Merck, Up... Pfizer, Down -- According to Barclays, This Morning...

Merck was last an "Overweight" at Barclays in December of 2015 -- and was also a $66 target, then. This morning's move is predicated on strong prospects for Kenilworth's pembrolizumab, in lung cancers. [Much of the eight years' prior backstory, here. . . .]

Unlike December of 2015, though -- the bank has also dropped the hammer, on Mr. Ian Read, and Pfizer -- making it an "Equal Weight", with a new $3 haircut -- on the price target (as detailed at right). Barclay's says it is less likely now that Pfizer will undergo a "transformative" mega-deal. So it is clipping the stock's wings (even though that $38. . . is above current NYSE trading prices).

Here is a bit from CNBC on it all:

. . . .Analyst Geoff Meacham and his team also raised their price target on Merck by $2 to $64, a more than 17 percent increase from Wednesday's close.

"In our view, there is perhaps 15 to 20 percent of first-line lung market share 'up for grabs' in the U.S.," the analysts said in a note to investors Thursday. Meacham also noted a better outlook versus key competitors, namely Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Merck shares rose 1.1 percent Thursday above $55 a share. The stock has fallen 3 percent this year. . . .

Now you know. Great news, for Merckies! And do get out and breathe that emerging spring air -- I am off to do so -- and find a food truck with lobster rolls (or gumbo), right now! Smiling widely, at "Miss Calypso". . . . (of one year ago).

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