Merck Rises to Become 4th Most Valuable Pharma Brand But Faces Growth Challenge After Keytruda Patent Expires

This article mentions Merck (NYSE:MRK) as the stock being discussed. The author's recommendation for Merck is a BUY rating at its current price. The core thesis revolves around Merck's consistent performance, strong growth in revenue and earnings, the success of its drugs Keytruda and Lagevrio, the recent acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences, and the company's future growth potential. Key information and data include Merck's rise to the 4th position among the pharmaceutical industry's most valuable brands, its top-line and bottom-line growth, the impact of the Prometheus acquisition on its financials, the expected patent expiration of Keytruda in 2028, the company's dividend yield and growth rate, and its valuation compared to peers.