Here are updates on two of our buys: Merck & Expedia

Article Excerpt

Long-time readers know that we aim to keep you informed of important news about the stocks we cover. That means highlighting developments and plans that promise to bolster investor gains. These buys that stand out this month: MERCK & CO. INC., $125.82, is a buy. The drugmaker (New York symbol MRK; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average) (www.merck.com; Shares outstanding: 2.5 billion; Market cap: $317.8 billion; Dividend yield: 2.5%), through its Merck Animal Health unit, is now acquiring the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health for $1.3 billion in cash. The business consists of a portfolio of medicines and vaccines, nutritionals and supplements for aquatic species; two related aqua manufacturing facilities in Canada and Vietnam; plus a research facility in Chile. The acquisition broadens Merck Animal Health’s aqua portfolio with products, such as Clynav. It’s a new DNA-based vaccine that protects Atlantic salmon against pancreas disease. Imvixa, another Elanco product, is an anti-parasitic sea lice treatment. This acquisition also brings a portfolio of treatment products for warm water production,…