Merck & Co Option Alert: Jul 18 $110 Calls Sweep (37) above Ask!: 20000 vs 21539 OI

Merck & Co Option Alert: Jul 18 $110 Calls Sweep (37) above Ask!: 20000 @ $0.511 vs 21539 OI; Ref=$84.865

Merck & Co (NYSE:MRK) 주식

MERCK & CO. INC.

Merck & Co

Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.

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미국과 중국 간의 무역 긴장 완화가 글로벌 시장에 낙관론을 불어넣으면서 월요일 다우존스 산업평균지수는 4월 초 이후 처음으로 200일 이동평균선을 돌파하며 강력한 랠리를 펼쳤다. 미국과 중국은 5월 14일부터 세 자릿수 관세를 인하하며 90일간 휴전에 합의했다. 트럼프 행정부는 또한 기업과 소비자에 대한 경제적 압박의 징후가 커지자 중국과 더 공식적인 무역 회담을 개최하기로 합의했다.

다우존스 1,000p+ 상승하며 4월 2일 관세 충격 이후 첫 200일 이평선 돌파

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일요일(11일) 도널드 트럼프 대통령은 트루스 소셜을 통해 처방약 가격 인하를 목표로 하는 미국 역사상 &#34;가장 중대한 행정명령&#34;에 서명할 계획이라고 발표했다.무슨 일 있었나: 트럼프 대통령은 월요일(12일) 오전 9시에 서명할 예정인 행정명령은 제약사가 미국 소비자에게 다른 국가에서 동일한 의약품에 대해 제공하는 최저 가격 이상을 청구하지 않도록 요구하는 &#34;최혜국대우&#34; 정책을 시행할 것이라고 했다.

트럼프의 처방약 가격 인하 행정명령으로 제약주 흔들···노보 노디스크, 화이자 및 존슨앤드존슨 프리마켓 하락세

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마조리 테일러 그린 하원의원(공화당, 조지아주)은 주식 시장에 상당한 영향을 미쳤던 도널드 트럼프 대통령의 글로벌 관세 유예 발표 직전 및 당일에 자신이 주식을 대량으로 매입했다고 공개했다. 

마조리 테일러 그린 美하원의원, 트럼프의 상호관세 90일 유예 직전 대규모 주식 매입

Merck & Co Inc

Marker Therapeutics Inc

MARKY CORP by MARKY CORP.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) on Monday issued a draft guidance for public comment on the third cycle of negotiations under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (Negotiation Program) to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45234032/fda-expands-surprise-inspections-at-foreign-drug-and-food-facilities-targets-double-standards-in-overseas-manufacturing-oversight" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower prescription drug prices</a>.
The draft guidance introduces new policies that would, for the first time, include drugs covered under Medicare Part B in the Medicare <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug Price Negotiation Program</a>.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-draft-guidance-third-cycle-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-lower-drug-prices" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidance</a> also explains how CMS plans to renegotiate prices for some drugs already negotiated for 2026 or 2027.
It clarifies how drugmakers must make the negotiated prices available in those years and extends similar rules for Part D drugs through 2028.
The first round of negotiations, covering 10 Part D drugs, ended in August 2024. A second round, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43062779/popular-ozempic-wegovy-selected-for-next-round-of-medicare-drug-price-negotiations" rel="noreferrer noopener">involving 15 more Part D drugs</a>, is currently underway.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45341590/trumps-drug-pricing-executive-order-could-rattle-pharma-stocksprice-cuts-up-to-80" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s New Drug Pricing Executive Order Could Rattle Pharma Stocks, With Price Cuts Of Up To 80%: Novo Nordisk, Pfizer And J&amp;J Fall In Premarket</a>
By Feb. 1, 2026, CMS will announce up to 15 additional drugs, covered under either Part D or Part B, for possible negotiation in the third round. Negotiations for this third group will happen in 2026, with new prices taking effect Jan. 1, 2028.
On the same date, CMS will publish the list of drugs selected for initial price negotiations for 2028 and announce any drugs picked for a first round of renegotiation. Those updated prices will also start on January 1, 2028.
CMS invites the public to comment on this draft guidance, including the drug selection process, how negotiated prices are implemented, and ways to improve the program.
The public comment period is open for 45 days. Comments must be submitted by June 26.
Goldman Sachs analyst Asad Haider says investors are concerned about fixed-combination drugs. The draft points out cases where one ingredient affects how the drug is absorbed but doesn&#8217;t treat the disease itself. This has led to worries that some subcutaneous (SC) versions of drugs that IV originally gave might be included in Medicare price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) earlier than expected.
The prior CMS guidance issued under the Biden Administration suggested that sub-q formulations of IV drugs could be excluded from IRA price negotiations.
Stocks of companies with key SC drugs in focus, Johnson &amp; Johnson&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) Darzalex Faspro, Bristol-Myers Squibb &amp; Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) Opdivo Qvantig, and Merck &amp; Co Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) subcutaneous pembrolizumab/Keytruda (in development), are trading lower.
&#8220;At a higher level, we view this development as another aspect of policy uncertainty that continues to persist, in addition to the Most Favored Nation Executive Order and potential for tariffs&#8230;In our view, this underscores a need for the industry to pursue novel innovations over incremental life cycle management strategies — a dynamic which we believe could lead to increased M&amp;A activity,&#8221; analyst Haider writes.
Price Action: JNJ stock is down 1.45% at $146.30, BMY stock is down 2.64% at $45.38, and MRK stock is down 2.46% at $74.74&nbsp;at the last check on Wednesday.
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CMS Expands Medicare Drug Price Talks To Part B Meds In 2026 Shake Up

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday approved Merck &amp; Co. Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) Welireg (belzutifan) for adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL).
This represents the first FDA approval of an oral therapy for PPGL,&nbsp;rare neuroendocrine tumors that can spread to other parts of the body.
Welireg received approval from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.merck.com/news/welireg-belzutifan-receives-first-european-commission-approval-for-two-indications/" rel="noreferrer noopener">the</a> FDA and European Medicines Agency for adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma&nbsp;(RCC).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44983460/mercks-q1-earnings-beat-wall-street-adjusts-2025-profit-outlook-as-tariffs-may-result-in-incremental-cost-of-200-million" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merck&#8217;s Q1 Earnings Beat Wall Street, Adjusts 2025 Profit Outlook As Tariffs May Result In Incremental Cost Of $200 Million</a>
Efficacy was evaluated in LITESPARK-015, an open-label, multi-cohort trial.
The major <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-belzutifan-pheochromocytoma-or-paraganglioma" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficacy</a> outcome measure was objective response rate (ORR). Additional efficacy outcome measures were duration of response (DOR) and the number of patients who had a reduction in at least one antihypertensive medication by at least 50%, maintained for at least six months.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>ORR was 26%.</li>
<li>Median DOR was 20.4 months.</li>
<li>Of the 60 patients on baseline antihypertensive medications, 19 (32%) had a reduction in at least one antihypertensive medication by at least 50% for at least six months.</li>
</ul>
The recommended belzutifan dose for adults is 120 mg administered orally once daily.
The recommended dose for pediatric patients 12 years and older is based on body weight. For pediatric patients weighing ≥ 40 kg, the dose is 120 mg orally once daily.
For pediatric patients weighing &lt; 40 kg, the dose is 80 mg orally once daily.
In the first quarter of 2025, Welireg generated sales of $137 million, 62% year over year.
Price Action: MRK stock is down 3.45% at $73.98&nbsp;at the last check on Wednesday.
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Photo by tada images via Shutterstock

FDA Approves Merck's Kidney Cancer Drug For Rare Type Of Neuroendocrine Tumors

<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-belzutifan-pheochromocytoma-or-paraganglioma#:~:text=On%20May%2014%2C%202025%2C%20the,an%20oral%20therapy%20for%20PPGL" title="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-belzutifan-pheochromocytoma-or-paraganglioma#:~:text=On%20May%2014%2C%202025%2C%20the,an%20oral%20therapy%20for%20PPGL">https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-belzutifan-pheochromocytoma-or-paraganglioma#:~:text=On%20May%2014%2C%202025%2C%20the,an%20oral%20therapy%20for%20PPGL</a>.

Reported Earlier: 'FDA Approves Belzutifan For Pheochromocytoma Or Paraganglioma' - FDA

Despite a powerful 22% surge in the S&amp;P 500 since the April lows—driven by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and a 90-day pause on new tariffs—only half of the index&#8217;s stocks have managed to rise above their 200-day moving average, indicating a market rally <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers">that remains potentially incomplete.</a>
This technical indicator, often used to gauge long-term trends and market breadth, currently shows that just 49.9% of S&amp;P 500 components are in what traders would consider a bullish trend. 
That figure remains below both the five- and 10-year averages of 60%, suggesting a wide swath of the market has yet to participate in the rebound.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breadth Gauge Shows Room To Run</h3>
Over the past four years, the percentage of stocks above their 200-day moving average has moved within a wide 10% to 92% range. The extreme lows—seen in June and September 2022 at just 10%—came during periods of heightened recession fears and monetary tightening. 
The recent cycle bottom occurred just last month, when the figure dipped to 15% following April's sharp, tariff-driven selloff.
The highest reading in the last four years came in May 2021, at 92%, during a time of peak post-pandemic optimism. More recently, a high of 82% was recorded in September 2024, following the start of Federal Reserve policy easing. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-914932" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-768x397.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-1536x793.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14083211/image-161-2048x1058.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Analysts Say About The Tariff Pause and Market Reaction</h3>
Analysts say that the 90-day tariff truce announced in April and this week&#8217;s truce between the U.S. and China helped revive risk appetite, but they remain cautious about its long-term effects.
In a note on Wednesday, Peter Oppenheimer, strategist at Goldman Sachs, said the outcome was "much better than we had expected," noting that the tariff levies of 30 percentage points by the U.S. and +5 points by China were significantly lower than prior worst-case estimates.
Oppenheimer also highlighted that the new U.S.-UK trade agreement contributes to a more constructive global growth outlook and has mitigated fears of long-term economic damage from the April drawdown.
He added that the market has begun to price out recession risks. 
"Certainly, recent news has been supportive for risk in three respects: it has shown the U.S. Administration to be pragmatic and keen to de-escalate&#8230; it suggests a lower likely outcome for the average effective tariff rate&#8230; and it has led to a number of growth upgrades," he said.
Rick Gardner, chief investment officer at RGA Investments, said markets are already "pricing in an environment where the U.S. and China are able to trade with each other," even if some economic weakness persists.
"Even if we see a continued economic slowdown, the stock market may have already priced that in during the April selloff," Gardner said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Top 20 Laggards – Price vs. 200-Day Moving Average</h3>
More than 20 S&amp;P 500 stocks are still trading over 20% below their 200-day moving averages, highlighting substantial technical room for recovery among the index's biggest underperformers during the tariff-relief rally. 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>% Below 200-Day Moving Average</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td>
<td>-42.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>)</td>
<td>-41.52%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>)</td>
<td>-30.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARE#NYSE">ARE</a>)</td>
<td>-29.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>)</td>
<td>-28.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>)</td>
<td>-27.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQV#NYSE">IQV</a>)</td>
<td>-26.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bio-Techne Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECH#NASDAQ">TECH</a>)</td>
<td>-24.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>)</td>
<td>-24.89%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LYB#NYSE">LYB</a>)</td>
<td>-24.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>)</td>
<td>-24.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teradyne Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>)</td>
<td>-24.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>)</td>
<td>-24.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>)</td>
<td>-23.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Merck &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>)</td>
<td>-23.18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>)</td>
<td>-23.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDX#NYSE">BDX</a>)</td>
<td>-22.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Halliburton Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>)</td>
<td>-22.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edison International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EIX#NYSE">EIX</a>)</td>
<td>-21.76%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data as of May 13, 2025</figcaption></figure>
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

BIIB

ENPH

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Only Half Of S&P 500 Stocks Joined The Tariff-Relief Rally: Time To Buy The Laggards?

4 analysts have shared their evaluations of Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $97.25, a high estimate of $115.00, and a low estimate of $84.00. A 18.5% drop is evident in the current average compared to the previous average price target of $119.33. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747227660_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
The standing of Merck &amp; Co among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Baum</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carter Gould</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vamil Divan</td>
<td>Guggenheim</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Shin</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$128.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Merck &amp; Co. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Merck &amp; Co compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of Merck &amp; Co's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Merck &amp; Co analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Merck &amp; Co</h2>
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.
<h3>Merck &amp; Co: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3M period, Merck &amp; Co faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -1.56% in revenue growth as of 31 March, 2025. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Merck &amp; Co's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 32.71%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Merck &amp; Co's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 10.73%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Merck &amp; Co's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 4.37%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.72.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Merck & Co: Insights From 4 Financial Analysts

Citigroup analyst Andrew Baum downgrades Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) from Buy to Neutral and lowers the price target from $115 to $84.

Downgrades

Price Target

Citigroup Downgrades Merck & Co to Neutral, Lowers Price Target to $84

WIIM

Merck shares are trading lower. The company highlighted MK-1084 data from KANDLELIT-001 in KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal and lung cancers.

<ul>
<li>New and updated data for MK-1084, an investigational KRAS G12C inhibitor, from the colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer cohorts of the Phase 1 KANDLELIT-001 study will be presented</li>
<li>Zilovertamab vedotin and sacituzumab tirumotecan data to highlight progress in Merck's pipeline of innovative antibody-drug conjugates</li>
<li>Follow-up data for KEYTRUDA&#xAE; (pembrolizumab) and WELIREG&#xAE; (belzutifan), as well as new and updated analyses for KEYTRUDA in earlier stages of cancer, add to the body of evidence supporting the role of these medicines</li>
</ul>

Merck Highlights MK-1084 Data From KANDLELIT-001 in KRAS G12C-Mutated Colorectal And Lung Cancers At ASCO 2025

The Dow Jones Industrial Average staged a powerful rally Monday, crossing its 200-day moving average for the first time since early April, as easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China injected a jolt of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45355655/magnificent-seven-gain-700b-after-us-china-slash-tariffs-gold-crashes-whats-driving-markets-monday"> optimism into global markets.</a>
The U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day truce by slashing triple-digit tariffs effective May 14. The Trump administration also agreed to hold more formal trade talks with Beijing after mounting signs of economic pressure on businesses and consumers.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average — as tracked by the Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) — surged 2.8%, or more than 1,100 points. By mid-afternoon, it reached 42,385 — its second-best day in the past six months, eclipsed only by the 7.8% rally on April 9 when President Donald Trump announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45347089/wall-street-rips-higher-as-tariff-truce-halts-us-china-economic-escalation">the tariff suspension.</a>
The index's breakout above its 200-day moving average, a closely watched technical level, marked its first such move since the tariff escalation on April 2. 
The S&amp;P 500, likewise, gapped higher at the open, climbing toward 5,838 and holding above its 200-day moving average throughout the session.
Top Dow movers included:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) up 8.12%</li>
<li>NIKE Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) up 7.07%</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) up 6.39%</li>
<li>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) up 6.30%</li>
<li>Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) up 5.57%</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fed Pivot Still Needed For Sustained Recovery, Analyst Says</h3>
While the bounce stoked investor enthusiasm, technical experts issued a note of caution. 
Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial, said the reclaiming of the 200-day moving average could "raise the probability of a sustained recovery," particularly by attracting systematic investors and trend-following funds back into the market.
Still, Turnquist warned that V-shaped recoveries tend to require policy pivots, "usually a dovish turn from the Fed," which remains unlikely. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has continued to emphasize patience, suggesting the central bank won&#8217;t rush to ease policy despite mounting macro headwinds.
Historically, the current bounce may not be out of the woods. 
According to LPL data, when the S&amp;P 500 falls 15% or more from a record high, the index tends to suffer an additional average and median drawdown of 18-19% over the following year. The benchmark breached that threshold on April 4 but has only dropped 5.5% since — the shallowest follow-through decline among 14 comparable instances since 1950.
Still, it&#8217;s not all gloom. Forward-looking returns after such deep pullbacks have been positive 64% of the time, with the 12-month average gain sitting around 8%, offering some hope for longer-term investors willing to stomach near-term volatility.
Now Read: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45353863/new-inflation-data-hits-tuesday-why-it-could-kill-fed-rate-cut-hopes">New Inflation Data Hits Tuesday: Why It Could Kill Fed Rate Cut Hopes</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Dow Jones Adds 1,000 Points, Breaks 200-Day Moving Average For First Time Since April 2 Tariff Shock

The Founder, CEO, and CIO of Ark Invest, Cathie Wood, has highlighted the rising applications of artificial intelligence and how it is poised to impact not only autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots but also the health care space.
What Happened: According to ARK's proprietary Multiomics Flywheel, Wood highlighted in her recent X post that autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots are likely to be the largest AI applications during the next five and ten years, respectively; however, &#8220;health care is likely to be the most profound.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">While autonomous taxi networks and humanoid robots are likely to be the largest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> applications during the next five and ten years, respectively, health care is likely to be the most profound. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NMDespotARK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMDespotARK</a> for thought leadership in the multiomics space! <a href="https://t.co/C33JfypivU">https://t.co/C33JfypivU</a>
&mdash; Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathieDWood/status/1921291392271167893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The post shared by Ark&#8217;s multiomics analyst, Nemo M Despot, underscored that &#8220;AI is powering a self-reinforcing loop that accelerates every aspect of multiomics—from generating biological data, to diagnosing diseases, to developing new drugs and cures.&#8221;
Multiomics is a biological analysis approach that integrates data from multiple &#8220;omic&#8221; fields, like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to gain an understanding of biological systems.
This integrated approach helps researchers uncover complex relationships, identify biomarkers, and ultimately understand the mechanisms behind disease and other biological processes.
He also highlights that companies like Twist Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWST#NASDAQ">TWST</a>), Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), 10X Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXG#NASDAQ">TXG</a>), and Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>) are developing increasingly powerful tools to sequence and analyze DNA faster and more cost-effectively.
Despot stated that AI-powered molecular diagnostics are transforming early disease detection and enabling precise stratification of individual patient biological profiles.
&#8220;AI leverages data from multiomic tools and diagnostics to design more effective drugs, delivering results with higher success rates more quickly and less expensively,&#8221; he said.
According to him, these next-generation therapies are:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Approximately 20 times more valuable than standard drugs.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Two to four times more effective than even today's best-in-class precision medicine.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The new cures can address even rare diseases economically.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45340465/bill-ackman-slams-subsidies-for-contributing-to-37-trillion-national-debt-hails-trumps-drug-price-order">Bill Ackman Slams Subsidies For Contributing To $37 Trillion National Debt, Hails Trump&#8217;s Drug Price Order</a>
Why It Matters: Trump, in a Truth Social post, said that he will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">sign an executive order</a> on Monday at 9:00 a.m. ET, which will lead the prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices to drop by 30% to 80%.
&#8220;They will rise throughout the World in order to equalize and, for the first time in many years, bring FAIRNESS TO AMERICA! I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION'S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,&#8221; he added.
Trump also believes that healthcare costs in the U.S. will be reduced after this move, and it would save &#8220;trillions of dollars.&#8221;
This action by Trump is anticipated to most significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45341590/trumps-drug-pricing-executive-order-could-rattle-pharma-stocksprice-cuts-up-to-80">affect Medicare Part B drugs</a>, primarily outpatient prescriptions and biological products, as their prices are directly controlled by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Drug Name</th>
<th>Manufacturer(s)</th>
<th>Total Spending</th>
<th>Primary Use</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Keytruda</td>
<td>Merck &amp; Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) 
<path d="M12 8c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2s-.9-2-2-2-2 .9-2 2 .9 2 2 2zm0 2c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2s.9 2 2 2 2-.9 2-2-.9-2-2-2zm0 6c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2s.9 2 2 2 2-.9 2-2-.9-2-2-2z"></path>
<div jsname="ntFePb" class="GRl5yb a8pxAe" style="max-height: 120px; visibility: inherit;"></div>
<div></div>
</td>
<td>$4.0B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eylea</td>
<td>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>)</td>
<td>$3.4B</td>
<td>Macular degeneration</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Prolia/Xgeva</td>
<td>Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>)</td>
<td>$2.1B</td>
<td>Osteoporosis, bone metastases</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opdivo</td>
<td>Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>)</td>
<td>$2.0B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darzalex</td>
<td>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td>
<td>$1.9B</td>
<td>Multiple myeloma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avastin</td>
<td>Roche Holdings AG&nbsp;(OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTCQX">RHHBY</a>)</td>
<td>$1.8B</td>
<td>Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose in premarket on Monday. The SPY was up 2.78% to $564.34, while the QQQ advanced 3.75% to $506.26, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Friday, the SPY was down 0.13% to $564.34, while the QQQ declined 0.066% to $487.97
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45341850/economists-warn-of-empty-shelves-if-goods-stop-coming-from-china-amid-falling-inventory-to-sales-ratio-and-potential-tariffs">Economists Warn Of &#8216;Empty Shelves&#8217; If Goods Stop Coming From China Amid Falling Inventory-To-Sales Ratio And Potential Tariffs </a></li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: PeopleImages- Yuri A On Shutterstock

Market Summary

Futures

ILMN

TWST

Cathie Wood Says AI Innovation In Healthcare Will Be More 'Profound' Than Autonomous Taxi Networks, Humanoid Robots

On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to sign what he called the &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">most consequential executive order</a>&#8221; in U.S. history, aimed at lowering prescription drug prices.
What Happened: Trump said the executive order, set to be signed at 9 a.m. Monday, will implement a &#8220;Most Favored Nations&#8221; policy requiring pharmaceutical companies to charge U.S. consumers no more than the lowest price they offer for the same drug in any other country.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45338985/trump-reportedly-set-to-accept-flying-palace-from-qatar-white-house-says-lavish-gift-of-boeing-jumbo-jet-complies-with-all-applicable-laws">Trump Reportedly Set To Accept &#8216;Flying Palace&#8217; From Qatar, White House Says Lavish Gift Of Boeing Jumbo Jet Complies With &#8216;All Applicable Laws&#8217;</a>
Accusing pharmaceutical companies of overcharging American consumers, sometimes &#8220;five to ten times more&#8221; than patients in other countries, Trump slammed political opponents for enabling the status quo all these years.
Trump says that prescription drug prices will be reduced by &#8220;30% to 80%,&#8221; while rising throughout the world, to equalize and &#8220;bring fairness to America.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This move is expected to have the biggest impact on Medicare Part B drugs, which mainly constitute outpatient prescriptions and biologicals, the prices for which are directly managed by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Drug Name</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Manufacturer(s)</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Total Spending</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Primary Use</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Keytruda</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Merck &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$4.0B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Eylea</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>) </td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$3.4B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Macular degeneration</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Prolia/Xgeva</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$2.1B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Osteoporosis, bone metastases</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Opdivo</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) </td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$2.0B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Darzalex</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$1.9B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Multiple myeloma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Avastin</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Roche Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">$1.8B</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cancer (various types)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A breakdown of the top Medicare Part B drugs by spending in 2023, based on the latest data shared by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS).</figcaption></figure>
These are the stocks that are most likely to be hit by this announcement when markets open on Monday, given their sizable exposure to Medicare, especially being classified as Part B. 
According to a report by the Rand Corporation, a California-based policy think-tank, prescription drug prices in the U.S. are, on average, at least 2.78 times higher than other countries.
While Trump&#8217;s move is being criticized by the likes of crypto enthusiast Ed Krassenstein, calling it &#8220;just another Trump lie,&#8221; saying that an executive order can steer Medicare and Medicaid payments, but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45339399/trump-says-prescription-drug-prices-set-to-drop-by-30-to-80-almost-immediately-thanks-to-most-favored-nation-plan-mark-cuban-urges-president-to-force-tran">cannot force manufacturers</a> to cut prices. 
Others, such as billionaire investor Mark Cuban, have come out in support of the move, saying that it can &#8220;force transparency,&#8221; even if the President cannot force price cuts.
Drug pricing disparities have been a point of contention across the political spectrum. Recently, Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40986953/novo-nordisk-ceo-to-face-senate-scrutiny-over-high-ozempic-and-wegovy-prices-hearing-scheduled-on">faced Senate scrutiny</a> on these vast differences, where he was targeted by Sen.&nbsp;Bernie Sanders&nbsp;(I-Vt.) for the high price of the company&#8217;s diabetes drug, Ozempic. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="135" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1024x135.png" alt="" class="wp-image-911404" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1024x135.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-300x40.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-768x101.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM-1536x202.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12033045/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-1.00.28-PM.png 1594w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Novo Nordisk shares have an unfavorable price trend in the short, medium, and long term, but how does it compare with peers such as Johnson &amp; Johnson, Amgen, and Roche? Sign up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge</a> to find out.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and J&amp;J were trading at least 3% lower in Monday premarket. 
Photo Courtesy: create jobs 51 On Shutterstock.com
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45339784/mohamed-el-erian-warns-us-china-deal-reveals-americas-fear-of-empty-shelves-as-markets-rally-on-trade-optimism-peter-schiff-skeptical-without-renminbi-revaluation">Mohamed El-Erian Warns US-China Deal Reveals &#8216;America&#8217;s Fear Of Empty Shelves&#8217; As Markets Rally On Trade Optimism, Peter Schiff Skeptical Without Renminbi Revaluation</a></li>
</ul>

Trump's New Drug Pricing Executive Order Could Rattle Pharma Stocks, With Price Cuts Of Up To 80%: Novo Nordisk, Pfizer And J&J Fall In Premarket

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
<td>$46.3K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ILMN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>275</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$45.3K</td>
<td>334</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$32.1K</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>908</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$192.50</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>618</td>
<td>726</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$46.7K</td>
<td>219</td>
<td>73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/17/27</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$43.1K</td>
<td>494</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$790.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>160</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$32.8K</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$35.8K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 315 contract(s) at a $76.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $46.3K, with a price of $147.0 per contract. There were 2065 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4318 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ILMN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with neutral sentiment. It expires in 133 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 152 contract(s) at a $105.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.6K, with a price of $215.0 per contract. There were 275 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1355 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 616 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 27 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.3K, with a price of $1680.0 per contract. There were 334 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 616 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 6 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.1K, with a price of $5351.0 per contract. There were 27 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 908 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 137 contract(s) at a $192.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 40 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $183.0 per contract. There were 618 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 726 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GH (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GH#NASDAQ">GH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 224 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 22 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $46.7K, with a price of $2123.0 per contract. There were 219 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 73 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 769 day(s) on June 17, 2027. Parties traded 10 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.1K, with a price of $4315.0 per contract. There were 494 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 41 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 98 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 10 contract(s) at a $790.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $4500.0 per contract. There were 160 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 161 day(s) on October 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 5 contract(s) at a $490.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.8K, with a price of $6569.0 per contract. There were 21 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 616 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 4 contract(s) at a $280.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.8K, with a price of $8950.0 per contract. There were 1706 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

ABBV

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

VKTX

VRTX

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

As the drug industry is in the middle of a growing policy maelstrom in Washington, D.C., investors are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">closely watching pharmaceutical ETFs</a> to measure market sentiment and ride out the emerging volatility. 
With President Donald Trump&#8217;s administration rehashing contentious ideas on drug pricing and manufacturing policy, the stakes are increasing — not only for Big Pharma, but for the overall healthcare investment environment.
Amid the trends, pharma-targeted ETFs are being watched under a more risk-averse lens. Each of the funds provides sector exposure, but structural idiosyncrasies — and varying levels of protection from regulation-induced shocks — are gaining heightened relevance.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Slicing Up The Pharma ETF Scene</h1>
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>)
The ETF offers concentrated exposure to large-cap U.S.-listed pharma companies. Its top holdings are Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) — companies with strong pipelines and international revenue streams.
Defensive Tilt: IHE&#8217;s emphasis on blue-chip names makes it a relatively defensive play during periods of political unrest.
Policy Sensitivity: But its large weighting in companies with substantial Medicaid and U.S. sales exposure renders it highly sensitive to pharmaceutical pricing reform in the domestic market.
SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPH#NYSE">XPH</a>)
Unlike IHE, the SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF uses an equal-weighting style, dispersing exposure across a larger segment of the industry, including mid- and small-cap companies such as Viatris (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTRS#NASDAQ">VTRS</a>).
Diversified Risk: This format caps overconcentration in a single name and increases sensitivity to prospective M&amp;A action.
Higher Volatility: As more importance is assigned to lesser-known participants, XPH can see greater price volatility, particularly as regulatory threats play out.
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPH#NASDAQ">PPH</a>)
Those in search of global exposure should look at PPH, which includes international powerhouses such as AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) on par with U.S. behemoths.
Geopolitical Hedge: International diversification renders PPH less susceptible to U.S.-specific tariff risks or reforms.
Growth Exposure: Novo Nordisk&#8217;s dominance of GLP-1-based obesity treatment provides a high-growth component, although subject to some headwinds due to compounding alternatives in the U.S.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Volatility Ahead?</h1>
These ETF dynamics are unfolding against a backdrop of sweeping proposals and heightened industry-government tension. The Trump administration's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44945973/trump-administration-considers-lowering-us-drug-prices-to-international-levels-report">revived push to tether Medicaid drug prices to lower international benchmarks</a> has sent shockwaves through the pharmaceutical sector. Industry analysts estimate the pricing framework could erase as much as $1 trillion in revenue over a decade, according to Bloomberg.
Surprised by the White House&#8217;s latest move, drug industry executives have mounted a concerted lobbying effort, trying to keep the policy from taking hold in Congress. Although some Republican lawmakers, including Kentucky Rep. Brett Guthrie, have reaffirmed their opposition to global reference pricing, the proposal is still a live political threat, Bloomberg reported.
And adding to investor anxiety is Trump&#8217;s latest threat of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44708204/trump-hints-at-major-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-us-pharma-stocks-tumble-in-wednesday-pre-market"> sector-specific tariffs on drugs</a>. Although the Department of Commerce&#8217;s Section 232 investigation can take months, the threat of new import tariffs — particularly on Indian generics and contract-manufactured products — has already spilled over into related stocks. Insiders within the industry say the administration might move while there is a 90-day moratorium on reciprocal tariff imposition.
Not all of Washington&#8217;s signals are bearish, though. A recently signed executive order is intended to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45215281/trump-orders-fda-to-fast-track-us-drug-production-as-tariff-threat-looms-on-imported-medicines-cites-national-security-concerns">lower FDA approval times for U.S. manufacturing plants</a> — potentially speeding up reshoring and encouraging investment in U.S.-based production. For more exposed domestic manufacturers and smaller company-focused ETFs such as XPH, this may be a long-term tailwind.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Proceed, But With Prescription-Strength Caution</h1>
For those looking for exposure to the pharma industry, ETFs are still an important tool — but their variations are more important than ever.
IHE provides stability but is heavily influenced by the success of U.S. policy.
XPH offers balanced exposure and is potentially more sensitive to reforms in domestic manufacturing.
PPH offers a global cushion, especially useful if U.S.-focused risks increase.
In the end, pharma ETFs&#8217; future may depend less on laboratory discoveries than on the political medicine doled out by Washington. 
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/05/45259802/vistashares-launches-qusa-etf-targeting-15-annual-yield-with-quality-us-stocks-options-overlay">VistaShares Launches QUSA ETF, Targeting 15% Annual Yield With Quality U.S. Stocks, Options Overlay</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Aria Armoko via Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

Merrill Lynch Pharmaceutical HOLDRs Trust

VTRS

Are Your Health Care ETFs Safe? Trump's New Policies May Trigger Shockwaves Across Pharma Stocks

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly jointly announced today the $895 million expansion of Merck Animal Health's manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas.
The $895 million capital expansion will be constructed on an existing Merck-owned property that is the site of its biologics facility in De Soto, Kansas. It includes an $860 million investment in the site's existing manufacturing facility and a further $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.
The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a Center of Excellence, it will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of Merck Animal Health's products and will complement Merck Animal Health's extensive U.S. and international network of animal health product manufacturing plants.
Site preparation and facility design will start immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030, creating more than 200 full-time roles.
Merck Animal Health's significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing Merck Animal Health's global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health's innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company's dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.

Merck Animal Health Plans $895M Expansion in Kansas, Adding Jobs and Boosting Vaccine Production

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has been actively buying stocks in 2025, including transactions that may have been perfectly timed<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44852406/marjorie-taylor-greene-brushes-off-stock-buying-criticism-says-portfolio-manager-bought-the-dip"> during a market dip.</a>
Here's the latest transactions made by the congresswoman in early May.
What Happened: Greene was ranked as the 24th best-performing member of Congress based on their trades in 2024. The Congresswoman gained 30.2% for the year, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42860759/10-best-stock-traders-in-congress-in-2024-where-do-nancy-pelosi-pete-sessions-susan-collins-marjorie-taylor-greene-rank">outperforming the S&amp;P 500 </a>gain of 24.9%.
With new trades placed throughout the early months of 2025, Greene could see huge returns again during the year.
Here are her most recent trades made on May 5, as shown on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent050725">Benzinga Government Trades page</a>. All purchases made were listed as between $1,001 to $15,000 unless otherwise indicated.
<ul>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</li>
<li>AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>)</li>
<li>Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>)</li>
<li>Applied Materials (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>)</li>
<li>Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</li>
<li>American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>)</li>
<li>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</li>
<li>Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)</li>
<li>BHP Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>)</li>
<li>BP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>)</li>
<li>Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)</li>
<li>Blackstone Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>)</li>
<li>Cardinal Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAH#NYSE">CAH</a>)</li>
<li>Caterpillar (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>)</li>
<li>Cummins Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMI#NYSE">CMI</a>)</li>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>)</li>
<li>Dell Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>)</li>
<li>Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLR#NYSE">DLR</a>)</li>
<li>Duke Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUK#NYSE">DUK</a>)</li>
<li>Devon Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</li>
<li>FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>)</li>
<li>Frontline PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRO#NYSE">FRO</a>)</li>
<li>Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>): two separate purchases of $1,001 to $15,000</li>
<li>Corning Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLW#NYSE">GLW</a>)</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>)</li>
<li>Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>)</li>
<li>The Hershey Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</li>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</li>
<li>Kinder Morgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMI#NYSE">KMI</a>)</li>
<li>Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)</li>
<li>MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>)</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)</li>
<li>Merck Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>)</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</li>
<li>Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</li>
<li>NextEra Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>)</li>
<li>ServiceNow Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NASDAQ">NOW</a>)</li>
<li>Norfolk Southern (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSC#NYSE">NSC</a>): two separate purchases of $1,001 to $15,000</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</li>
<li>Old Dominion Freight Line (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ODFL#NASDAQ">ODFL</a>)</li>
<li>Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>): two separate purchases of $1,001 to $15,000</li>
<li>Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>)</li>
<li>Paychex Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAYX#NASDAQ">PAYX</a>)</li>
<li>Impinj Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PI#NASDAQ">PI</a>)</li>
<li>Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>)</li>
<li>Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>)</li>
<li>Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHW#NYSE">SCHW</a>)</li>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</li>
<li>United Parcel Service (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>)</li>
<li>Visa Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>)</li>
<li>Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>)</li>
</ul>
In total, that's more than 50 different stocks bought and disclosed by Greene in the latest filing. Based on the purchase range of $1,001 to $15,000, this would make the transaction range over $50,000 and up to more than $800,000.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/45077654/bill-named-after-nancy-pelosi-could-ban-congress-members-from-trading-stocks-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-pelosi-act">Bill Named After Nancy Pelosi Could Ban Congress Members From Trading Stocks: What You Need To Know About The &#8216;PELOSI&#8217; Act</a>
Why It's Important: Members of Congress are allowed to buy and sell stocks as long as they properly disclose the transaction.
The process has drawn scrutiny from the public and retail investors as members of Congress could have inside information and time their trades accordingly. Committee assignments in particular, often draw red flags from investors.
Greene serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the House Committee on Homeland Security with several subcommittee appointments. The congresswoman's past trade in technology and cybersecurity stocks has drawn attention with her role within Homeland Security.
Greene&#8217;s past trades of Palantir Technologies and a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44255172/marjorie-taylor-greene-buys-more-bitcoin-etf-shares-ahead-of-trumps-strategic-reserve-executive-order"> Bitcoin ETF </a>have drawn criticism along with the timing of her trades, as she is a close ally to President Donald Trump. 
When asked previously about buying stocks earlier this year that soared days later after Trump announced a pause to tariffs, Greene<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44852406/marjorie-taylor-greene-brushes-off-stock-buying-criticism-says-portfolio-manager-bought-the-dip"> brushed aside the criticism.</a>
&#8220;I think that criticism is laughable. President Trump has been talking about tariffs for decades,&#8221; Greene told reporters when asked about the trades at a recent town hall event in Georgia in a clip <a href="https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/1912456434081480777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared </a>by Unusual Whales. The congresswoman used the opportunity to boast about her stock performance, which ranked her as one of the top trading members of Congress in 2024.
&#8220;I don&#8217;t place my buys and sells," Greene said, citing an agreement she has with her portfolio manager, who handles all the buying and selling of stocks. &#8220;He did a great job. Guess what he did. He bought the dip. And that&#8217;s what anybody that has financial sense does."
Greene also said her portfolio manager did not have inside information, everything was public and a potential tariff pause wasn&#8217;t a secret.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has reintroduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from trading or holding individual stocks.
The bill is known as the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments Act, or PELOSI Act based on the first letter of each of the main words. The name takes aim at the congresswoman and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).  
&#8220;Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve — not day trading at the expense of their constituents,&#8221; Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-reintroduces-pelosi-act-to-ban-congress-from-trading-stocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. &#8220;Americans have seen politician after politician turn a profit using information not available to the general public.&#8221;
Hawley said the bill will help &#8220;restore Americans&#8217; trust in our nation&#8217;s legislative body.&#8221;
Hawley&#8217;s bill is being reintroduced as President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://time.com/7280114/donald-trump-2025-interview-transcript/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said&nbsp;</a>he would support such a ban.
&#8220;Well, I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be okay with it. If they send it to me, I would do it,&#8221; Trump told TIME.
Trump said he would sign the ban if the bill passes Congress.
While Pelosi makes headlines for her trades, it&#8217;s important to remember that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/25/04/44852406/marjorie-taylor-greene-brushes-off-stock-buying-criticism-says-portfolio-manager-bought-the-dip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;it is both Republican</a>&nbsp;and Democratic members of Congress who are profiting from buying and selling stocks and options while in office, with some trades coming with questionable timing or having a connection to committees they serve on.
In 2024, a list of the top-performing traders in Congress included six Republicans and four Democrats.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent050725">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent050725"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="330" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07181256/Picture1-1-1024x330.png" alt="" class="wp-image-906796" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07181256/Picture1-1-1024x330.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07181256/Picture1-1-300x97.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07181256/Picture1-1-768x248.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07181256/Picture1-1.png 1430w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

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SCHW

Marjorie Taylor Greene Goes Stock Shopping Again: Here Are 50+ Stocks The Congresswoman Bought

<a href="https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/12291570?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiJjOTQwM2FiZi00MjE0LTRkZjQtYTZlMC00NTE3NDcwOTMwZDUiLCJ2ZXIiOiI1YWY5ZWZhOC1mMDY4LTQ0M2UtYjQ1YS02MjgxYmJhMTYwMGIiLCJleHAiOjB9" title="https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/12291570?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiJjOTQwM2FiZi00MjE0LTRkZjQtYTZlMC00NTE3NDcwOTMwZDUiLCJ2ZXIiOiI1YWY5ZWZhOC1mMDY4LTQ0M2UtYjQ1YS02MjgxYmJhMTYwMGIiLCJleHAiOjB9">https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/12291570?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiJjOTQwM2FiZi00MjE0LTRkZjQtYTZlMC00NTE3NDcwOTMwZDUiLCJ2ZXIiOiI1YWY5ZWZhOC1mMDY4LTQ0M2UtYjQ1YS02MjgxYmJhMTYwMGIiLCJleHAiOjB9</a>

BLRX

BioLineRx Ltd., Merck Granted U.S. Patent #12291570	Treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/09/25</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$51.3K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVAX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$50.3K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>578</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$137.0K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
<td>466</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/30/25</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$49.2K</td>
<td>684</td>
<td>443</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SRPT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$30.7K</td>
<td>660</td>
<td>405</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VERA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$165.0K</td>
<td>1.9K</td>
<td>306</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CAPR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>274</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BIO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$60.0K</td>
<td>401</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$36.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>150</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 3 day(s) on May 9, 2025. This event was a transfer of 137 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $51.3K, with a price of $375.0 per contract. There were 1204 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVAX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVAX#NASDAQ">NVAX</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 255 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 74 contract(s) at a $12.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.3K, with a price of $680.0 per contract. There were 9573 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1429 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRNA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 45 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 537 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.2K, with a price of $62.0 per contract. There were 3002 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 578 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 255 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $137.0K, with a price of $1370.0 per contract. There were 3252 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 466 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 24 day(s) on May 30, 2025. Parties traded 88 contract(s) at a $84.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.2K, with a price of $560.0 per contract. There were 684 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 443 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SRPT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRPT#NASDAQ">SRPT</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 10 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 83 contract(s) at a $55.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.7K, with a price of $370.0 per contract. There were 660 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 405 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VERA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VERA#NASDAQ">VERA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 45 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 300 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $165.0K, with a price of $550.0 per contract. There were 1903 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 306 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CAPR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAPR#NASDAQ">CAPR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 136 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 14 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $48.0K, with a price of $240.0 per contract. There were 2857 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 274 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BIO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIO#NYSE">BIO</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 10 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 250 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $60.0K, with a price of $240.0 per contract. There were 401 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 10 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.2K, with a price of $725.0 per contract. There were 1013 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 150 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CAPR

MRNA

NVAX

SRPT

VERA

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/09/25</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$2.50</td>
<td>$62.2K</td>
<td>973</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MDT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/23/25</td>
<td>$83.00</td>
<td>$187.0K</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KNSA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$42.7K</td>
<td>308</td>
<td>299</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$41.0K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
<td>286</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$6.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INSM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$72.50</td>
<td>$31.9K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>197</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$77.4K</td>
<td>29.7K</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$27.1K</td>
<td>434</td>
<td>104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>849</td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 4 day(s) on May 9, 2025. This event was a transfer of 80 contract(s) at a $42.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.6K, with a price of $395.0 per contract. There were 1486 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3666 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ALDX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALDX#NASDAQ">ALDX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 11 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 1778 contract(s) at a $2.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $62.2K, with a price of $35.0 per contract. There were 973 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2028 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MDT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 18 day(s) on May 23, 2025. Parties traded 1000 contract(s) at a $83.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 28 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $187.0K, with a price of $187.0 per contract. There were 24 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1006 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding KNSA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KNSA#NASDAQ">KNSA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 74 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $42.7K, with a price of $855.0 per contract. There were 308 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 299 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 46 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 79 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 23 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.0K, with a price of $520.0 per contract. There were 5034 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 286 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ALT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 137 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $6.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.0K, with a price of $150.0 per contract. There were 5132 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 200 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INSM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INSM#NASDAQ">INSM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 46 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 49 contract(s) at a $72.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.9K, with a price of $658.0 per contract. There were 2748 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 197 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 256 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 113 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $77.4K, with a price of $686.0 per contract. There were 29726 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 115 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CRL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRL#NYSE">CRL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 11 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 28 contract(s) at a $115.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.1K, with a price of $970.0 per contract. There were 434 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 11 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 7 contract(s) at a $480.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.9K, with a price of $7280.0 per contract. There were 849 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 63 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ALDX

INSM

KNSA

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with MRK, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Merck &amp; Co.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 22%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $518,376, and 2 are calls, for a total amount of $69,501.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $80.0 to $105.0 for Merck &amp; Co over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Merck &amp; Co's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Merck &amp; Co's significant trades, within a strike price range of $80.0 to $105.0, over the past month.
<h3>Merck &amp; Co Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746464500_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.81</td>
<td>$2.75</td>
<td>$2.76</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$276.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$12.5</td>
<td>$12.45</td>
<td>$12.5</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$65.0K</td>
<td>224</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$24.5</td>
<td>$23.9</td>
<td>$24.15</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$50.9K</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$22.1</td>
<td>$21.75</td>
<td>$21.75</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$45.9K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$3.25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.25</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$36.4K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>149</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Merck &amp; Co</h3>
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Merck &amp; Co, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Merck &amp; Co Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 3,732,912, the price of MRK is down -0.84% at $82.48. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 85 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Merck &amp; Co</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $100.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald has revised its rating downward to Neutral, adjusting the price target to $85. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Guggenheim downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $115. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Merck &amp; Co with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Merck & Co Unusual Options Activity

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>INO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/21/25</td>
<td>$2.00</td>
<td>$30.8K</td>
<td align="right">332</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$820.00</td>
<td>$35.4K</td>
<td align="right">141</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RARE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$44.3K</td>
<td align="right">255</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$182.50</td>
<td>$28.8K</td>
<td align="right">780</td>
<td>752</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LNTH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$81.1K</td>
<td align="right">468</td>
<td>324</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$79.9K</td>
<td align="right">302</td>
<td>65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$34.1K</td>
<td align="right">236</td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PODD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$35.7K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding INO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INO#NASDAQ">INO</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 204 day(s) on November 21, 2025. Parties traded 684 contract(s) at a $2.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.8K, with a price of $45.0 per contract. There were 332 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on May 2, 2025. Parties traded 43 contract(s) at a $820.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.4K, with a price of $836.0 per contract. There were 141 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1130 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RARE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RARE#NASDAQ">RARE</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 106 day(s) on August 15, 2025. This event was a transfer of 80 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.3K, with a price of $560.0 per contract. There were 255 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1028 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 15 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 22 contract(s) at a $182.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.8K, with a price of $1310.0 per contract. There were 780 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 752 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LNTH (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNTH#NASDAQ">LNTH</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 15 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 163 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 53 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $81.1K, with a price of $500.0 per contract. There were 468 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 324 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 624 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 65 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $79.9K, with a price of $1230.0 per contract. There were 302 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 65 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 413 day(s) on June 18, 2026. This event was a transfer of 33 contract(s) at a $85.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.1K, with a price of $1035.0 per contract. There were 236 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 59 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PODD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PODD#NASDAQ">PODD</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 260 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $260.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.7K, with a price of $3570.0 per contract. There were 5 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

LNTH

PODD

RARE

8 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Legal

Press Releases

MERCK ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Merck & Co., Inc. on Behalf of Long-Term Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

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Merck Announces First-Quarter 2025 Financial Results

KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as Perioperative Treatment With Standard of Care (SOC) Adjuvant Therapy Significantly Improved Event-Free Survival Compared to SOC Alone in Patients With Resectable Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Merck Breaks Ground on New $1 Billion Biologics Center of Excellence in Wilmington, Delaware

Merck to Participate in the Bank of America 2025 Global Healthcare Conference

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Jeito Capital Strengthens Leadership for Next Chapter of Growth: Mehdi Ainouche Promoted to Partner, Julien Elric to Senior Principal

Research on Novel Treatment Approaches and Scientific Advances From Merck's Broad and Differentiated Oncology Portfolio and Pipeline to be Presented at ASCO 2025

FDA Approves Merck's WELIREG® (belzutifan) for the Treatment of Adults and Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older With Locally Advanced, Unresectable, or Metastatic Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma (PPGL)

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