J. Safra Sarasin Holding 13F: Cuts Merck (MRK) Stake by $21M
Key Points
- J. Safra Sarasin Holding cut its position in Merck by 171,454 shares, bringing its total to 815,936 shares worth about $102.1 million.
- Merck shares recently traded around $140.61, which is below the $145.27 closing price on October 23, 2026, indicating a drop of about 3.2%.
- The fund's Merck position represents 4.3% of its total reported value of approximately $2.37 billion.
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J. Safra Sarasin Holding cut its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) by 171,454 shares, now holding 815,936 shares valued at about $102.1 million. This change was disclosed in a filing on October 26, 2026.
The reduction represents a 17.36% decrease in the fund's position. At the end of September 2026, the fund's total reported value was approximately $2.37 billion, with Merck accounting for 4.3% of that total.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
Where Merck Fits in J. Safra Sarasin's Portfolio
Merck is the fifth-largest position in J. Safra Sarasin’s portfolio, with the recent cut reducing its stake significantly.
Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Down 4.5%
Merck shares recently traded around $140.61, which is about 3.2% lower than the $145.27 closing price on October 23, 2026. This price drop could impact investor sentiment as the stock moves below its recent highs.
Recent Earnings
Merck reported trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately $66.6 billion, with an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.24. The company's next earnings report is set for October 29, 2026.
Dividend
Merck pays an annual dividend rate of $3.40 per share, which reflects a high payout ratio of 266.7%, indicating a significant commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
Insider Buying and Selling at Merck & Co., Inc.
Several insiders sold shares recently, including Chirfi Guindo, who sold 15,000 shares for about $1.97 million on August 6, 2026. Jennifer L Zachary and Richard Robert Deluca Jr. also sold shares during the same period, indicating ongoing insider activity.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
On October 26, 2026, Barclays maintained an Overweight rating on Merck with a price target of $180.00, while other firms like Cantor Fitzgerald and Citigroup kept their Neutral ratings with targets of $145.00. The average target among analysts suggests some room for growth from current levels.
About Merck & Co.
Merck & Co., Inc. operates as a global healthcare company and is known for its wide range of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines and treatments for various diseases. The company's performance in the healthcare sector is closely watched, especially given its recent earnings and product developments.
Bottom Line
Investors should keep an eye on Merck's upcoming earnings report on October 29, 2026, and watch for further filings from J. Safra Sarasin as they adjust their portfolio. The recent share price movements and insider sales may influence the stock's performance going forward.
Related Filing Alerts
Source: J. Safra Sarasin Holding's 13F filing on $MRK (Oct 26, 2026). 13F filings show holdings as of the end of the reporting quarter and may not reflect the fund's current position. Written by software, not financial advice. How we make alerts