Merck & Co.

Merck is a leading global pharmaceutical company, anchored by its blockbuster cancer immunotherapy Keytruda alongside vaccines, animal health and a deep research pipeline. Its scale in oncology and vaccines gives it strong pricing and reach, though it faces the familiar patent-cliff challenge as key drugs approach the end of exclusivity. Merck has paid and grown its dividend for nearly three decades, funded by robust pharmaceutical cash flows. The yield is moderate and the payout well covered, giving income investors a dependable stream backed by a diversified drug portfolio. The main watch item is how successfully the company replaces revenue as major patents expire.