On Monday analysts at Leerink Swann downgraded Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) because of market uncertainty with regards to a variety of pharmaceutical products.

The analysts downgraded MRK from “Outperform” to “Market Perform.”

Leerink Swann commented: “(1) reduced prospects with the delay/uncertainty around odanacatib, (2) increasing 2013+ competition vs. Januvia & Isentress as well as the outcome of Germany’s (G-BA/AMNOG) planned assessment of DPP-IV inhibitors, (3) ongoing investor concerns around the Zetia/Vytorin franchise that likely will cap share appreciation until IMPROVE-IT completes either in March 2013 or 2H14, and (4) a relatively high-risk Phase II/III pipeline including anacetrapib (CETP inhibitor) and BACE (Alzheimer’s) that are several years from the market.”

Merck shares were down 48 cents, or -1.15%, during pre-market trading on Monday. The stock is up +9.02% over the past year.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Merck (MRK) have a dividend yield of 4.11% based on Friday’s closing price of $41.83.

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

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