Merck's fourth-quarter results top estimates, fueled by key cancer drugs and vaccines

Merck & Co. Inc. on Thursday reported fourth-quarter earnings and sales that beat analysts’ expectations, powered by strong growth in cancer and vaccine products.  The drugmaker reported a net loss of $1.226 billion, or 48 cents a share, after income of $3.017 billion, or $1.18 a share, in the year-earlier period. Adjusted earnings came to 3 cents a share, down from $1.62 a year earlier but beating the FactSet consensus of a loss of 11 cents a share. Revenue totaled $14.63 billion in the quarter, up 6% from ...