Merck Shares Plunge 5.32% on Gardasil Sales Forecast Cut

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) shares plummeted 5.32% today, marking the lowest level since March 2022, with an intraday decline of 7.26%.

On February 4, 2025, Merck announced that it would no longer achieve the long-forecasted $11 billion in sales of Gardasil by 2030. This news significantly impacted investor confidence, leading to a sharp decline in the stock price. The announcement contributed to a drop of $9.05 per share, or 9.07%, closing at $90.74. This event underscored the challenges Merck faces in meeting its sales targets for Gardasil, a key product in its portfolio.

In addition to the Gardasil sales forecast revision, Merck's stock price has been influenced by broader market dynamics. The pharmaceutical sector, including Merck, experienced a decline due to tariff threats on imported drugs announced by then-President Trump. These threats caused shares of major pharmaceutical companies to drop over 4%, reflecting the sector's vulnerability to geopolitical risks and regulatory changes.

These factors combined have recently influenced the fluctuation of Merck's stock price, highlighting the company's need to navigate both internal challenges and external market pressures. Investors will be closely watching Merck's strategic moves and financial performance in the coming quarters to gauge the company's ability to recover from these setbacks.