Revolution Medicines stock rises as Merck buyout talks swirl; FDA designation adds another spark

New York, Jan 9, 2026, 13:59 EST — Regular session

Revolution Medicines shares rose as takeover chatter around Merck kept trading choppy
A report pegged talks in a $28 billion to $32 billion range, though no deal is signed
FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for one of Revolution’s KRAS cancer drugs

Shares of Revolution Medicines climbed on Friday as investors weighed a report that Merck is in talks to buy the cancer-drug developer for up to $32 billion. Revolution was up about 4.3% at $112.00, after touching $125.79 earlier in the session. Reuters

The chatter matters because Merck is hunting for oncology assets ahead of looming patent expirations on its blockbuster Keytruda, and dealmakers have been leaning harder into biotech after a busy year for healthcare M&A. A Revolution deal at that size would be one of the biggest pre-commercial biotech takeouts in years, if it gets done. Financial Times

Revolution also handed bulls fresh talking points this week, saying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to zoldonrasib for a form of lung cancer driven by a KRAS G12D mutation. “This recognition … underscores the significant unmet need,” CEO Mark A. Goldsmith said, calling out the lack of approved targeted therapies for KRAS G12D cancers. GlobeNewswire

Still, the deal tape has been messy. AbbVie denied it was in discussions to buy Revolution after a Wall Street Journal report, and Revolution said it does not comment on rumors or speculation as a matter of policy. 104.1 WIKY | Adult Contemporary Radio

Friday’s trade showed the same kind of whipsaw. The stock opened at $120, slipped toward $110 and then bounced, leaving a wide band for traders watching where it settles when the headlines quiet down.

The risk is obvious: talks can drag, leak, or die. If there is no offer — or if terms disappoint — a stock that has run hard on speculation can give back gains quickly, especially for a company whose value still rests on clinical trial readouts and regulators’ next decisions.

Investors now watch for any formal comment, a rival bid, or signs the parties have moved into exclusivity. Another near-term marker is Goldsmith’s scheduled appearance at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, Jan. 12, at 10:30 a.m. PT. nasdaq.com

Khadija Saeed Latest posts

A dedicated markets reporter, she covers stocks, macroeconomics, and major business developments with a sharp eye for detail and accuracy.

View all

Cincinnati Financial Share Price Pullback: Valuation Review Suggests Fair Value
March 20, 2026, 4:13 PM EDT. Cincinnati Financial (CINF) shares fell 4.9% in the past month, closing at $157.86. Despite a 10.4% one-year gain, the stock is down 2.2% year to date. Our valuation analysis shows a mixed picture: the Excess Returns model estimates an intrinsic value of $149.52 per share, implying a 5.6% overvaluation versus the current price. The company scored 2 out of 6 on valuation metrics, suggesting caution. The price-to-earnings ratio stands at 10.27 times, reflecting moderate investor expectations. These measures indicate Cincinnati Financial's share price largely reflects fair value despite recent dips. Investors should monitor fundamentals and market sentiment shifts closely as the insurance sector faces mixed outlooks.