Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc (TERN) is not a strong buy at the moment for a beginner investor with a long-term strategy. The stock is currently in a pre-market decline (-0.74%), and the technical indicators are mixed. The company's financial performance is weak, with no revenue growth and negative net income. Additionally, the stock is in the process of being acquired by Merck, which limits upside potential. While options data indicates bullish sentiment with a low Put-Call Ratio, the lack of significant positive catalysts and the absence of Intellectia Proprietary Trading Signals suggest that holding off on buying is a prudent decision.
The MACD histogram is negative and expanding downward, indicating bearish momentum. RSI is neutral at 70.572, and moving averages are bullish (SMA_5 > SMA_20 > SMA_200). The stock is trading near its pivot point (52.635), with resistance at 52.788 and support at 52.483. Overall, the technical indicators are mixed, with no clear buy signal.

The stock is being acquired by Merck at $53.00 per share, which provides a clear exit price for current shareholders. Analysts have previously highlighted the potential of TERN-701 as a next-generation treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, with a significant market opportunity.
The acquisition by Merck limits the stock's upside potential, as the price is capped at $53.00 per share. Legal investigations into potential breaches of fiduciary duties could create uncertainty. Financial performance remains weak, with no revenue growth and negative net income. Analysts have downgraded the stock to Market Perform, citing a low likelihood of a higher bid emerging.
In Q4 2025, the company reported no revenue growth (0% YoY) and a net loss of $23.57 million, which improved by 8.13% YoY. EPS remained negative at -0.24. Gross margin was 0%, indicating no profitability.
Analysts have mixed views. William Blair downgraded the stock to Market Perform, citing the likelihood of the Merck acquisition being completed. Leerink previously rated the stock as Outperform with a $58 price target, based on the potential of TERN-701 in the chronic myeloid leukemia market.