Merck KGaA (OTCMKTS:MKGAF) Shares Gap Down – Here’s Why

Shares of Merck KGaA (OTCMKTS:MKGAF) gapped down prior to trading on Monday. The stock had previously closed at $160.7520, but opened at $153.9040. Merck KGaA shares last traded at $158.9760, with a volume of 127 shares trading hands.

Merck KGaA Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $160.12 and a 200 day moving average price of $152.99. The company has a market capitalization of $20.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.61 and a beta of 0.96.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Merck KGaA

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MKGAF. Elefante Mark B bought a new stake in shares of Merck KGaA during the 2nd quarter worth about $617,000. Ames National Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Merck KGaA in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,009,000. Notis McConarty Edward bought a new position in shares of Merck KGaA in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,304,000. North Star Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Merck KGaA in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,411,000. Finally, Pinnacle Holdings LLC bought a new position in shares of Merck KGaA in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,487,000. Institutional investors own 0.10% of the company’s stock.

Merck KGaA Company Profile

Merck KGaA is a Germany-based science and technology company headquartered in Darmstadt. Founded in 1668, it is one of the world’s oldest operating pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Merck KGaA is separate from the U.S.-based Merck & Co, Inc, although the two companies share historical roots.

The company operates through three business sectors: Life Science, Healthcare and Electronics. Its Life Science business supplies laboratory products, research tools, chemicals and bioprocessing technologies used by pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic customers.