Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenues for Q4 2025 were $16.4 billion, reflecting a 5% increase, or 4% excluding foreign exchange impact [12] - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $2.04, with guidance for 2026 EPS expected to be between $5.00 and $5.15 [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oncology sales, including Keytruda, increased by 5% to $8.4 billion, driven by strong demand in earlier-stage cancers and metastatic indications [13] - Sales of Welireg increased by 37% to $220 million, primarily due to increased use in advanced renal cell carcinoma [15] - Gardasil sales decreased by 35% to $1 billion, attributed to lower demand in China and Japan [15] - The animal health business grew by 6%, with livestock sales increasing by 9% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., Keytruda's growth was negatively impacted by approximately $200 million due to the timing of purchases [14] - Sales of Capvaxive reached $279 million, driven by demand from retail pharmacies and increased seasonal immunization activity [15] - Winrevair achieved global sales of $467 million, reflecting strong demand for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver transformative medicines and vaccines, with a focus on breakthrough science and innovation [4] - A significant commercial opportunity of over $70 billion is projected by the mid-2030s, bolstered by new product launches and acquisitions [5] - The company is committed to investing in its innovative pipeline and key growth drivers, with a focus on sustainable long-term value [12][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver sustainable growth post-Keytruda LOE, with a robust pipeline and strategic business development [5][21] - The company anticipates growth in 2026 driven by new product launches and continued strength in oncology and animal health, despite challenges from generic competition [21][22] Other Important Information - The company completed the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, enhancing its portfolio in infectious diseases [8][26] - The company expects to see significant growth in its animal health business, with projections to double by the mid-2030s [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the CD388 asset and its potential? - Management highlighted the importance of robust data across multiple geographies and seasons for the ongoing trial, emphasizing the need for strong data to support future labeling [38][39] Question: Are there plans to explore sac-TMT in first-line settings? - Management indicated that they view sac-TMT as a potential best-in-class asset and have a robust program with multiple phase 3 studies planned [43][44] Question: How should the intellectual property runway for Keytruda be modeled? - Management clarified that while the compound patent expires in December 2028, there are additional patents extending to 2029, and they remain confident in defending these patents [48][49] Question: What is the significance of the dual regimen for HIV treatment? - Management emphasized the potential of Islatravir as a next-generation nucleoside analog, providing new options for patients and addressing unmet needs in HIV treatment [53][54] Question: What is the outlook for Merck's growth in the coming years? - Management expressed confidence in sustainable growth driven by a strong pipeline and significant commercial opportunities, despite challenges from LOEs [60][61]

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Fourth-Quarter 2025 Sales and Earnings Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA February 3, 2026 Strategy and Business Update Robert M. Davis Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Financial Results and Outlook Caroline Litchfield Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Research Update Dr. Dean Y. Li Executive Vice President and President, Research Laboratories Question & Answer Session 2 Agenda Agenda Forward-looking statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This presentation of Merck & Co., ...

Core Insights - Merck reported quarterly earnings of $2.04 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.03 per share, and showing an increase from $1.72 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +0.62% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $16.4 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.33% and up from $15.62 billion year-over-year [2] - Merck's stock has increased by approximately 7.7% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.9% [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of Merck's stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's earnings outlook [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.32 on revenues of $16.13 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $6.20 on revenues of $67.36 billion [7] Estimate Revisions - Prior to the earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Merck was unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5] Industry Context - The Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry, to which Merck belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8] - Another company in the same industry, Eli Lilly, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $6.99 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +31.4%, with revenues projected at $17.87 billion, up 32.1% from the previous year [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Merck's (MRK.US) latest quarterly performance report and future outlook fell short of market expectations, primarily due to challenges faced by its HPV vaccine Gardasil, which is expected to struggle in the Chinese market, overshadowing strong growth from other products like Keytruda and new drugs [1][2]. Financial Performance - In Q4, Merck reported total sales of approximately $16.4 billion, a 5% year-over-year increase, exceeding analyst expectations of about $16.2 billion [2]. - Non-GAAP net profit for the quarter was approximately $5.088 billion, reflecting a 16% year-over-year growth, with adjusted earnings per share at $2.04, slightly above analyst forecasts [2]. - Gardasil's sales in Q4 were approximately $1.03 billion, down about 35% year-over-year, attributed to global economic uncertainties and competitive pressures [3]. Product Challenges - Gardasil is facing significant challenges in both the Chinese market, where demand has sharply declined, and in the U.S., where health officials have recommended reducing vaccination doses [2][3]. - Merck has paused Gardasil shipments to China until the end of 2025, not factoring any shipments in its 2026 guidance [1]. Growth Opportunities - Despite Gardasil's challenges, Merck is experiencing growth in other areas, including a new pneumonia vaccine and the rare disease drug Winrevair, which saw a 133% increase in Q4 sales [4]. - Winrevair achieved sales of approximately $467 million in Q4, exceeding analyst expectations [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Merck is preparing for potential price reductions and competition for its top-selling cancer drug Keytruda, which faces patent expiration in 2028 [5][6]. - The company is actively seeking significant acquisition opportunities, with CEO Robert Davis indicating a focus on strategic acquisitions to bolster its drug pipeline [6][8]. Future Outlook - Merck's management is prioritizing oncology treatment innovations and plans to diversify its cancer product line beyond Keytruda [8][9]. - The company is exploring new mechanisms in immunotherapy and potential acquisitions in chronic disease treatments, particularly in COPD and metabolic disorders [9].

Group 1: Merck & Co. - Merck's Q4 worldwide sales increased by 5% to $16.4 billion, with a full-year revenue exceeding $65 billion, driven primarily by oncology sales [2] - Keytruda, a major oncology drug, saw sales rise by 7% to nearly $32 billion, constituting almost half of Merck's total annual revenue [2] - New therapies are contributing to sales growth, with Winrevair generating $1.4 billion and Capvaxix bringing in just under $800 million in their first year [3] - Merck's guidance for 2026 revenue is around $66 billion, indicating a flat outlook compared to the current year [3] Group 2: Pfizer - Pfizer's full-year 2025 revenue decreased by 2% to approximately $63 billion, but oncology drugs like Padcev and Lorbrena showed growth [4] - Adjusted EPS for Pfizer rose by 4% to $3.22, supported by expanded margins and stable costs [4] - For 2026, Pfizer forecasts revenue between $59.5 billion and $62.5 billion, with adjusted EPS expected to be between $2.80 and $3.00 [5] - Pfizer's management is optimistic about a busy pipeline with around 20 pivotal study starts planned for the year, aiming to restore growth despite ongoing challenges from patent expirations and pricing pressures [5]

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer’s recent game plan. Cramer noted that he likes the stock, as he said: Merck has a lot to talk about, namely, some real wins from its bountiful acquisition spree. I like the stock. A little too heavy on Keytruda right now, but I think it can spread out the wealth. Photo by Adam Nowakowski on Unsplash Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare company that provides a wide range of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health ...

Merck closed the fourth quarter with earnings and revenue ahead of Wall Street estimates, supported by strong demand for its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda and accelerating sales from newer medicine... ...

Core Viewpoint - Merck's stock has declined due to full-year revenue and profit forecasts falling short of market expectations [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's full-year revenue outlook is below expectations, indicating potential challenges in meeting market demands [1] - Profit forecasts for the year also did not meet analyst predictions, contributing to the stock decline [1] Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the disappointing outlook, Merck's stock experienced a notable drop, reflecting investor concerns [1]

格隆汇2月3日｜默沙东(MRK.US)盘前跌2.5%。消息面上，默沙东预计2026年销售额为655亿至670亿美 元，市场预计为675亿美元。 ...