Merck(US:MRK) 第一财经·2026-03-06 15:15Core Viewpoint - Merck's CEO, Belén Garijo, emphasized the company's commitment to the Chinese market and the pursuit of collaboration opportunities in innovative drug development as she prepares to step down [3][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Merck reported a net sales of €21.1 billion and a profit of €6.1 billion for the fiscal year 2025 [3]. - The company anticipates a nearly 10% decline in adjusted operating profit for 2026, primarily due to currency fluctuations and the expiration of a key patent for a multiple sclerosis drug [3]. - Despite profit pressures, the demand for new biopharmaceuticals is driving growth in Merck's life sciences business, which achieved net sales of €9 billion in 2025 [3]. Group 2: Strategic Focus - Garijo views China as a "preferred partner" and plans to increase investments in the region, recognizing it as a global innovation hub [3]. - Merck's life sciences business plays a crucial role in enhancing the pharmaceutical production value chain, particularly due to the high requirements for innovative drugs and new therapies [3]. - The process solutions segment of Merck's life sciences business has seen continuous growth of over 10% for four consecutive quarters [3]. Group 3: Leadership Transition - Garijo will complete her CEO term on May 1, 2026, and will be succeeded by Kai Beckmann, the current CEO of Merck's electronics business [4]. - During her five-year tenure, Garijo facilitated several drug licensing agreements in the healthcare sector, including collaborations with Chinese companies [4]. - Merck's acquisition strategy has focused on lower-risk, high-potential drugs, typically involving mid-sized transactions valued between €500 million and €600 million [4].