Merck, Regeneron, Cellectar, Humacyte, Foot Locker: Trending by Analysts

Analysts are intrested in these 5 stocks: ( (MRK) ), ( (REGN) ), ( (CLRB) ), ( (HUMA) ) and ( (FL) ). Here is a breakdown of their recent ratings and the rationale behind them.

Merck & Company has recently faced a downgrade from analyst Geoff Meacham, who shifted the stock from a Buy to a Neutral rating, with a target price of $84. The downgrade stems from the anticipated loss of exclusivity (LOE) for Keytruda in 2028, which poses significant growth challenges. Despite a robust balance sheet, Merck’s lack of urgency in business development to counteract Keytruda’s decline is concerning. The company is banking on its pipeline, including drugs like Winrevair and enlicitide, but these are not expected to impact significantly in the near term. Investors are advised to look for potential mergers and acquisitions as a way to rejuvenate Merck’s growth trajectory.

Regeneron has been upgraded to a Buy by analyst Geoff Meacham, with a new target price of $700. The decision is based on the company’s strong pipeline potential, particularly in melanoma and COPD, and a favorable risk/reward profile. The Eylea franchise has experienced setbacks, but expectations for its future performance are now more realistic. Regeneron’s core franchises, Dupixent and Libtayo, are expected to drive growth, and upcoming phase 3 updates could further enhance the company’s market position. The stock’s potential for a 21.9% return makes it an attractive option for investors.

Cellectar Biosciences has been downgraded to Hold by analyst Jason Mccarthy due to a strategic shift towards exploring alternatives for its radiopharma assets. The uncertainty surrounding the future development of key programs like CLR-121225 and CLR-121125 has led to this downgrade. While the underlying potential of Cellectar’s radiopharma pipeline remains promising, the strategic pivot introduces significant uncertainty. The company’s financials show a net loss and limited cash reserves, which could impact its ability to fund operations beyond the fourth quarter of 2025.

Humacyte has been initiated with a Buy rating by analyst Swayampakula Ramakanth, with a target price of $4. The company is pioneering in the field of vascular repair with its acellular tissue-engineered vessels (ATEVs). Humacyte’s lead product, Symvess, has shown promising early sales and is expected to grow significantly. The company is also advancing its pipeline with studies in hemodialysis and coronary artery bypass grafting. A positive reimbursement decision expected in the third quarter of 2025 could further boost product adoption and demand.

Foot Locker has been downgraded to Hold by analyst Tom Nikic following the announcement of its acquisition by DKS for $24 per share. This acquisition represents a significant premium over Foot Locker’s recent closing price and is seen as a positive outcome for shareholders. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, and while it offers strategic benefits for DKS, including potential cost synergies and enhanced market presence, it also reflects the challenges Foot Locker faced in achieving a turnaround independently. The acquisition underscores the potential for further M&A activity in the footwear sector.