Is Merck Stock Underperforming the S&P 500?

Valued at a market cap of $226.1 billion, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is a healthcare company that boasts more than six blockbuster drugs in its portfolio, with PD-L1 inhibitor Keytruda approved for several types of cancer. The Rahway, New Jersey-based company offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes. 

Companies worth $200 billion or more are generally described as “mega-cap” stocks, and MRK fits right into that category. This healthcare giant is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with blockbuster products including cancer immunotherapy, anti-diabetic medications, and vaccines for HPV and chickenpox. It is known for delivering innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biological therapies, and animal health products.