Merck chief comm. officer Cristal Downing sells $209,550 in stock

Merck (NSE:PROR) & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer Cristal N. Downing recently sold shares of the company, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On February 6, 2025, Downing sold 2,361 shares of Merck common stock at a weighted average price of $88.7551 per share. The total value of the transaction amounted to approximately $209,550.

Following this sale, Downing retains ownership of 7,085 shares in the pharmaceutical giant. The shares were sold in multiple transactions, with prices ranging from $88.7533 to $88.7610. With a market capitalization of $220.6 billion and a P/E ratio of 13, Merck maintains strong fundamentals, including an impressive 81% gross profit margin. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 10 additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis through the Pro Research Report, offering deeper insights into Merck’s valuation and future prospects.

In other recent news, Merck & Co. has launched a Phase 3 clinical trial for its investigational lymphoma drug, zilovertamab vedotin, and paused shipments of its Gardasil vaccine to China due to decreased demand. The company has also received a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for its pneumococcal vaccine, CAPVAXIVE™. Analysts from BMO Capital and Goldman Sachs have adjusted their price targets for Merck, citing challenges with the Gardasil vaccine and changes in market expectations. Despite these adjustments, both firms maintain faith in the company’s ability to navigate these challenges. These are among the recent developments for the pharmaceutical giant.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.