Motley Fool Money Three Non-AI Stocks to Buy: MRK, UPS, CVX
10 snips
Nov 17, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Anthony Schiavone, a savvy Motley Fool contributor, and Karl Thiel, a seasoned analyst with expertise in pharmaceutical M&A, dive into three non-AI stocks worth considering. They analyze Merck's substantial $9.2 billion acquisition of CDTX and its implications. UPS's promising earnings recovery and Chevron's impressive capital returns are also explored. The duo playfully debates dividend strategies in a fun game, sharing valuable insights on buying, holding, or selling these intriguing stocks.
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Merck Buys Sidara To Broaden Influenza Play
- Merck's $9.2B acquisition of Sidara (CDTX) targets a broader, potentially year-round influenza therapy and platform uses beyond flu.
- Karl Thiel views the price as steep but not outrageous given regulatory expansion and platform potential.
Consider Merck As A Modest Buy
- Consider Merck as a buy based on attractive valuation and pipeline replenishment needs.
- Karl Thiel recommends Merck modestly despite M&A execution risks around Keytruda's patent cliff.
Evaluate UPS On Profitability Metrics
- Focus on profitability over volume when evaluating turnaround plays like UPS.
- Anthony Schiavone highlights UPS shedding low-margin Amazon volume and improving revenue per piece and margins.