Can Merck Buy Its Way Out of Trouble?

Merck , a Dow component best known by long-term investors for its mega dividend, delivered lackluster results during its fourth-quarter earnings report on Friday. The company's vital signs look fairly healthy, and it actually beat EPS estimates by $0.02 per share -- but the stock's recent slide was sparked by concerns over its late-stage pipeline candidates.

Pharmaceutical companies typically buy their way out of trouble by acquiring smaller drugmakers or biotechs with compelling drugs in development. Is this something that Merck might consider in 2013? Healthcare analyst Max Macaluso weighs in on this question in the following video.

Pipeline problems and steep losses from patent expirations are just a few aspects of the business that Merck investors need to know. To find out if this pharma giant has the stamina to keep its Bunsen burners alight, grab your copy of our brand new premium research report today. Our senior biotech analyst walks you through both the opportunities and threats facing Merck, and the report comes with a full 12 months of updates. Claim your copy now by clicking here.

The article Can Merck Buy Its Way Out of Trouble? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Max Macaluso, Ph.D. has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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