Financial Performance - Q2 Worldwide Sales reached $15.8 billion, a decrease of 2% nominally and ex-FX[10, 24] - Non-GAAP EPS was $2.13, a decrease of 7%[10] - KEYTRUDA sales increased by 9% to $8.0 billion, driven by strong demand[25] - GARDASIL sales decreased by 55% to $1.1 billion, primarily due to China[31] - Animal Health sales increased by 11% to $1.6 billion[45] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - FDA approved ENFLONSIA for RSV prevention in infants[14, 61] - FDA accepted NDA for doravirine + islatravir for HIV-1 treatment[14, 61] - Positive topline results were announced for enlicitide in hyperlipidemia and WINREVAIR in PAH[14, 59, 60] Future Outlook - Updated 2025 revenue guidance is $64.3 billion to $65.3 billion, implying +0% to +2% nominal growth[49] - The company anticipates a commercial opportunity exceeding $50 billion by the mid-2030s from recent launches and the late-phase pipeline[20]

Merck (MRK) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.13 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.28 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +5.97%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this pharmaceutical company would post earnings of $2.15 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.22, delivering a surprise of +3.26%.Over the last four quarters, the comp ...

Financial Performance - Burke's earnings per share (EPS) were $2.13, including a $0.07 charge related to a pharma license agreement closure [1] - Revenue slipped 2% year-over-year [1] - Merck is narrowing its revenue and earnings guidance for the full year [2] - Gardil's quarterly revenue was $1.1 billion, below expectations [2] Product & Market Analysis - Keytruda is being used in more and more ways to fight different cancers, with over 20 different applications [3] - Keytruda sales were down 55% [3] - The company is facing the challenge of replacing Keytruda as its exclusivity period nears its end [3] Company Performance & Strategy - The company's performance is considered sad underperformance compared to the S&P and its peers [2] - The company had its first revenue miss since April 2021 [2] - The company is not significantly involved in the weight loss arena [2]

Exhibit 99.2 MERCK & CO., INC., RAHWAY, N.J., USA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME - GAAP (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE FIGURES) (UNAUDITED) Table 1a | | 2025 | | | | | 2024 | | | | % Change | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | June | June | | | | Full | | June | | | | 1Q | 2Q | YTD | 1Q | 2Q | YTD | 3Q | 4Q | Year | 2Q | YTD | | Sales | | | | $ 15,529 $ 15,806 $ 31,335 $ 15,775 $16,112 $ 31,887 $ 16,657 $ 15,624 $ 64,168 | | | | | | -2% | -2% | | Co ...

Merck is slashing $3 billion from its annual spending as it braces for off-brand competition to its cancer drug Keytruda, the best-selling medicine in the world https://t.co/paQo9bLw7J ...

Core Viewpoint - Merck & Co. is implementing a $3 billion cost-cutting initiative by the end of 2027 to reinvest in new product launches and its drug pipeline, in response to upcoming revenue losses from the patent expiration of Keytruda in 2028 and external pressures such as tariffs on pharmaceuticals [1][2][3]. Cost-Cutting and Restructuring - The multi-year optimization initiative aims to redirect investments from mature business areas to new growth drivers, facilitating portfolio transformation and innovation-driven growth [3]. - A new restructuring program has been approved, which will eliminate certain administrative, sales, and research and development positions, reduce global real estate, and pare back the manufacturing network, expected to generate around $1.7 billion in annual cost savings by the end of 2027 [4]. - The total pretax costs related to the restructuring program are estimated to be approximately $3 billion, with a $649 million charge recorded in the second quarter [5]. Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Merck's revenue fell short of Wall Street estimates for the first time since April 2021, reporting $15.81 billion compared to the expected $15.89 billion [5][10]. - The company posted a net income of $4.43 billion, or $1.76 per share, down from $5.46 billion, or $2.14 per share, in the same period last year [9]. - Adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter were $2.13, which may not be directly comparable to estimates of $2.01 [11]. Sales and Guidance - While Keytruda sales grew, Merck faced challenges with Gardasil sales in China, leading to a halt in shipments until at least mid-2025 due to high inventories and soft demand [6][7]. - Merck has narrowed its full-year guidance for 2025 adjusted earnings to between $8.87 and $8.97 per share and revenue expectations to between $64.3 billion and $65.3 billion [8].

Industry Overview - The second-quarter 2025 reporting cycle for the Medical sector is commencing, with most firms expected to release earnings results in the next two weeks, primarily consisting of pharma/biotech and medical device companies [1] - The earnings season for the drug and biotech sector began in mid-July, highlighted by Johnson & Johnson's strong performance, which exceeded earnings and sales estimates, leading to raised revenue and earnings expectations for the year [1] Company Performance - Novartis surpassed second-quarter earnings and revenue estimates, driven by a year-over-year increase in sales of key drugs, prompting an upward revision of its annual guidance for core operating income [2] - Roche experienced solid growth in the first half of 2025, with high demand for key drugs offsetting declines in legacy drug sales [2] - As of July 23, 15% of companies in the Medical sector, representing 27.2% of the sector's market capitalization, reported quarterly earnings, with 88.9% outperforming earnings estimates and 100% beating revenue estimates [3] - Overall, second-quarter earnings for the Medical sector are projected to increase by 0.9%, while sales are expected to rise by 7.9% compared to the previous year [3] Upcoming Earnings Reports - Merck, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers, AbbVie, and Moderna are scheduled to release their quarterly results this week [4] - Merck has a strong earnings track record, beating estimates in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 3.82% [5] - AstraZeneca has a mixed earnings history, beating estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 4.24% [8] - Bristol Myers has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 20.16% over the last four quarters [11] - AbbVie has also maintained a strong track record, beating estimates in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 2.55% [13] - Moderna has an excellent earnings history, with an average surprise of 31.60% in the last four quarters [15] Sales Drivers - Merck's growth in the second quarter is likely attributed to increased sales of its cancer drug Keytruda, driven by additional indications and patient demand [7] - AstraZeneca's sales are expected to be bolstered by strong demand for its cancer and diabetes medications [10] - Bristol Myers' revenue may be impacted by declines in legacy drug sales, but growth products are expected to partially offset this decline [12] - AbbVie's revenue is anticipated to be driven by strong sales of key drugs and contributions from newer products [14] - Moderna's revenues are expected to be influenced by sales of its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, while the focus is shifting to updates on its broader pipeline [16]

Core Viewpoint - Merck is set to report its second-quarter 2025 earnings on July 29, with consensus estimates for sales at $15.77 billion and earnings per share (EPS) at $1.99, reflecting a decline in earnings estimates over the past month [1][6]. Earnings Estimates and Trends - The current EPS estimate for Q2 is $1.99, down from $2.03 30 days ago, indicating a downward trend in earnings expectations [2]. - The average earnings surprise over the last four quarters is 3.82%, with the last quarter showing a surprise of 3.26% [3]. Factors Influencing Upcoming Results - Keytruda, Merck's leading cancer drug, is expected to drive top-line growth in Q2, with sales estimates for Keytruda at $7.90 billion [5][7]. - Other drugs like Lynparza and new products such as Capvaxive are anticipated to contribute positively to pharmaceutical sales [6][14]. Performance of Specific Products - Sales of Keytruda are likely boosted by its uptake in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and continued demand in metastatic indications [7]. - The HPV vaccine Gardasil is expected to see mixed results, with lower demand in China but increased sales in other markets [10]. - Generic competition is impacting sales of certain products, such as Bridion, while new drugs like Winrevair and Capvaxive are showing promising sales growth [11][13]. Valuation and Market Performance - Merck's shares have underperformed the industry and the S&P 500, with a year-to-date loss of 13.9% [16][22]. - The company's price/earnings ratio of 9.05 is lower than the industry average of 15.25, suggesting potential attractiveness from a valuation perspective [17]. Strategic Developments - Merck's acquisition of Verona Pharma for approximately $10 billion is expected to enhance its cardio-pulmonary pipeline [21][23]. - Despite the strength of Keytruda, there are concerns regarding the company's reliance on this drug and the need for diversification [20][24]. Long-Term Outlook - While Merck faces challenges such as declining sales for Gardasil in China and potential competition for Keytruda, the company is expected to maintain strong sales until Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028 [26][27]. - Long-term investors are encouraged to stay invested, while short-term investors may consider selling due to immediate challenges [27].

Core Insights - The U.S. Keytruda market is projected to decline from an estimated size of USD 17.87 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 3.12% from 2025 to 2033 due to challenges such as patent expiration and biosimilar competition [1][2] - Keytruda, developed by Merck & Co., is a significant player in oncology, particularly for lung cancer, melanoma, and urothelial carcinoma, but faces pricing pressures despite rising cancer incidence [2][3] - Merck is addressing access barriers through a new subcutaneous formulation expected in 2025, which aims to enhance treatment convenience and maintain market share [3][4] Market Dynamics - The market is supported by Keytruda's use in both monotherapy and combination regimens, with expanding indications in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings [3] - Clinical trials, such as KEYNOTE-689, have demonstrated improved survival outcomes, contributing to increased adoption [3] - The incidence of cancer in the U.S. is estimated at 2 million new cases in 2024, indicating a growing patient population despite market challenges [2] Competitive Landscape - The market faces competition from emerging biosimilars following Keytruda's expected patent expiration in 2028, which could impact market dynamics [1][2] - Innovations such as biomarker-driven approaches and new combination therapies are being explored to enhance Keytruda's effectiveness [4] - Merck is also investigating new applications for Keytruda, including colorectal cancer, to mitigate risks associated with market competition [4] Future Outlook - The U.S. remains the leading market for Keytruda due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, but future growth will be influenced by competitive and economic pressures [4] - Ongoing clinical evaluations and the introduction of new formulations are expected to play a crucial role in sustaining market activity despite anticipated declines [1][3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Merck (MRK) will report quarterly earnings of $1.99 per share, reflecting a 12.7% decline year over year, with revenues expected to reach $15.71 billion, down 2.5% from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 1.1% in the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Sales- Oncology- Keytruda' at $7.90 billion, indicating an 8.7% year-over-year increase [5]. - 'Sales- Vaccines- Gardasil' is projected at $1.30 billion, reflecting a significant decline of 47.5% from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Sales- Animal health' is expected to reach $1.55 billion, suggesting a 4.5% year-over-year increase [5]. Oncology Sales Breakdown - 'Sales- Oncology- Alliance revenue- Lenvima' is estimated at $244.01 million, down 2% from the year-ago quarter [6]. - 'Sales- Oncology- Keytruda - U.S.' is projected at $4.67 billion, reflecting a 5.9% increase year over year [6]. - 'Sales- Oncology- Keytruda - International' is expected to reach $3.16 billion, indicating a 10.4% year-over-year increase [6]. Additional Oncology Revenue Estimates - 'Sales- Oncology- Alliance revenue- Lynparza - U.S.' is expected to be $140.82 million, down 8% from the previous year [7]. - 'Sales- Oncology- Alliance revenue- Lynparza - International' is projected at $185.43 million, reflecting a 12.4% year-over-year increase [7]. - 'Sales- Oncology- Alliance revenue- Lenvima - U.S.' is estimated at $178.30 million, indicating a 0.7% increase from the year-ago quarter [8]. - 'Sales- Oncology- Alliance revenue- Lenvima - International' is expected to be $73.72 million, reflecting a 1% increase year over year [8]. Hospital Acute Care Sales - 'Sales- Hospital Acute Care- Zerbaxa - U.S.' is projected to reach $36.85 million, indicating an 11.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [9]. - 'Sales- Hospital Acute Care- Zerbaxa - International' is expected to be $29.97 million, reflecting a 7.1% year-over-year increase [9]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, Merck shares have recorded a return of +5.4%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.7% change [9]. - Based on its Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), Merck is expected to underperform the overall market in the upcoming period [9].