Today's Three Stock Lunch: Merck, Norfolk Southern, and Boot Barn

TLDRIn today's Three Stock Lunch, we discuss the latest developments in Merck, Norfolk Southern, and Boot Barn. Each stock has its own unique trading opportunities and considerations for investors.

Key insights

⭐️Merck is expected to have important news about its upcoming drugs this year, but investors should be cautious about the potential risks.

🚂Norfolk Southern is currently facing an activist battle, which can impact the board's decisions, but it remains a hold for now.

👢Boot Barn's Q3 earnings beat expectations, but the company's earnings power has consistently fallen short in recent years.

Q&A

What are the key factors to consider for investing in Merck?

Investors should pay attention to the upcoming news about Merck's pipeline of drugs and be cautious about the potential risks involved.

Is Norfolk Southern a good investment?

Norfolk Southern is currently facing an activist battle, so it's advisable to hold rather than buy at the moment.

Why did Boot Barn's shares rise despite missing revenue estimates?

Boot Barn's shares rose due to short covering and better-than-expected performance during the Christmas season.

Has Merck been a laggard in the pharmaceutical industry?

Merck has underperformed compared to other pharmaceutical companies, but it has potential with upcoming drug approvals.

What are the concerns regarding Norfolk Southern's operations?

Norfolk Southern's operations are not as robust as some competitors, such as Union Pacific, which has a stronger market position.

Timestamped Summary

00:07Today's Three Stock Lunch begins with a discussion on Merck and its upcoming drug news.

01:22The focus then shifts to Norfolk Southern and the ongoing activist battle involving the company.

02:44Finally, Boot Barn's Q3 earnings and performance are analyzed, highlighting the company's consistent underperformance.