Bristol Myers Squibb Reports Strong Q4 Results and Positive 2026 Outlook
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 05 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MRK?
Source: CNBC
- Strong Earnings Report: Bristol Myers Squibb reported fourth-quarter revenue of $12.5 billion, a 1% increase year-over-year, surpassing the $12.28 billion expected by analysts, which enhances investor confidence in the company's stability in drug sales.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Although earnings per share fell 25% year-over-year to $1.26, it still exceeded estimates of $1.12, reflecting effective cost control and margin improvement strategies that further solidify its market position.
- Optimistic 2026 Outlook: The company forecasts revenue between $46 billion and $47.5 billion for 2026, exceeding the $44.16 billion expected by the market, indicating confidence in future growth, particularly driven by the new drug Cobenfy.
- Cost-Saving Commitment: Bristol Myers is committed to achieving approximately $1 billion in cost savings in 2025 and plans to save another $1 billion over the next two years, which will enhance the company's profitability and competitive edge in the market.
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Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 119.240
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 119.240
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Patent Cliff Concerns: The analyst noted that market fears regarding Keytruda's impending patent expiration have led to Merck's undervaluation, but he believes the company has a clear path to navigate this transition effectively, similar to AbbVie's successful management of Humira's patent cliff.
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