Core Insights - Merck reported $15.81 billion in revenue for Q2 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 1.9% and an EPS of $2.13, down from $2.28 a year ago, with a slight revenue surprise of -0.02% against estimates [1] - The consensus EPS estimate was $2.01, resulting in an EPS surprise of +5.97% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Merck's stock has returned +6.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.6% [3] - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3] Sales Performance by Product - Keytruda (Oncology) U.S. sales reached $4.75 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $4.67 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +7.6% [4] - Keytruda (Oncology) International sales were $3.21 billion, surpassing the $3.16 billion estimate, marking a +12.2% year-over-year change [4] - Janumet (Diabetes) U.S. sales were $68 million, significantly above the $45.63 million estimate, reflecting a +300% year-over-year increase [4] - Lynparza (Oncology) U.S. alliance revenue was $174 million, exceeding the $140.82 million estimate, with a +13.7% year-over-year change [4] - Lynparza (Oncology) international alliance revenue reached $370 million, surpassing the $321.44 million estimate, representing a +16.7% year-over-year increase [4] - Winrevair (Cardiovascular) sales were $336 million, slightly below the $343.79 million estimate [4] - Lenvima (Oncology) alliance revenue was $265 million, exceeding the $244.01 million estimate, with a +6.4% year-over-year change [4] - Keytruda (Oncology) total sales were $7.96 billion, slightly above the $7.9 billion estimate, reflecting a +9.4% year-over-year change [4] - Animal health sales reached $1.65 billion, exceeding the $1.55 billion estimate, with an +11.1% year-over-year increase [4] - Gardasil (Vaccines) sales were $1.13 billion, below the $1.3 billion estimate, showing a -54.6% year-over-year decline [4] - Welireg (Oncology) sales were $162 million, exceeding the $154.16 million estimate [4] - Lagevrio (Virology) sales were $83 million, surpassing the $55.63 million estimate, but reflecting a -24.6% year-over-year decline [4]

Core Viewpoint - Merck's recent earnings report shows strong performance with adjusted earnings and revenue growth, but challenges in specific product sales, particularly Gardasil in China, may impact future guidance and stock performance [2][3][21]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q4 2024 were $1.72 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.69, and significantly up from $0.03 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenues for Q4 2024 rose 7% year over year to $15.62 billion, driven by Keytruda and new products, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.56 billion [3]. - Full-year 2024 sales increased 7% to $64.2 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $64.06 billion [18]. Segment Performance - The Pharmaceutical segment generated revenues of $14.04 billion, up 7% year over year, driven by oncology and cardiovascular drugs [4]. - Keytruda sales reached $7.84 billion, a 21% increase year over year, benefiting from strong demand in various cancer indications [5]. - The Animal Health segment reported revenues of $1.40 billion, up 9% year over year, driven by higher demand and pricing [14]. Product-Specific Insights - Sales of Gardasil vaccines fell 18% to $1.55 billion due to lower demand in China, leading to a temporary halt in shipments [7][9]. - Januvia/Janumet sales declined 36% year over year to $487 million, impacted by lower demand and pricing in the U.S. [12]. - New drug Winrevair generated $200 million in sales, reflecting strong uptake in the U.S. market [13]. Guidance and Future Outlook - For 2025, Merck expects revenues between $64.1 billion and $65.6 billion, representing 2% to 4% growth, but this guidance is below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $68.05 billion [20][21]. - The company anticipates a negative impact on sales from the temporary halt of Gardasil shipments in China and foreign exchange fluctuations [21][22]. - Adjusted earnings per share for 2025 are projected to be between $8.88 and $9.03, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.18 [25]. Market Position and Trends - Merck's stock has seen a 3.9% increase over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but recent estimates have trended downward, indicating potential challenges ahead [1][27]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the near term [30].