Windsor Capital Management LLC has decreased its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.1% during the second quarter of 2023, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor now owns 16,147 shares of Merck’s stock after selling 519 shares during the period, bringing the total value of its holdings to approximately $1,278,000.
This decision reflects a broader trend as several hedge funds have adjusted their positions in Merck recently. For instance, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC established a new position in Merck valued at around $27,000 in the first quarter. Similarly, CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC increased its stake by 141.7%, acquiring an additional 221 shares to bring its total to 377 shares, now valued at $34,000. Other firms, such as MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC, Fiduciary Wealth Partners LLC, and MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc., have also made new investments in Merck during the same period, with valuations ranging from $36,000 to $48,000.
Hedge funds and institutional investors now own approximately 76.07% of Merck’s stock, highlighting the company’s strong position in the market.
Current Stock Performance
As of the latest trading session, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) shares opened at $81.41. The company’s financial ratios include a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.17, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Merck’s market capitalization stands at $203.34 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.54 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84. The stock has experienced a 52-week low of $73.31 and a 52-week high of $118.16.
Dividend and Analyst Ratings
Merck has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share, set to be paid on October 7, 2023, to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2023. This dividend represents an annualized payout of $3.24 per share, yielding 4.0%. The company’s dividend payout ratio currently stands at 49.92%.
Recent analyst reports reflect a mixed outlook for Merck’s stock. Wells Fargo & Company has adjusted its price target from $97.00 to $90.00, maintaining an “equal weight” rating. Morgan Stanley has similarly lowered its target from $99.00 to $98.00. Berenberg Bank has also revised its stance from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating, with a target price adjustment from $100.00 to $90.00.
Overall, the consensus rating for Merck & Co., Inc. now stands at “Hold,” with a projected average target price of $106.41, according to MarketBeat.com.
Merck & Co., Inc. continues to be a key player in the health care sector, providing a range of health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer care products. The company operates across various segments, including Pharmaceuticals and Animal Health, reinforcing its significant role in the global health landscape.
