81% at $120.59, approaching its 52-week high of $123.33 [10]

Core Insights - Impax Asset Management's "Impax US Sustainable Economy Fund" reported a modest outperformance against the Russell 1000 benchmark, driven by sustainability-focused investments and specific stock gains, particularly in Health Care and Financials [1] - The Fund's Institutional Class achieved a total return of 16.00% in 2025, compared to 17.37% for the Russell 1000, influenced by sector allocation and company-level developments [1] - Management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, supported by falling interest rates, resilient corporate earnings, and ongoing investments in businesses benefiting from the transition to a sustainable economy [1] Company Highlights - Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is highlighted for its strong performance in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly through its oncology and immunology portfolio, with a notable contribution from the drug Keytruda [2][3] - The stock of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) experienced a one-month return of 9.41%, with shares trading between $73.31 and $123.33 over the past 52 weeks, closing at approximately $121.57 on February 17, 2026, and a market capitalization of about $303.66 billion [2] - Merck's shares advanced due to strong sales of its oncology and immunology medications, with positive clinical trial results and an upward adjustment to 2026 earnings guidance boosting market confidence [3]

Core Insights - Merck and Mayo Clinic have announced a strategic collaboration to leverage AI and advanced analytics for drug discovery and precision medicine, integrating Mayo Clinic's clinical insights and genomic data with Merck's AI capabilities [1] Collaboration Details - The partnership will utilize Mayo Clinic's Platform architecture and multimodal clinical data to enhance disease understanding and improve target identification for drug development [1] - This collaboration marks Mayo Clinic's first strategic partnership of this scale with a global biopharmaceutical company [1] Focus Areas - The initial focus will be on three therapeutic areas: - Neurology: Multiple sclerosis - Dermatology: Atopic dermatitis - Gastroenterology: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [1] Technology Integration - Merck will access Mayo Clinic's de-identified clinical data, including laboratory results, medical imaging, clinical notes, and molecular data, to validate AI models and translate research insights into actionable strategies [1] - The collaboration aims to speed up the development of innovative therapies by combining clinical expertise with advanced AI tools [1] Company Background - Merck, known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, has a long history of developing important medicines and vaccines, aspiring to be a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company [1] - Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization focused on innovation in clinical practice, education, and research, committed to providing compassionate care [1]