Merck & Co. stock falls 1.86 percent as Q2 sales rise

Merck & Co. stock stood at USD 148.11 on the NYSE on September 23, 2026, down 1.86 percent for the session. The price was 5.61 percent below its 52-week high of USD 156.92, putting the latest move against a still elevated yearly range.

Q2 revenue rises 5.1 percent

Merck's second-quarter numbers provide the clearest operating comparison. According to MarketBeat, the company reported Q2 2026 revenue of USD 16.61 billion on August 4, 2026, up 5.1 percent from the prior-year quarter.

The same report puts adjusted EPS at a loss of USD 0.13, compared with consensus for a loss of USD 0.26. That USD 0.13 difference marks a better result than expected, even though the acquisition-related accounting burden kept earnings negative.

Guidance reflects acquisition costs

Merck's full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance stands at USD 2.66 to USD 2.76, according to MarketBeat. The range includes the financial impact of the Terns Pharmaceuticals acquisition, so the revenue trend and the earnings outlook point in different directions.

The company investor-relations page identifies August 4, 2026, as the Q2 earnings date and reports worldwide sales of USD 16.6 billion for the quarter. That result gives investors a concrete base for assessing whether new launches can offset acquisition charges and future KEYTRUDA pressure.

Stock remains below yearly high

Merck & Co. stock stood at USD 148.11 on the NYSE on September 23, 2026, with a market capitalization of USD 365.805 billion. The combination of 5.1 percent sales growth and a 1.86 percent daily decline leaves the operating performance and valuation trend moving on separate tracks.