Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI) has recently been given an Equal-Weight rating by Larry Biegelsen at Wells Fargo, signaling a cautious yet positive outlook for investors. This rating, issued on February 26, 2026, comes with a price target of $95, suggesting a notable upside potential from the current trading price of $79.23. For investors, this indicates that while the company may not be a runaway growth story, it does possess a solid foundation that merits attention.
Recent Price Action
In the volatile trading sessions preceding this announcement, MMSI’s stock has shown a noteworthy decline, recently trading at $79.23—down $1.60 or approximately 2.02% from its previous close. Despite its current price, the stock still appears to be firming within a range defined by a 52-week low of $2.07 and a high of $105.37, signifying an upward journey from the depths it previously encountered. The trading volume has been relatively brisk, with approximately 284,737 shares changing hands, although this is below the stock’s average volume of 659,995 shares, reflecting a potential lack of momentum.
Historical Performance
A deeper dive into Merit Medical’s performance reveals a mixed bag over various time frames. Over the past 30 days, the stock has experienced a downturn of 6.34%, while its quarterly performance stands at a marginal decline of 0.2%. More significantly, over the past year, MMSI has struggled, posting a staggering 19.96% decline. The weekly volatility stands at 2.61%, with monthly volatility slightly higher at 3.02%, suggesting that investors are experiencing notable fluctuation in stock price. In the backdrop of these movements, the stock’s average trading volume over the last 10 days has been approximately 769,572 shares, indicating a higher level of investor engagement than the three-month average of 644,790 shares.
Earnings Analysis
The company’s earnings performance has also been a key point of focus. In its latest report dated October 30, 2025, Merit Medical delivered earnings per share (EPS) of $0.92, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.82. This 12.2% surprise underscores the company’s capacity to exceed market expectations, a favorable signal in the unpredictable landscape of health care investments. This follows a previous EPS of $1.01, which itself was significantly above an estimate of $0.86, reflecting a trend of positive earnings surprises that could bolster investor confidence.
Analyst / Consensus View
Currently, the broader consensus on MMSI remains fairly optimistic. With a total of seven ratings, six analysts recommend buying the stock, while one maintains a hold rating, reflecting a largely favorable sentiment among analysts. The average price target hovers around $105.57, providing further evidence of potential upside based on analyst expectations. The highest target is set at $113, while the lowest aligns with Wells Fargo’s recently announced price target of $95.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
Merit Medical’s performance and prospects are encapsulated in its Stocks Telegraph (ST) Grade, which stands at 51. This score reflects an average assessment of the company’s financial health and overall market standing. While the ST Grade suggests that there are strong fundamentals and some innovation within the company, it also signals that investors should be mindful of market conditions that could impact performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (MMSI) presents itself as a potential opportunity for investors looking for a solid, if not explosive, health care investment. The recent Equal-Weight rating from Wells Fargo, combined with a price target implying upside and a strong earnings surprise, bolsters the case for holding or buying the stock. However, prospective investors should be aware of the historical volatility and the significant declines experienced over the past year. This stock may be best suited for those with a long-term investment horizon who can weather short-term fluctuations, especially given its recent price performance and evolving market dynamics. As always, vigilance and ongoing analysis will be key in navigating the investment landscape surrounding Merit Medical.