Merck (MRK) announced on Monday morning that it has agreed to purchase Cubist Pharmaceuticals (CBST). Here’s what the news means for mutual funds investors.
Inside the Deal
Merck announced that it will purchase the antibiotics maker for $8.4 billion in cash. The news sent shares of Cubist Pharmaceuticals soaring over 35% on Monday morning.
Cubist focuses on drugs that treat infectious diseases, usually in a hospital setting. According to Cubist, it plans to release four new drugs by 2020. This purchase will allow MRK to continue its strategy to focus on areas including diabetes, acute hospital care, vaccines and oncology.
Mutual Funds to Watch
The funds listed below currently hold the largest stake in Cubist Pharmaceuticals. These funds may be a good alternative to buying the individual stock.
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| PVSAX | Putnam Capital Spectrum | 6.16% |
| PYSAX | Putnam Equity Spectrum | 2.83% |
| VGHCX | Vanguard Health Care | 2.60% |
The funds below currently have the largest stakes in Merck:
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| VTSMX | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index | 1.68% |
| VGHCX | Vanguard Health Care | 1.17% |
| VFINX | Vanguard 500 Index | 1.07% |
The Bottom Line
The funds above allow investors to gain exposure to Merck and Cubist, as well as many other holdings and industries. Investors investing in health care focused mutual funds may also consider Fidelity Select Health Care Portfolio (FSPHX) and T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Fund (PRHSX).