Midwest Trust 13F: Cuts Merck (MRK) Stake by $5.9M

Midwest Trust reduced its investment in Merck & Co., Inc. MRK by 40,864 shares during the period, according to a Form 13F filing with the SEC on October 22, 2026. The fund closed out the filing period with 697,609 shares of the healthcare giant, worth approximately $101.4 million.

MRK Merck & Co., Inc.

$147.24 ▲ +41.17% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 22, 2026

What Changed in Midwest Trust's Merck Position

The 5.5% reduction pared back Midwest Trust's exposure to the drug maker from a prior total of 738,473 shares. Even after the sale, the firm retains a sizable stake in the company.

Other Institutional Activity in Merck

Other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions around the edges. Smith Chas P & Associates Pa Cpas trimmed its holdings by 6,761 shares, ending the period with 352,837 shares valued at about $51.5 million after a 1.9% decrease.

Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Down 1.8%

Merck & Co., Inc. closed at $147.24 on the day of the filing, October 22, 2026, and recently traded at $147.24. That puts the stock about 17.3% above its 200-day moving average of $125.49 and 6.2% below its 52-week high of $156.92.

Recent Earnings

Merck posted trailing twelve month revenue of $66.6 billion and basic earnings per share of $1.26. The company reports its next set of financial results on October 29, 2026.

Dividend

Investors receive an annual dividend rate of $3.40 per share, which translates to a dividend yield of 2.3% based on recent trading levels.

Insider Buying and Selling at Merck & Co., Inc.

Company insiders executed several stock sales prior to the filing. Officer Chirfi Guindo sold 15,000 shares on August 6, 2026, at $131.00 apiece for a total of $1.97 million, and later sold another 10,000 shares on August 13, 2026, at $135.00 each, totaling $1.35 million. General Counsel Jennifer L Zachary parted with 80,315 shares on August 12, 2026, at $133.46 per share for $10.7 million. Officer Richard Robert Deluca Jr. also sold 45,320 shares on August 12, 2026, valued at $5.94 million.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Wall Street firms remain mostly upbeat about the stock's prospects. JP Morgan maintained an Overweight rating on October 5, 2026, lifting its target to $165.00 from $150.00. Morgan Stanley kept an Overweight rating on October 7, 2026, adjusting its target to $177.00 from $179.00. Cantor Fitzgerald kept a Neutral rating on October 8, 2026, raising its target to $145.00 from $120.00. Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating on October 12, 2026, lifting its target to $145.00 from $125.00, while RBC Capital kept a Sector Perform rating on October 12, 2026, moving its target to $145.00 from $150.00. Overall, the stock carries a consensus buy rating and a mean target of $158.56 across 25 analyst opinions.

About Merck

Headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, Merck & Co., Inc. develops human health pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health products for global markets. Its portfolio features well-known brands such as Keytruda, Gardasil, and various therapeutic treatments. The company employs roughly 73,000 people.

Bottom Line

Midwest Trust's reduction sits alongside steady institutional interest and upcoming financial updates. Observers will look toward the October 29 earnings release for fresh insights into the business.