AAL

Why Call Traders Should Consider Merck Stock

The equity sports strong year-to-date and year-over-year leads

Jun 28, 2022 at 10:20 AM
facebook X logo linkedin


Merck & Co., Inc.'s (NYSE:MRK) recent breakout above the $88 level took out both its 2021 and 2000 highs. Outperforming with 22.1% year-over-year and 21.6% year-to-date gains, MRK also provides a decent valuation with a forward price-earnings ratio of 12.   

MRK Chart June 28

There is still room for upgrades, too, with eight of the 16 analysts in coverage carrying a lukewarm "hold" rating. And while short interest is low, it's worth noting that it's risen 37.5% over the past month.
 
A shift of sentiment in the options pits could provide tailwinds as well. MRK's Schaeffer's put/call volume ratio (SOIR) of 0.78 ranks higher than 99% of readings from the past year. Echoing this, the equity's 10-day put/call volume ratio of 0.94 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) sits higher than 98% of readings from the past 12 months, showing puts being picked up at much faster-than-usual pace.
 
Furthermore, the security's Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) sits at a high 99 out of 100, meaning MRK has exceeded option traders' volatility expectations during the past year. Lastly, our recommended call has a leverage ratio of 7.6 and will double in a 12.6% pop in the underlying equity.

Subscribers to Schaeffer's Weekend Trader options recommendation service received this MRK commentary on Sunday night, along with a detailed options trade recommendation -- including complete entry and exit parameters. Learn more about why Weekend Trader is one of our most popular options trading services.
 

Same-Day Trading Power: +227% YTD and Counting  — Get in for $10!

We're celebrating 44 years of helping traders win, and you can now tap into one of our most explosive services — Dynamite Day Trading Signals — for just $10.

This service was built for one thing: capturing intraday gains with precision. 

Access two highly-vetted options trades each week -  Complete with defined entries, exits, and a clear plan for same-day profits.

👉 Click Here to Learn More and Position Yourself to Take Action When the Next Alert Hits.